How to take hardwood cuttings. #propagation #cuttings, by the_gardengoat on YouTube. 2 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Take cuttings in autumn or winter, when this year's stems are firm and the plant is not actively growing.
Choose a healthy, vigorous stem that grew this season. Avoid weak, damaged or diseased shoots.
Cut the stem from the parent plant, taking a longer piece than you need so you can trim it cleanly.
Cut the stem into pieces about 15 to 30 cm long. Check each piece has a leaf bud near the bottom and one near the top.
Make a slanted cut at the top of each cutting and a straight cut at the bottom. The slant shows you which end is up.
Dig a trench and put 2 to 3 inches of sharp sand in the bottom. This improves drainage around the buried stems.
Dip the bottom end of each cutting in rooting hormone. Tap off any excess so the powder or gel is not too thick.
Push the cuttings into the sand with the slanted top facing up. Bury about two thirds of each stem and firm the sand around it.
Water the trench and label the cuttings with the plant name and date. Leave them in place while roots form.
Let the cuttings root as growth starts in spring. Lift and plant them out in their final spot the following autumn.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep every cutting the same way up; planting it upside down stops it rooting.
Do not let the sand dry out completely, but avoid leaving the cuttings sitting in soggy soil.
Label each batch, because bare hardwood cuttings look alike once planted.
Wear gloves and cut away from your body when using sharp secateurs.
Questions
When is the best time to take hardwood cuttings?
Take them in autumn or winter, using firm stems that grew during the current year. The plant is dormant then and the cuttings are easier to handle.
How long do hardwood cuttings take to root?
They usually form roots as the plant starts growing in spring. Leave them in place until the following autumn before planting them out.
Which plants can I grow from hardwood cuttings?
Philadelphus, cornus, roses, figs, blackcurrants, blackberries and willow are common choices. Use healthy, vigorous stems from this year's growth.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
