I'm afraid I've had no training, just do what my mum used to do. When I'm doing the autumn tidy up (late September-ish - we're exposed to strong winds here) I just snip bits into sections about six inches long, that have a bud top and bottom, and push them into a smallish pot of compost. Just ordinary compost, four or five round the sides, and stick them with everything else in my greenhouse. After a week or two there's usually fresh growth appearing and after another couple of weeks I pot them up individually. Then pot on until they're big enough to plant. That's it - couldn't be easier. I'm probably doing it all 'wrong' but it works for me
Oh wow! I'll definitely be trying that! No covering them with a clear plastic bag for moisture, etc? I'll be doing some pruning this weekend- hopefully it's not too late. And do you remove the leaves?
I don't use the tips, they're too soft. It's the stiff middle bits of the stems that I use, and I don't use portions that have a side shoot already growing, so there are no leaves to worry about. They look like a handful of dead sticks when you put them in, but as long as there's a bud they usually take. I don't cover them, just put them in the greenhouse. If I didn't have a greenhouse I'd probably just stick them on the kitchen windowsill, maybe put a bag over them but I honestly haven't had a problem. Out of six cuttings I normally expect to get three or four take, and two good plants out of it.
Oh, and I push them quite a long way into the pot, usually leaving just a couple of inches above the level of the compost. No need to thank me - I have no idea if this is the 'right' way to do it - I might be teaching you terrible habits Let me know how it goes!
well today I put all your advice into action! Took me most of the day but looks great now and winter ready. Lots more room so I can start planning for the spring.
If you need to get bare root plants, as some great information on a VERY wide range of roses that they stock, I recommend Trevor White roses at www.oldroses.co.uk .
For some MEGA bargains at £4.99 for superb bare root roses, Stakehill Nursery at www.stakehillnurseries.co.uk . I got the Blue Moon hybrid tea last year and it was superb!
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I'm afraid I've had no training, just do what my mum used to do. When I'm doing the autumn tidy up (late September-ish - we're exposed to strong winds here) I just snip bits into sections about six inches long, that have a bud top and bottom, and push them into a smallish pot of compost. Just ordinary compost, four or five round the sides, and stick them with everything else in my greenhouse. After a week or two there's usually fresh growth appearing and after another couple of weeks I pot them up individually. Then pot on until they're big enough to plant. That's it - couldn't be easier. I'm probably doing it all 'wrong' but it works for me
Oh wow! I'll definitely be trying that! No covering them with a clear plastic bag for moisture, etc? I'll be doing some pruning this weekend- hopefully it's not too late. And do you remove the leaves?
I don't use the tips, they're too soft. It's the stiff middle bits of the stems that I use, and I don't use portions that have a side shoot already growing, so there are no leaves to worry about. They look like a handful of dead sticks when you put them in, but as long as there's a bud they usually take. I don't cover them, just put them in the greenhouse. If I didn't have a greenhouse I'd probably just stick them on the kitchen windowsill, maybe put a bag over them but I honestly haven't had a problem. Out of six cuttings I normally expect to get three or four take, and two good plants out of it.
PS remember to check you have put them in the right way round - cut the top of each cutting with a slanting cut
Many thanks to the cat indeed! I have a few specimens that have shot up long canes that will be perfect for this.
Oh, and I push them quite a long way into the pot, usually leaving just a couple of inches above the level of the compost. No need to thank me - I have no idea if this is the 'right' way to do it - I might be teaching you terrible habits
Let me know how it goes!
well today I put all your advice into action! Took me most of the day but looks great now and winter ready. Lots more room so I can start planning for the spring.
Well done Angela and best of luck to you!
If you need to get bare root plants, as some great information on a VERY wide range of roses that they stock, I recommend Trevor White roses at www.oldroses.co.uk .
For some MEGA bargains at £4.99 for superb bare root roses, Stakehill Nursery at www.stakehillnurseries.co.uk . I got the Blue Moon hybrid tea last year and it was superb!