What is the best way to take a cutting?

Question

What is the best way to take a cutting?

Answer 1

depends what it is you what to take cuttings from go to Gardeners World web page lots of info there

Answer 2

The timing depends somewhat on what plants you want to take cuttings from.  Some plants propagate best from softwood cuttings, others do better with hardwood cuttings.  Shrubs can typically be rooted from cuttings, while many trees are propagated by seed.

"Softwood" refers to the new, soft and pliable growth that the plant puts out in the spring.  Once that new wood hardens off later in the season, it is referred to as hardwood.  

See this article for instructions on rooting softwood cuttings:

http://freeplants.com/soft%20of%20decid....

If your first attempt at cuttings fails, the wood may have been a bit too soft.  Try again in a couple of weeks.  It's also helpful to clip off all but the top couple of leaves so the cutting doesn't waste energy trying to keep those leaves alive while it is also trying to grow roots.

Answer 3

It depends on the plant.  I get better results in the morning and after I watered the plant so the cutting starts of hydrated.  

Sometimes I place the cutting in water.  I like to use soda bottles for cuttings in soil so I can see the roots growing.

Answer 4

Chose a non-flowering branch, cut off about 4-6' from the top and cut at a 45-degree angle just above a bud.  Place stem in some hormonal root developer, place stem in moist peat moss.  Wrap cutting and pot in a clear plastic wrap so it retains moisture.  Mist when necessary.  Roots should grow in a few weeks.  When you see new growth on the cuttings, you have roots!!!