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Propagating Roses
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Again, we were blessed by another informative meeting led by Harold white on the many different
ways to propagate roses.
Why propagate? Harold likes tot propagate roses that he enjoys exhibiting
to increase the number of bushes he has to select his prize winners from.
Merriam-Webster's definition of propagate: "...is to cause to continue or
increase by sexual or asexual reproduction."
There are many ways to asexually reproduce roses through propagation.
1. In the Spring time, take the new soft stem of a cane and bend it over to the ground.
Bury 4" deep and leave about 6-8" of it out. Wait 1 more year for the connecting stem to die.
This method is especially effective for Old Garden roses and other varieties with long sweeping canes.
2. This take place when you do your Winter pruning after the second hard frost (usually around Christmas time).
Cut off a stem about 12" long and stick it in the ground about 5-6" deep. The bud eyes will form a
callous which is a change in the roses' cellular structure. This is the area where the roots will form.
Harold Experiences a 90% success rate with this method.
3. Take a large zip-lock bag and place moist potting soil in the bottom 1/4. Place cutting inside,
before sealing the bag, blow air inside for rigidity and seal bag.
This last method we were able to have hands on experience practicing.
The rose used is one of Harold White's favorite exhibiting roses, Hot Princess.
Look for a cane that is approximately the thickness of a pencil and take a 10" cutting.
Not many leaves are needed as they only take energy away from root production. Remove all leaves
except for the top 2 leaf sections. In each set of 3 leaves, remove the middle leaf.
Re-cut the bottom of the stem through the node (as there is some evidence that it will root faster)
at an angle under water. The stem is cut under water to prevent an air embolism.
A rooting hormone is not necessary but could increase your success rate. Rooting hormones come in
powder, liquid and gel form. Harold prefers liquid. Dip the bottom of your cane in the rooting hormone
for about 10 seconds.
Meanwhile, take your pot with moist potting soil and make a hole in the center with your finger about 4" deep.
Place cutting in hole and push soil around cutting. Mist the cutting with Hydrogen Peroxide to prevent any
diseases . Use a 1C H2O2 to about 25 ounces water in a spray bottle. Cover with 2 liter soda bottle
(bottom cut off) and water.
Watch for too much or too little moisture. Remove the cap if there is too much moisture.
Some roses will root in 6 weeks, others will take 3-4 months. The leave should stay on.
Keep the plant in indirect sunlight or fluorescent bulbs.
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