How to Take Rose Cuttings

If you love roses, imagine multiplying your favorite plants without spending a dime at the garden center! Taking rose cuttings is a fantastic way to propagate your beloved blooms and expand your garden with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, learning how to take rose cuttings is a rewarding skill that can save you money and deepen your connection with nature.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right stems to nurturing your cuttings into thriving new rose bushes. Ready to become a rose-growing pro? Let’s dig in!

Why Take Rose Cuttings?

Roses are not only stunning but also surprisingly easy to propagate. Taking cuttings allows you to clone your favorite rose variety, preserving its unique color, fragrance, and growth habit. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on way to engage with your garden.

Propagation through cuttings is often faster and more reliable than growing roses from seed, which can be unpredictable. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly!

Want more propagation tips? Check out our other articles in the Gardening section.

When Is the Best Time to Take Rose Cuttings?

Timing is key for success. The best time depends on the type of cutting you want to take:

• Softwood cuttings: Late spring to early summer, when new shoots are still tender and flexible.
• Semi-hardwood cuttings: Late summer to early autumn, when stems start to firm up but are not fully woody.
• Hardwood cuttings: Late autumn to winter, from mature, dormant stems.

For beginners, softwood cuttings are a great place to start because they root quickly and are easier to handle.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials:

• Sharp, clean pruning shears or secateurs
• Rooting hormone powder or gel (optional but boosts success)
• Small pots or containers with drainage holes
• Well-draining potting mix or a mix of compost and sand
• Plastic bags or a propagator to maintain humidity
• Labels to keep track of your cuttings

Find all your essential tools and more at Olivia’s Garden, your go-to hub for green-thumb inspiration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Rose Cuttings

1. Choose the Right Stem

Look for healthy, disease-free stems about the thickness of a pencil. Ideally, select shoots that have recently flowered and are still green and flexible (for softwood cuttings).

2. Make the Cut

Using your pruning shears, cut a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) section just below a leaf node (where leaves attach to the stem). Cut at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for rooting.

3. Prepare the Cutting

Remove all leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving just one or two sets of leaves at the top. This reduces moisture loss and encourages root growth.

4. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional)

Dip the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel. This step isn’t mandatory but can significantly improve your chances of success.

5. Plant the Cutting

Fill your pot with the potting mix or compost-sand blend. Make a hole with a pencil or stick, then insert the cutting about halfway into the soil. Firm the soil gently around it.

6. Create a Humid Environment

Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it inside a propagator to keep humidity high. Make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the leaves — you can use sticks or small stakes to create a frame inside the bag.

7. Care for Your Cuttings

Place the pot in bright, indirect light (avoid direct sun). Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mist the cuttings occasionally if the air is dry.

8. Wait and Watch

Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks. You can gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, indicating root growth. Once well-rooted, gradually acclimate the new plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into your garden.

Tips for Success

• Use clean tools: Prevent disease by sterilizing your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before cutting.
• Choose healthy parent plants: Avoid taking cuttings from plants showing signs of disease or pest damage.
• Be patient: Some cuttings may take longer to root, so don’t give up too soon.
• Label your cuttings: If you’re propagating multiple rose varieties, labels will keep you organized.
• Keep cuttings out of direct sunlight: Too much sun can dry them out before roots form.

Why Propagate Roses from Cuttings?

Besides saving money, growing roses from cuttings lets you:

• Preserve rare or heirloom varieties
• Share plants with friends and family
• Customize your garden with your favorite colors and scents
• Enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing life from a simple stem

For more DIY garden hacks and seasonal tips, browse our latest posts on the Gardening blog.

Ready to Grow Your Own Roses?

Taking rose cuttings is a simple, enjoyable way to multiply your garden’s beauty. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have new rose plants bursting with potential. Have you ever tried propagating roses? What tips or tricks worked for you? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below — I’d love to hear from fellow rose lovers!

Happy gardening!