Start Your Own Rose Bush From Scratch

Every gardener comes up with different and unique ways to beautify their garden. Propagating roses is an art all by itself. It allows the gardener to be creative while tending to their roses. Propagating is not a difficult task, but the improper handling and caring for these roses before and after propagation is essential to their well being. This is an interesting and exciting way to relax while enjoying one of nature’s most beautiful sights.

The first step in propagating roses is the cutting. The best roses to propagate are the ones that have recently flowered. A simple thumb test will determine whether or not the stems are mature enough to be cut. The cuttings should be at least 8 inches long, so the cut should be made just near the bud’s eye. Remove leaves in pairs from the lowest parts of the stem, usually around two or three. Make a 45 degree angle cut below the last bud, and place the root into a rooting mixture and shake off excess drippings. The mixture should be 50/50; one half Perlite and one half sharp sand.

Labeling the containers with the name and date of each cutting is preferred so you won’t forget what you will be planting later. Don’t forget to ensure proper drainage by making a hole in the bottom of the container. Gently place them into the container and then water the propagated roses.

Place the container in a warm sunny spot, but do not expose the freshly cut rose to the direct sunlight as of yet. It takes roses an average of up to 6 weeks to sprout roots. Periodic checks should be done on the roses until visible growth is seen. When the roots become visible through the holes the roses are ready for planting. Separate roots one from the other before planting them. For each plant that needs cutting remove them and place them in fresh potting soil. A plastic pot is preferred during this stage of starting out. Label the pots and fertilize the cuttings at the sign of new growth. Propagating roses is an easy past time that so many new and experienced gardeners like to engage in.

As the plants begin to grow it will become necessary to migrate the plants from one pot to another or move into the soil of your garden. This needs to be done as plants continue to grow and take roots. Red roses were always the favorites of so many people, but that has changed over the decades. Roses are now available in so many beautiful colors, ranging from a bright yellow to a soft pink. The propagating roses can be any color or combination of colors as preferred. Keeping an eye on the roses as they strive to catch root and grow is essential. Making sure they are properly watered, protects them from overheating, or drying out.

Having a watering can handy helps when caring for roses that thirsty. A little goes a long way when it comes to survival. You could also use a good hormone rooting solution which is recommended for growth. Propagating roses in ones spare time is relaxing and rewarding.

By: Jason Cranston

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Jason Cranston was born in the UK and became interested in roses very soon after acquiring an MBA in marketing. He is very active in local rose societies and has written his own e-book, "My Book of Rose Secrets" which is available along with a free ten part email mini-course at his website: www.myrosesecrets.com/growing-roses-from-cuttings