Grow Roses from Cuttings – FAQ

To grow roses from plant cuttings is still a difficult task to master, although this age-old method has been around for quite some time now.  But whether they are gardening for commercial production or purely for the sheer delight of seeing a patch of vibrant blooms outside the kitchen window, all gardeners would like to try propagating their roses to full bloom. There are many questions to begin with, and if you are an amateur rose grower, this article will help you answer these questions. 

When is the best time to take cuttings?

Early summer—or around the time the roses are in full bloom—is the best time to take cuttings.  Be careful not to go too late into the summer as the hot days ahead will dry out the plant.  Snip cuttings early during the morning to ensure that they are fresh, well-hydrated and free of plant stress. 

What is the ideal type of cutting?

In between the green, budding stalk and the wooden, mature stalk is softwood—the ideal type of cutting to grow roses from.  Finding out whether a branch is in the softwood stage is easy.  First, look for thorns against the shoot and push them sideways.  If they bend but do not come away, then the plant is too young; if the thorns prick your fingers, then it is too old.  The ideal cutting has thorns that will easily snap off when you push against them.  Also, your cuttings should have a few leaves on them—two to three at best—because these are where photosynthesis (or the process of food production for the plant) takes place.  Be sure not to overwhelm your little stem with leaves, though, because they may take up too much energy needed to grow and nourish the roots.

What kinds of roses are best grown from cuttings?

All kinds of roses can be grown through propagation—old English roses to modern hybrids are great for this method.

What is the best planting medium for roses?

A high-quality growing mix is one that is light and drains water well.  Mixtures of perlite, vermiculite, peat moss and potting soil often work great if you want to grow roses from cuttings.  Experienced old-timers usually already have a feel for what works great, but beginners can also learn the recipes of mixing or they can buy right off the shelf from the local gardenerâ??s store.  Check the label for product certification from the Organic Materials Review Institute. 

What is the best temperature for rose cuttings?

72 degrees should be enough to keep your plants warm enough without drying up.  Placing a heat mat below your potted cuttings will help if you want to see healthy roots.  During their first winter, your roses will be the most vulnerable so be careful to mulch or wrap them in plastic bags to keep the excess cold off.  Use warm water for misting. 

How should I care for my cuttings?

Once you have taken your cuttings and potted them, there is still a lot to do before your garden can see fully-grown, lush roses.  The most important thing to remember is to always, always, always keep the cuttings damp so they remain well-hydrated.  Spraying an anti-desiccant helps if you want the moisture to lock in.  In a month or so—depending on the type of roses you are using, they will grow roots.  Check through the hold at the bottom of the pot or gently pull at the cuttings to see if there is resistance.  Donâ??t shake the plant, though, because this will disturb the emerging roots. 

We hope this article was able to answer your questions about growing roses from cuttings as we promised.  After reading this, the next step is to go out and start searching for that ideal cutting to grow into a lush rose bush full of lovely blooms.  Happy planting!

Image by lunita lu

Related posts:

1. How To Grow Roses Using Cuttings
2. Growing Roses : How to Take Rose Cuttings
3. Growing Roses : How to Grow Roses From Tip Cuttings
4. Growing Roses : Transplant Rose Cuttings
5. I have an antique rose growing on my property. Want to get cuttings from it to replant in another area.?