Have you ever wondered how to grow a rose from a cutting? A rose cutting is the most common way to propagate roses.
It’s fairly simple and can be done in your own garden.
All you need is a potato, a sharp knife, and some time.
Yes, a potato may be used to grow rose cuttings. Potatoes are usually high in water content, which will keep the cutting wet and enhance the likelihood of it rooting and flourishing in your garden.
What do you need to grow roses in potatoes?
- A healthy, firm, organic potato
- An 8 inch ( 200mm ) clipping from a mature rose bush, with all leaves removed.
- Rooting hormone gel or powder
- A screwdriver or corkscrew
[amazon box=”B01FRUT9FY” template=”horizontal”]
How to propagate rose cuttings in a potato
Firstly you need to make a hole in your potato which is slightly narrower than your rose cutting – use the screwdriver or corkscrew to do this making sure that you do not go all the way through the potato.
Taking to rose cutting, use some clippers to cut about 1/2 an inch from one end, making a diagonal cut.
Dip this cut end of the rose cutting into your hormone rooting gel or powder and then stick this end of the cutting into the hole that you made in the potato.
Make sure that the cutting is inserted firmly and that it cannot wobble around or fall out.
Plant the potato, with the inserted rose cutting, into the ground making sure that the potato is covered with a good 3 to 4 inch amount of soil.
If you want you can use a deep pot to plant the potato and cutting.
Make sure that you keep it well watered but not soaked and wait for growth.
How long does it take for rose cuttings to root?
It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for the rose cutting to root, so be patient.
Once your cutting has rooted you can remove it from the potato by gently shaking it loose, or by digging around the junction of the stem and your potato until you can pull it up with a little bit of soil attached.
At this point simply leave your rose cutting to continue growing in the ground or transplant it into a larger pot.
What’s the best time to plant rose cuttings?
The best time to plant rose cuttings is during the spring or early summer – this will give your cutting the longest amount of time possible to root and grow before going into a dormant stage.
As soon as you can after planting, water your cutting well – this will help to keep the soil moist and enhance new growth.
[amazon box=”B095311Q82″ template=”horizontal”]
What conditions are ideal for rose cuttings?
A warm temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 Celsius) will help your cutting to root and flourish in your garden.
You don’t want the temperature of the soil to drop below this as this will slow down growth. However, you also do not want the temperature of the soil to be much higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) as this will prevent rooting.
So make sure you choose an area in your garden that will not be too hot or too cold for proper growth to take place.
Rose cuttings need well drained soil but they do not like it dry.
What can I use instead of rooting hormone?
If you are unable to get rooting hormone, or just don’t want to use it, then you can try 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of fresh water.
Simply dip the rose cutting into the solution before inserting it into the potato.
Many people have had success with this method and it might also work for you too.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a creative way to plant your rose cutting, try planting it in the earth’s natural water storage – the potato.
Potatoes are an ideal option for rooting roses because their porous flesh holds moisture well.
It’s an unusual but reliable method of growing rose cuttings.
Why don’t you give it a try?
