How To Grow Roses From Cuttings

How are roses grown commercially

In a commercial setting, growers often cultivate roses on rootstocks. These are essentially just rose plants prized for their strong and well-branching root systems rather than their blooms.

Many modern rose varieties boast desirable traits like high scent or vibrant colours but may not thrive on their own roots. To overcome this, growers trim the rootstock, leaving only the roots and a short stem, and then graft a desired named rose variety onto it.

Successful grafting allows for the formation of a vascular connection, enabling the flow of water and nutrients between the two plants.

Commercial rose cultivation often relies on grafting techniques to propagate varieties onto rootstocks. However, you can easily propagate your own roses at home through a straightforward method: taking cuttings.

This simple approach allows you to expand your garden collection with your favourite roses without the need for grafting procedures.

Additionally, while growing roses from seed is possible, it’s worth noting that the resulting plants won’t be identical to the parent and will take much longer to reach maturity.

When to take rose cuttings

You can take rose cuttings at almost any time of the year.

Softwood cuttings are taken from actively growing stems, while hardwood cuttings are harvested from dormant, mature stems.

Hardwood cuttings, taken from woody stems in late autumn or winter, root more slowly but are still effective, taking several months to establish roots. Alternatively, opt for softwood cuttings, harvested from young, flexible stems in late spring to early summer. Softwood roots relatively quickly due to their active growth, typically rooting within 10-14 days.

How to take rose cuttings step-by-step

You will need: sharp, clean secateurs, rooting hormone, a container, potting mix containing peat-free compost and plenty of horticultural grit or perlite.

(1) Snip a healthy rose stem approximately 20-25 cm long.

(2) Retain one set of leaves towards the top and remove the rest.

(3) Ensure a fresh cut at the base and dip it into rooting hormone.

(4) Plant the stem a few centimetres deep in a container filled with potting mix. Multiple stems can be placed in a single pot for this initial stage.

(5) Thoroughly water the soil and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture.