Activism Change

how to start cuttings?

Question:

I also need to start some hydrangeas.  When is the best time to start them is it when they are dormant? or when they start growing in spring?  

Neil, Hydrangeas root very readily from cuttings.  I believe the best time to take the cuttings is when theirr new growth is at least semi-ripe.  That is, the green wood of new growth has started to toughen up somewhat . . . around mid-summer here in Zone 6.  Rooting hormone such as Rootone helps.  Just follow directions. But, as I said, hydrangeas are pretty easy to root.  You might even get a low percentage to root this late.  So, you can give it a try if you’re determined to get a head start.  (If you’re in a warm area . . . maybe Zone 8 or higher, your plants probably don’t go dormant.  In which case go for it). I don’t know about the cypress.  However, I’ve read (somewhere) that hardwoods root from dormant state cuttings.  I dunno. John Moore

Response:

Thankfull someone else who likes doing their own cuttings. Most times I have posted messages here about cuttings the reply I get is "why not buy the plants". Anyway here is some help, that I learnt from my studies as a horticulturist (I’m only 23). I cannot give you advice directly on the type of plants you want to do, as I’m still learning, but here it is. *Soft tip cuttings (current seasons growth) A wide variety of evergreen and deciduos woody species and many perennials (inclu Geraniums and carnations) Take when plant is in most active period of growth. Roots show 2-5 weeks in ideal conditions *Semi Hardwood cuttings (matured past current season growth, but not woody). Used on many shrubs and trees (camellia, magnolia) Late spring to early Autum. Conifers are often taking in the winter months, BUT, they are taken as semi hardwood cuttings *Hardwood cuttings. Used mostly for deciduos plants, although a few evergreens can be proagated as  leafless hardwood cuttings. Prepare late autumn to end of winter In my last job I went to do my own conifer cuttings for personal use. While doing them my boss asked which part of the tree I took them from, as depending on which part they come from, will depend on whether they grow true to form. I cannot remember exactly, but I think that if you took them from very tips of lateral branches then that’s the ones that wouldn’t grow right. Unfortunately they died anyway, I took tip cuttings, and at the wrong time (ie, didn’t know what I was doing) Please note that the rate of success for you cuttings will not be as high as you’d like if you don’t have a glasshouse. Please mail me if you’d like more info on doing the cuttings (like callus boxes for HW cuttings) and I’d be glad to hlep you. However take note of my reply address below. If you need any more — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Starting cuttings is something I have always avoided because It is just so much easier to buy plants already started.  However I need to start some conifers; Hinko cypress especially. I also need to start some hydrangeas.  When is the best time to start them is it when they are dormant? or when they start growing in spring?  I also need to start some deciduous shrubs, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Neil —       "There is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around  looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. { 2 Timothy 4:3 } "Feminism causes women to kill their husbands, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."                                      Pat Robertson

Response:

Starting cuttings is something I have always avoided because It is just so much easier to buy plants already started.  However I need to start some conifers; Hinko cypress especially. I also need to start some hydrangeas.  When is the best time to start them is it when they are dormant? or when they start growing in spring?  I also need to start some deciduous shrubs, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Neil —        "There is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around  looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. { 2 Timothy 4:3 } "Feminism causes women to kill their husbands, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."                                       Pat Robertson

Response:

Filed under: Feminism

Related Posts

• Question for fat women
• Humor: Culture Differences
• Dating stories by women
• Programing to "kill" and create chaos.
• A Joke to Alienate Everyone
• Truthseeker
• "Women Only" Event Info Needed
• Bikini vs. Veil
• Second-class citizens
• New symptom: diaphragm spasm???