Propagation by Softwood Cuttings

Many species of trees and shrubs can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in June or July or as soon as there is sufficient new growth (about 5"). The new shoot is cut off about 1" below the new wood and placed in a container of water until it is ready for planting.

The cutting can be rooted indoors or outdoors. Prepare a flat or tray about 5" deep and small enough to handle easily. Fill the flat with fine screened sand or vermiculate. Level the media to 1/2" below the edge of the container, then water to saturate the entire flat.

Take the shoots from the water, remove the leaves from the lower 3" and cut off the old wood. The cut is made diagonally so that there is a tip of old wood attached to the new wood. The cutting is planted at a slight angle and as deep as possible so that the leaves are even with the sand surface. Pack the sand firmly and water. Keep the sand moist, but not wet, until rooting occurs, usually in about 3-4 weeks.

A rooting hormone is beneficial for some species. The base of the cutting is dipped into the powder and the excess is removed by gently tapping the cutting. The cutting is then planted.

The leaves must be kept fresh until rooting occurs. This is achieved by constructing a tent of polyethylene over each flat supported on stakes about 12" long. The edges can be stapled to the side of the flat. Place the flat in a shady area. The optimum conditions for rooting are about 70% relative humidity at 21° C temperature.

When the plants have rooted, they are lifted out of the sand and planted into good garden soil either in pots or directly into the garden. Some shade is beneficial and continued watering is essential. In the fall the plants should be covered with leaves, straw or any material which will prevent freezing. In the spring the plants are uncovered. They can then be planted to a permanent location or grown for another year to get a larger plant.

Plants which are rooted in a sand soil mixture can be left in the flat until the following spring. When rooting is complete, the polyethylene cover can be removed. The plants should be protected over winter as described above.

For more information contact: