- 1). Take cuttings at the proper time of year for your location. Rose cuttings are best taken during the late fall in areas with mild winters and late spring in areas with severe winters.
- 2). Take cuttings from the right part of the rose bush. The part of the rose bush that is easiest to root is the stem where a flower has just finished blooming, where rose hips are beginning to form. Cut off the faded bloom or hip down to the first set of leaves. From this point, cut off a 6- to 8-inch long cutting that has at least three sets of leaves. Make the bottom cut at a 45-degree angle; this keeps the bottom of the cutting from sitting on the bottom of the container and rotting.
- 3). Fill a 3- to 4-inch plastic pot with vermiculite. Use the eraser end of a pencil to poke a hole in the center of the vermiculite, in which to insert the rose cutting.
- 4). Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting powder hormone, and blow off the excess powder.
- 5). Place the cutting into the prepared hole in the 3- to 4-inch plastic pot filled with vermiculite.
- 6). Slip the entire pot into a large clear plastic bag, but do not seal it. Place it in a protected, shaded location. Check the bag for condensation daily, and remove the pot if excess moisture forms on the inside of the bag. Water as needed to keep the vermiculite damp but not soaked.
- 7). The rose cutting will form roots in 6 to 8 weeks. To determine if roots have formed, gently pull on the cutting by the top. If it resists, it has formed roots and can be safely planted in the garden.
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