I am going to show you how to grow all the flowering shrubs you want, absolutely free of charge. This really does work, in the dead of winter, outside in the cold, snow and freezing weather. I’ll prove it to you.
Hardwood cuttings, rooted and ready to be potted up.
I know, I know, I know! The plants in the picture look like dead sticks. But they are not. They are very well rooted, very much alive plants that I did as cuttings in the winter of 2013/2014. If you recall, the winter of 2013/2014 was horrendous. Cold beyond cold! Here in northeastern Ohio we were well below zero for days at a time. The coldest day that I recall was 15 degrees below zero F. That’s crazy cold.
The plants that you see in this photo are Grapes, Pussy Willow and Gold Curls Willow. We stuck those cuttings last winter. They spent all of last winter outside in the cold. Just sticks, no roots, stuck in flats and pots of nothing more than potting soil. Come spring the cuttings leafed out and at at the very same time they started making roots.
In this video you can see these cuttings all leafed out and I even show you some of the roots.
By mid summer they were so well rooted that we potted up thousands of them. What you see here are things that we just didn’t have room for in the nursery. They will be potted this coming spring.
So they spent all of last winter out in bitter cold, and they are spending this winter out in the cold once again. I’m telling you that to tell you this; “Small Plants are One Hundred times more Resilient than You Think!
Right now I have tens of thousands of cuttings that we rooted this summer outside in the cold and snow, patiently waiting to be potted up this spring.
In this post I am going to show you a winter plant propagation technique using hardwood cuttings. You can also do this during the summer using softwood cuttings. More about summer plant propagation here.
If you really want to understand plant propagation in the simplest of terms, check out this article, The Basics of Plant Propagation. There you will find all the plant propagation information you need.
Let’s get started.
Step one.
Collecting wood to make Purple Sandcherry hardwood cuttings.
Go out into your garden and collect wood to make your hardwood cuttings. This technique works great on many flowering shrubs. Evergreens can be done as hardwood cuttings but they are slower to root and the technique is a bit different. How to Do Hardwood Cuttings of Evergreens.
Today we are doing Purple Sandcherry, that’s what you see in the photo. Notice how I let my Purple Sandcherry shrubs grow tall and lanky throughout the growing season? I do this intentionally, never pruning them during the summer. I want them to produce nice long canes that I can use for hardwood cuttings. When doing hardwood cuttings like this you don’t have to work with just tip cuttings like you do with softwood cuttings. You can use the entire cane as you will see in these photos.
A small bundle of Purple Sandcherry Hardwood Cuttings.
With a bundle of cuttings in hand I’ll head inside to make my cuttings.
Getting my daily hug from Finnegan.
and Fergus.
I like to include Our Miniature Donkeys in these articles because . . . they are a big part of my life and they have a lot of fans! People who can’t have farm animals love hearing about the donkeys. Pam bought me a hammock for Christmas so me and the little yellow dog can relax with donkeys. We’ll see how that goes!
Purple Sandcherry shrub after taking cuttings.
Notice how far back I cut my Purple Sandcherry shrub as I collected the canes to make cuttings? You don’t have to do this, but I can assure you this will not harm the plant. As a matter of fact, the more times I do this the fuller the plant gets. In my case I want as many cuttings as possible and I have these shrubs in the landscape at the nursery for the sole purpose of taking cuttings from them. These are considered “stock plants”.
Step Two.
Making Purple Sandcherry hardwood cuttings.
Once inside I cut the canes into cuttings that are about 5″ or 6″ long. Where you make the cut on the bottom of each cutting is critical. See those dark spots on stem? Those are nodes, or bud unions. In this photo you can clearly see two of these nodes, they are about 2″ apart. A node, or bud union is where the plant will produce a leaf, then a stem next growing season.
When you make the bottom cut on your hardwood cutting you want to cut right below that node, but not into it. The cutting will produce roots right below or actually from that node. The cut that you make on the top of the cutting is less critical and most growers actually make the cut about an inch away from the top node so the stem of the cutting actually protects that node as you handle it.
At the top of the cutting it really doesn’t make much difference where you make your cut. Usually what I do is make the bottom cut, then when I move up the stem to make the top cut I actually cut right below another node because that will be the bottom of my second cutting that I am going to get from that cane.
Making the top cut on a Purple sandcherry hardwood cutting.
In this photo you can see where I am making the top cut on my cutting. The section to the left is the cutting that I am making, the section to the right of the shears will be the next cutting that I get from this cane. Notice that once again I am cutting right below, but not into a node.
A finished Purple Sandcherry hardwood cutting.
Simple as that my cutting is done and is ready to stick.
Step 3.
The next step which is to dip the cutting in a rooting compound is really optional. Rooting compounds do help when rooting cuttings but many plants root just fine without them. So if you don’t have a rooting compound on hand, don’t let that stop you from trying this. Me? I almost always use a rooting compound just to give me every advantage of success than I can get. But I’ve rooted a lot of cuttings with no rooting compound at all.
Powder or liquid rooting compound? It doesn’t matter, they both work equally well. I often use Dip and Grow as you’ll see in the video on this page.
Step 4.
Once the cuttings are made and dipped or not dipped, the next step is simple as pie. Just take them outside and stick them in the ground. You can stick them in a flat, you can stick them in nursery pot filled with soil or you can stick them in a bed of sand.
Yes, you are doing this in the dead of winter. So make sure that you have soil that is thawed or some bagged potting soil that you can put into a flat. Don’t over complicate a simple thing. Just get the cuttings stuck in some soil. Just make a slice in the soil with a spade or a broad knife and stick the cuttings about 1.5″ to 2″ deep.
Variegated Red Twig Dogwood hardwood cuttings.
These are cuttings that I just made and stuck. The Variegated Red Twig Dogwood cuttings that you see in this photo I actually bought from one of our members in Washington state. Sounds crazy to most “normal” people, give somebody money for a box of sticks? But I was delighted to do so. I bought 300 of them from her for 25 cents each. Just sticks, no roots. I’ll put the roots on myself.
Notice the snow and the leaves that have blown in since I stuck these? All is fine, these cuttings know what to do. They’ll just chill here in the cold, then as soon as the soil gets close to 45 degrees F. they’ll start working on those roots. This really is an amazing process to watch.
A bed full of hardwood cuttings.
This entire bed is full of hardwood cuttings that I stuck this winter. In this bed I have Variegated Red Twig Dogwood, Annabelle Hydrangea, Double Red Rose of Sharon, Blushing Bride Rose of Sharon, Dappled Willow, Purple Flowering Sandcherry, Triumph Spirea, Dwarf Blue Arctic Willow and Weeping Pussy Willow.
See those pots on the right side of the bed? Those are Golden Curls willows that we rooted from hardwood cuttings winter before last.
Step 5.
As soon as you stick your cuttings water them really well so you wash the soil down around the base of the cuttings removing any air pockets. After that just water as needed to keep the soil most but not soggy. If it gets cold outside and the ground freezes your cuttings will be fine, just water them again when it warms up.
Step 6.
Come spring, as the cuttings start to wake up, keep them watered at least once a day. Keep in mind, they don’t have any roots so if they are in a shaded area that’s better. They’ll make leaves, they’ll start growing, but they still might not have any roots. Just be patient. You can pull one out once in a while to check the progress, you are not going to hurt it. If you feel resistance when you try and pull them out you’ll know they are rooting and just leave them be.
Hardwood cuttings are very durable, but they are also slow to root. We usually don’t get around to potting ours up until at least mid July. We give them plenty of time to make roots.
Softwood cuttings root much faster, but they are more fragile. But with that said, 90% of my cuttings I do as softwoods Using this Method. Of course there are simpler methods like this.
Step 7.
Stick with me. I will turn you into a professional plant propagator if you let me. Just stay tuned, we put out new updated information on a regular basis.
Step 8.
Indulge Fergus. He insisted that I include this photo of his beautiful nose as he tries to press it against the lens of the camera. Getting donkey photos is more difficult than you think!
Fergus the miniature donkey.
Mike McGroarty chatting with his miniature donkeys Finnegan and Fergus..
Here’s the deal. I promise to share with you some of the most valuable, down to earth gardening information that you’ll find anywhere, but you have to put up with me showing off the donkeys. It’s just part of the deal. After all, you folks on my mailing list named them and have been actively involved with them since they day they arrived at Mike’s Plant Farm here in Perry, Ohio. Thanks for hanging with me and the donkeys!
By the way, their birthdays are March and April and they’ll be two years old this year. (2015)
Awesome, check out this page!
I live in an area that usually freezes at night in the winter but can be 50 – 60 degrees in the day. The ground never really freezes hard. I’m wanting to propagate elderberry cuttings. Is there going to be a problem withe the frequent freezing and thawing temperatures? I also have an unheated greenhouse. Would it be better to grow the cuttings in pots in the greenhouse?
PS Love the donkeys!
Lazy,
they should be fine outside, it has to be warm for several weeks for them to break dormancy.
Thanks!
These are the plants i want to start growing in my business.. Zone 8a
What varieties do you recommend?
1. Spirea?
2. Hostas?
3. Thornless blackberries?
4. Hydrangeas?
5. Gardenias?
6. Grasses: Muhly, feather grass, variegated lirope, mondo, any other grasses you recommend?
7. Rose of Sharon
8. Butterfly Bush
9. Dwarf Nandina
10. Astilbe?
11. Arborvitae?
12. Boxwood?
13. Yaupon holly?
14. Alberta spruce?
15. Dogwood
16. Dianthus?
17. Daylillies?
18. Ferns?
Would you leave any of these off? Would you substitute any of these for any reason? Can I buy all of these wholesale so there is a margin for profit? How do I find the suppliers?
Bob,
That’s a great list, I wouldn’t change anything. Wholesale? Absolutely, most of those you can buy from 99 cents to about $2.00, maybe $2.50 each. I sell them quickly at $7.97 each. The members area will be open soon. Take the test drive and ask me for wholesale sources. I happily share my sources with members inside the members area. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Need a working link and password for backyard growing and university systems. I have had no success accessing these sytems that I purchased around Christmas. Thanks for your help.
Bob,
Duston will be in touch with you soon. [email protected] or [email protected]
Hi Mike,
NW Ohio here. I’ve been watching your videos for a few years, and I’ve tried my hand at propagating Thuja arborvitae and white pine, unsuccessfully. I’m going to try my hand at it again this week with the arborvitae, some Leyland cypress, red-twigged dogwood, serviceberry, and redbud.
I have a sandy beach with some organic matter in it on my game fish pond. I’m wondering if that can serve as a propagation box. It seems to grow weeds really well, ,so why not trees?…lol. My only concern is that the west wind comes straight across the field and across my property, unbuffered. If I can use the beach, should I build a windbreak wall on the west edge or will the cuttings be ok?
Thanks in advance and keep up the great content!!
Brian
Brian,
White pine are grown from seed as are the redbuds. The rest should work. The beach sand? It should be fine as long as it stays moist and doesn’t dry out. I’d probably build a box in a more protected area near the house where you can water as needed.
Thanks for the advice, Mike, I’ve been doing more research and purchased your course this morning. I’m building a prop box on the east side of the garage instead of the beach for this year. If it works well, I will construct more on the beach this summer. The beach stays plenty moist and is only 100′ from the house. Also, I have a pump watering system in the pond itself that I use for my raised beds and established trees.
Hi, Thanks for all the info / photos (love the donkeys!)
I have what may be a stupid question. I come from much warmer climes, where we often pruned things – roses, figs, etc, in autumn. Here, I keep reading NOT to do that, as it causes cold shock (various different names). But it’s BAD. But if you take cuttings, surely that’s the same thing? I have some rather large figs in pots, as we move them right up close to the house in winter, and it would be easier to cut them back, and the roses too. (Most of my garden is in pots because I am an optimistic renter. I believe one day I will win the lottery, or find a never-knew very rich relative has left me enough money to buy my own house!)
Thanks!
Felicity,
I’m in cold, northern Ohio and I do a lot of fall pruning. Somethings that are really sensitive in a climate like this might benefit from left and pruned in the spring, but I have no time then so everything gets pruned in the fall.
It is January 3rd, 2021, in Indiana, so can cuttings be taken from plants that are currently dormant? I just never knew this was possible! Can cuttings be taken from weeping cherry trees or do they need to be grafted? I love seeing Fergus and Finnegan doing their antics..
Happy and Healthy 2021.
Beeg
Beeg,
Yes cuttings can be taken from dormant plants. Many will root, it just takes some time. Weeping cherries are typically grafted and don’t do well as cuttings.
I have an elderberry cutting that I planted end of June 2020. It took a while to root and grow leaves. By fall 2020 it had leaves and roots. I’m in Ann Arbor Mi and it’s cold now. I noticed freezing temps would make the leaves wilt or die so I brought the plant in. It is now end of December and I still have green leaves on my cutting and it’s growing more. What do I do with it? Do I move it outside to stay until spring? Leave it inside until spring? Any suggestions would be great. It was late spring 2020 when I ordered it and didn’t think it would arrive as late as it did.
Any help with this plant would be great!
Thanks!
Lindsey
Lindsey,
I don’t know, I probably would have left it outside to go dormant naturally. At this point I’m not sure what is best.
I grow bonsai. Many of the bonsai given for Christmas end up dead because:
1. They are put outside into a hard freeze without a chance to make the sugars in cold weather that act as the plant antifreeze. so yes they do freeze to death even if it is a cold temperate plant like juniper or a pine.
2. They are kept indoors in a “sunny” window. indoor humidity is on par with a desert during the winter. and the sun in the window will bake the whole thing and dry it out even more.
Make a small greenhouse with a deep translucent plastic storage tub and keep a little water 1/8 – 1/4″ in the bottom. Put the lid on it and lay an LED workshop light across the top. It won’t overheat it, but it will provide the light needed to live until spring. Check the water every other day and water the plant unless the bottom water has dried up.
This is one of the suggestions we give in our January meeting “So You Got a Bonsai for Christmas – And it Died”.
Zack Clayton, Editor, Columbus Bonsai Society
I have an elderberry cutting that I planted end of June 2020. It took a while to root and grow leaves. By fall 2020 it had leaves and roots. I’m in Ann Arbor Mi and it’s cold now. I noticed freezing temps would make the leaves wilt or die so I brought the plant in. It is now end of December and I still have green leaves on my cutting and it’s growing more. What do I do with it? Do I move it outside to stay until spring? Leave it inside until spring? Any suggestions would be great. It was late spring 2020 when I ordered it and didn’t think it would arrive as late as it did.
Any help with this plant would be great!
Thanks!
Lindsey
I tried to plant some raspberry cuttings I took from a family member. I stuck them in some gallon pots with rooting hormone and moist soil. Within a couple weeks they started to growing leaves. however I noticed that some the leaves started dying. I moved them to give them more sun however it also got really cold the last week or two and I noticed that everything looks pretty dead looking. Could it be that they are dormant or did I kill them off? I moved them inside thinking to warm them up but I am not sure what to do as I am second guessing myself.
I also tried propagating some peach cuttings which I think have started to root but I was worried again with the cold weather and pulled them inside. Should I leave them inside or let them be outside in the normal elements?
Appreciate all of the advice.
Cody,
It’s probably too early for hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are best when the plants are completely dormant they root slowly and need to be asleep while they make roots. Softwood cuttings root much faster, but need more care to root. Keeping the cuttings inside all winter is going to be a challenge because they will break dormancy but you can try. Go back to your friends house and see if you can find small raspberry plants popping up around the mature plants. That’s the best way to get new raspberries. The peach cuttings I’d leave inside for a while because I’m pretty sure they’ll fail outside.
Hi Mike, thanks so much for your time and effort to make these videos. I really enjoy them and am learning so much. I”m making my first attempt at propagation but have a question or two. Given it’s mid September and i’m in southeast PA, should i be using softwood or hardwood cuttings if i use your simple method with the plastic dish tub, sand and a plastic bag at this time of year when temps get into the 40’s at night? And when should i stop using the plastic bag relative to temperatures?
Thanks so much for your help.
Cory,
This time of year almost all wood is at least semi hard but it really doesn’t matter. This time of year because of the cooler temps things are going to be slow to root. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do them. Just do them and give them time. You’ll need the bag until the plants go dormant, that will happen right before Thanksgiving. The last couple of years I’ve been sticking my hardwood cuttings at the end of winter/early spring. Right around March 25th is a good time. But you can still stick cuttings now, do more then.
Hi Mike, thanks so much for your quick response. One follow-up question. When the plants go dormant and i remove the bag, do i leave the dish tub above ground or should i heel the dish tub into the ground for the winter. I assume the tub will be fine in the ground as with the holes in the bottom it will drain.
Thanks again for your help.
Either way should work but partial submerged would offer some insulation and a little heat from the ground.
MIke I want to do some Rose of Sharon cuttings What was the name of the pretty pink one you had when showing your garden recently? Is that a double type bloom? and when doing cutting for hardwood how long will I need to make them? Thanks !
Helene,
The rose of sharon that I grow is Lucy. Make the cuttings about 4″ long, I do mine at the very end of winter as hardwoods. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-winter-time-plant-propagation-can-home/
and this; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2016/09/hardwood-cuttings-winter-of-20152016/
Mike,
I have several pear trees that threw a lot of water shoots last season. I need to prune them shortly. What will I get if I try rooting those shoots? Will they produce fruit or will I have to graft scion wood
onto the root stock?
J.
By now that wood is very hard and not likely to root. Softwoods in the summer? Maybe. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
i have boxwood cutting in an old metal coal bucket and don’t know what to do with them for winters here in iowa don’t know if they need brought in or put in the ground before it freezes the plants are around five months old now any suggestions please
Roger,
Plant them in your garden for the winter than transplant in early spring.
okay thanks, going to freeze here in a few days
Mike
Many thanks for a great website! Very informative and interesting. Would this method to root hardwood cuttings outdoors work in Ontario, zone 5A, when the ground is frozen solid for about 4 months over the winter?
Thank you
Terri,
Absolutely it would. I’m in northern Ohio, not that much different than you. Try some in Nov and more in early April.
Hi, Great video. You pot them all up in mid summer, but what do you do with the thousands of pots the next winter? Do you store them indoors or do you use another method? Thanks
Juan,
Most of my plants here in northern Ohio stay outside uncovered. This year, 2019, we are going to cover our perennials with white plastic because we lose too many when left uncovered. But all of my hardy flowering shrubs and evergreens do not get covered. I recently uploaded a video about this, it’s on my youtube channel. And for sure see this; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/over-wintering-protecting-plants-for-the-winter/ I have to get the new video on the blog as well.
I’m about to go grab some lespedezq thbergi twigs. It’s 2:92 am in mass and it’s at a house that’s unoccupied after the owner passed away but got permission in fall just never got to doing it. It’s now or never. Potting soil mixed moisened ready to go so I’m trusting you that this semi hard wood shrub will be my first and coolest rareaty plant that will be the envy of all who pass by.. any advice is welcome
Hi Mike!
Would I be able to do this with Manitoba Maples?
I love your e-mails and look forward to them eagerly.
Dale
Dale,
You can try but it probably won’t work. Most trees don’t do well as cuttings, especially hardwood cuttings. Most are grown from seed, then maybe budded or grafted.
My pear dormant cuttings all seem to have taken. I did an unknown rootstock cuttings and keifer. They have been putting out leaves since about the first of April. I suppose they may die eventually and I will see they have no roots but they are in 6 hour per day sun and seem to be thriving.
Good luck with them!
Hey Mike love your site It’s very encouraging to see how easy some plants can be propagated. I was wanting to do some american holly. Can those be done with hardwood cuttings?
Thanks.
Aaron
Aaron,
More than likely they can be. It will be a very slow process but stick them now, water as needed then keep watered thru spring and summer. You should see results by fall. Bottom heat will speed the process considerably.
Hola – thank you for sharing your expertise! I am on West Coast zone 9, 9b. Does this method work for all climates, or is it limited to areas that have a prolonged freeze period?
Thanks, Katie
Katie,
It can work in all climates, plants in warmer climates still go dormant, just maybe for not as long. Of course it doesn’t work on all plants no matter the climate.
what is the best time to take azalea cuttings?
William,
You can do them now in the winter, but they root faster and easier in the summer. Especially using this; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/
Mike does this hardwood cuttings work on pink fairy rose bushes
Jubug,
It might but I really can’t say for sure.
Mike, as best I can tell your propagation beds are located in full sun. I have three acres with options from full sun to full shade. Where would you recommend that I place my sand beds?
Austin,
Partial shade is ideal for propagation if you are using the https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/, which is the best option. But if you are trying to propagate without it, full shade is a must. But plants don’t grow well in full shade.
Mike,
Thanks for the information. My wife has been growing African Violets competitively and doing very well since 2010. She is also hybridizing them. We recently started a website and ebay store for her. (Neither are really the point). Just looking for the best/most profitable plants to grow during the winter in Portland, OR. We live in the city and have a fairly large lot…but direct sunlight is an issue.
Chris,
Hydrangeas are always popular, pretty easy to do as hardwood cuttings. Portland is a great growing climate. In the members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, we recently put together a list of hydrangeas that are not patented, in the public domain. Eventually I will get that list posted here.
Hi mike,
I was wondering if this technique for winter propagation would work on blackberry and other cane berry plants. I’m wanting to expand home fruit production with minimal upfront investment and have been looking into soiless cloning machines as a possible better option to traditional potting and waiting . I live in TN and weather swings wildly and have lost plants do to drying out wile I’m away at work during the day. I have had gallon and 3 gallon pots dry completely out in 6 hours in the shade on a sunny early summer day . so far only successful propagation has been tip layering on the black berries but this leaves me with messy over grown mother stock .
Rickey,
I can’t say for sure. Some raspberries are done from root cuttings. Blackberries? Try hardwoods in November and see what happens.
Yes, blackberries will do well. I see folks take the whole branch, but no reason his technique won’t work well. If you google it, YouTube has a video on blackberries using a similar method exclusively. Aronia, raspberries, and elderberries as well.
Such a wonderful service you are providing, Mike!
Last spring I purchased an Illinois Everbearing Mulberry which did well until it broke dormancy too soon in March and then succumbed to spring freezing here in zone 4 Vermont. A lovely shaped dead stick is a sad thing to look upon!
I gathered cuttings of well-established trees from our generous community about a week ago and I am hoping I can get some of them to root in pots. Some pots contain coco coir and some have a sandy soil mix. I put four or five clones in each pot. I didn’t know about your sand method until a few days ago.
They are not Everbearing, just a variety of red Mulberries.
If they root, should I repot them this summer, one to a pot? Should I put them in the ground, perhaps in my vegetable garden for now? Should I leave them in the pots until next spring and then put them in their final location? Should I leave them in their pots and put them in our unheated garage over the winter?
If they don’t root, will Mulberry tree cuttings work with your hardwood, January cutting method? I can prepare a sand bed now and I know at least one of my sources will welcome another cutting visit this winter.
Once I get some saplings established, do you have any ideas on how I can avoid the issue of early thaws followed by hard freezing? Should I protect my young trees the way people protect roses?
Thank you so much for any advice you can offer!
P.S. Love Fergus and Finnegan!
Vicki,
Once rooted I’d plant them in your garden and leave them until early spring. Transplant before they leaf out in the spring. Typically late freezes aren’t a huge issue because things usually don’t leaf out too early. How to protect them? Cover maybe?
https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Just joined, I love all of the information you have to offer. I am in zone 5-6 will be starting softwood cuttings next month. Can’t wait to get started.
That’s awesome Cindy!
Mike, I just discovered your site. You and your donkeys are a lot of fun. Thanks for the awesome tips and the light-heartedness. You make learning a real joy.
Thanks Anne.
Mike, Love your site and videos. One thing I have wondered is whether I can jump start hardwood cuttings by bringing indoors rather than leaving outside waiting for spring warmth. Is it too rapid a change?
Chris,
Doesn’t really work well. The beauty of hardwood cuttings is that once you stick them they need little care. Bring them in will have them leafed out, light starved, and too soft to move back outside. We have members struggling with this very thing right now.
can i plant seedling crape maples in winter? or should i plant in pots indors?
Rich,
Crepe Myrtle are using done in the summer as softwood cuttings, but it won’t hurt to try some indoors now.
Is the middle of February too late to take hardwood cuttings? We had a couple of unseasonably warm days (70s) here in zone 6. I have beauty berry, burning bush, japanese maple, redbud, and forsythia. Just wondering how late I can put them in the bed outside.
No, you can still do them. The Japanese maple and redbud are likely a waste of time, they won’t grow from hardwoods.
Can you take cuttings from an old fashioned clematis? I tried rooting a cutting in the house last spring and it didn’t work…..just rotted. Could I try this and put it out in the garden now like you have done with the sand cherry?
Judy,
Not as a hardwood now, but softwood cuttings in the summer should work. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
I have a special interest in grape cuttings, specifically muscadines. I live in south central North Carolina close to Charlotte. We had a hard freeze last week so I plan to take hardwood cuttings from a friends vine(s) shortly after the holidays.
I watched your Youtube video on taking grape cuttings and I’m pretty sure I understand the process; however, I’m a little fuzzy on when to transplant the rooted cutting next year.
1. Should I re pot the rooted cuttings early next spring into individual pots, let them grow thru the summer/fall and then transplant to the final location in the winter when they’re dormant;
Or
2. Simply separate the rooted cuttings next spring and plant them in the final vineyard location;
Or
3. Let them grow in the propagation container until fall and then transplant to the vineyard?
Thanks in advance,
John
John,
Typically hardwood cuttings are not well rooted until mid summer. At that time you can plant them out, or maybe put them in small pots where they’ll be easy to care for and can establish a better root system, then plant out in the vineyard in the fall when you don’t have to be concerned about keeping them watered.
Thanks Mike, just what I was hoping you’d say! 🙂 Late winter and early spring are busy times for me so into the pots in mid summer and into the vineyard in the late fall.
Hi John..I live in Huntersville and root grapes the way Mike has shown. Last year I pruned late December, stuck 20 cuttings in sand and peat moss mix, placed under a bush and in June had 95% success. However everything I planted died and the few I left in the container undisturbed flourished.
Thanks to Mike I’m addicted to rooting everything in the neighborhood.
Hi Tim and thanks. Shoot me a pm at [email protected].
Mike, can grapes be rooted in a can with potting soil like you do your willows? Will I get better results with bottom heat? I am running out of heated real estate in my propagation area but need a lot of grapes! Thanks
Dean,
Yes, they can. And of course bottom heat always help to get roots faster but they don’t have to have it.
Hi, Mike,
I love this method, and with long Canadian winters, this is the perfect way to spend my time and expand the backyard nursery.
Just a quick question: I noticed that you take 5 to 6″ cuttings and only stick them 1 1/2 to 2″ in the ground. Clearly it’s working for you, though, I’m accustomed to sticking a 6″ cutting 4″ into the ground – I reason that there’s more opportunity for root growth and less chance of drying out – any reason why you favor sticking them shallower?
Dustin,
I guess it depends on what you are sticking. But if they only root at the bottom of the cutting, at the bottom node, you have a lot of stem buried that could rot. Kinda like planting something too deep.
Hi Mike..I think I bought your program a couple years ago..havent did anything, but now its time. I use to grow perennials 15 years ago similare to what youre doing with shrubs. Whats your opinion between growing/ selling perennials or growing /selling shrubs? Thanks Mike…great videos by the way.
Doug,
Most of our members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, grow and sell both. Perennials sell really well as do shrubs.
Mike, where can I purchase the red maple seedlings?
Ronald,
I can’t publish wholesale sources here but I openly share those in the members area. Plus you can often buy Japanese maple seedlings in small quantity from other members, those are most available in winter, early spring.
Oh, and your donkeys are adorable. We have a two year old standard donkey we rescued from a kill pen. Amazing animals. He has two goat buddies and horses to hang out with but we really do need to find him a playmate. ?
Hi Mike. I have a question. I rooted a bunch of globe willow cuttings and potted them in 5 gallon nursery pots. They’ve been doing really well but we’ve had warm weather for the last few weeks in northern Arizona. We’re supposed to get a frost tomorrow night and snow at the end of the month. Do you think they can handle being outside or should I move them into my garage on cold nights?
Einit,
If they are all leafed out, I’d at least cover them with a blanket or move them inside. Certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Thank you very much.
Hi Mike,
I’m intrigued watching you interact with you miniature donkeys! that look very hardy.
Where would one get these beautiful animals? I’m in central NY
thanks
Dave
Dave,
Donkeys are companion animals and you really need a pair. It’s only fair to them. There are plenty of breeders around, several here in Ohio. I got mine from Cabinwood Farms in Middlefield, Ohio. There for sure are by buddies; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/mike-and-pam-mcgroarty-with-their-miniature-donkeys-finnegan-and-fergus/
HI there,
I have a question – hope it does not overlap other questions. I was given a few cuttings from a forsythia plant just yesterday. there are buds just beginning to come out. I live in Boston and clearly this came from somewhere further south. If I want to try to make it grow roots and become and real plant am I better off trying to pot it and put it inside or leaving it outside in the snow? It will be some time before we truly get spring – but where these cutting came from it clearly is spring. What do you suggest?
Thanks!
Elise,
If they buds are ready to pop they might be better inside, even though I don’t like rooting hardwood cuttings inside. If you have enough, do some both ways.
thank you very much for your reply. I think I have 3. Maybe one outdoors and two indoors. Do I just plant with plenty of water in a pot – keep them moist and hope for the best? I have my cuttings in the fridge right now with a wet paper towel around them – so far- they look fine. I will try.
I appreciate all your help – wonder what will happen:)
Elise
Elise,
Just stick the cuttings then water them in. The soil should drain well, not stay soggy.
Can you do this with blueberries? Like be left outside like these shrubs were?
Diane,
Absolutely! Right now I have hundreds and hundreds of blueberry cuttings in buckets, sitting outside in the freezing cold.
Thank you!!
Hi Mike, I am a newbie!! My 87 year old dad and I have been tomato gardeners as a hobby for some years now. I had to quit my teaching career to take care of him. We both have a passion for growing! Since finding your site I have been so excited to finally jump in and go for my “dream” of full time growing of small plants because of your inspiring information!!! I live in North Carolina and have already started propagating oak leaf hydrangeas!!! However we got a terrible artic blast with 8 inches of snow the next day! My cuttings are buried underneath! My main question is how much do I need to water these hardwood cuttings in the winter? Do I just not water them at all and let mother nature take over since they are dormant anyway? Thank you so much for sharing your passion and inspiring the rest of us!!! Love your donkeys!!
Laurie,
During the winter the only time you need to think about watering is when it gets warm and dry. Cold and frozen? They’re fine.
Hi Mike have you tried your hardwood cutting technique with red buds in the winter I have an Oklahoma white Redbud I would like to try this with I’m in Coshocton County Ohio just south of you any advice ? I plan on taking cuttings this weekend and putting them in pots and why and he did greenhouse and then possibly moving them outdoors for the winter.
Robert,
I’m thinking they won’t root. There are things that do really well as hardwood cuttings and things that don’t. Redbuds are typically grown from seed.
Is it safe to do this with evergreen cuttings as Well? I’m trying to plant more trees using cuttings. You mentioned those are flowering bushes, so I needed to ask if I could plant just about any cutting outside & if it will survive.
Amanda,
If you do them when they are dormant, after a good hard freeze, not a frost but a freeze where it gets into the 20’s, yes, many evergreens can be done this. But they are very slow to root. You have to leave them in the bed for a full 12 months. You cans speed that up with bottom heat, but that’s complicated.
Mike,
I’ve seen a lot of different propagation boxes you’ve used. Which one works best? When is a white plastic cover required? When is an open bed the best option?
Greg,
All of my hardwood cuttings are uncovered, outside. See this post; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2016/09/hardwood-cuttings-winter-of-20152016/
Propagation boxes? They don’t work well at all for me. I tried, but this system, https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/, is so painless, works so perfectly, that I’ve abandon all attempts are propagation boxes.
I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING YOU SAID FOR MY HYDRANGEAS, BUT THEY STILL DON’T BLOOM. I HAVE FOUR OF THEM ONE WILL GET A FEW BLOOMS ON THEM BUT THAT IS IT! DON”T KNOW WHAT TO DO, THEY ARE NICE AND GREEN!!!
DIANNE
Dianne,
Best thing you can do is ignore them and give them a chance to do what they know how to do. The other thing is to plant some different varieties that are known to be great bloomers. Annabelle, All Summer Beauty, Forever Pink and three that I would recommend.
Searching for advice on when to do cuttings I get a bit frustrated. Being in New Zealand we have lots of Hebes. Some advice to propagate as hardwood, some as softwood. They flower in winter. Perhaps one can do both…? Or is it trial and error?
Does success depend on the climate you’re in?
JB.
When in doubt try them as softwoods and hardwoods, one or the other is likely to work. Be sure to see this article as well, https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Hi Mike, this past November I planted about 500 japanese maple seeds in deep cell planting flats, then put them out over winter to stratify the. Its been over 90 days would it be sensible to bring the flats inside to a controlled climate ie; greenhouse or heated garage for germination. Here in central PA, I am worried that they will sprout and get hit by a late frost like we get here sometimes.
Todd,
Only bring them into a warm environment if you can keep it warm and give them all the light they need. It certainly would help with a more uniform germination process. Once properly stratified the sooner they can germinate the better, so your idea really is sound.
Mike,
Can I take hardwood cuttings of my Nikko Blue Hydrangea this month, Jan., in Seattle area? I am excited to try this! Thanks!
Carrie,
You most certainly can. Keep in mind, they’ll be very slow to root, but just stick outside and water when it’s dry. You have to be patient with hardwood cuttings. Also, stick a lot more cuttings than you need because at best 60% to 80% will root. Be sure to cut below that bottom node as per this page.
Hey Mike, can you do cuttings from Red Berry Elder in January? I have some I’ve grown from seed but would like to do some cuttings now if possible
Thanks.
Dave,
I don’t honestly know but give it a try then do some as softwoods in June. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
I don’t know about cuttings but the birds eat the seeds in our yard and then “plant” them all over the yard. Then I transplant them where they will grow and not be in the way.
We have black raspberries and blackberries that are producing. We have always tipped these berries to get new plants. Is it possible to take cutting now and start them in sand like you have talked about?
I need to start black raspberry bed in a different location. I am taking cutting from my seedless concord grapes this week to start 9 cuttings (only have room for 2, will sell or give away the rest. We are substance gardeners and have 56 lineal feet of 24″ high raised beds, 30 straw bales, and a new 3″ x8′ raised strawberry bed. We love your newsletter.
Ken
Ken,
From what I gather raspberries and black berries neither one do well as hardwood cuttings. You can try them, but I don’t think you’ll have great results. You can try layering them now, http://freeplants.com/layering.htm, or do them as softwood cuttings in June. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
just would like to know how to winter over the potted bushes I planted from the cuttings from this summer? I live in Racine,Wi. Do I need to provide any cover or mulch, or just make sure they stay wet and do not dry out?
Joann,
It’s really up to you. The ideal thing to do is cover them with white plastic. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/over-wintering-protecting-plants-for-the-winter/, but as long as they are not in the wind, stay moist but not soaking wet and are hardy in your zone, they might okay left uncovered. Almost all big growers cover the container grown plants.
Hi Mike.
I very much appreciate your site, videos, advice etc. Just one question tho regarding plant patents. Is this a concern for you? Should it be for us taking cutting and then selling those cuttings?
Thanks for being who you are.
Sherri
Sherri,
Absolutely it’s a concern, something that we discuss on a regular basis in the private members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join. It’s something that you need to be aware of and concerned about, they do have agents (private contractors) who do nothing but look for those violating plant patents. I wrote this about a year ago. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/05/patented-plants-and-plants-with-registered-trademarks-and-the-tale-of-white-fountain-weeping-cherry-trees/
I know this is from a long time ago, but I have some flowering quince that blooms and sends out shoots in the winter. When would I propagate that for hardwood cuttings? CAN you do that? I live in north Texas.
Anna,
You can treat those cuttings as softwood if indeed the wood is soft. http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm
I know this is from a long time ago, but I have some flowering quince that blooms and sends out shoots in the winter. When would I propagate that for hardwood cuttings? CAN you do that?
mike,
is it to late to do hardwood cuttings on crape mrytles since they haven’t started to break dormency ?
and this is the last week of march here in alabama
Great, it might be, especially in Alabama, but it certainly won’t hurt to try. One of our members stuck Purple Sandcherry hardwood cuttings April 1st last year and they did great. That was in Pennsylvania though. As long as yours have not leafed out yet I’d say give it a try.
OK mike, I havent got a clue as to what all the hoopla is about with burning bush propagation…I just followed your directions and used a good hormone starter in pro 50 mix….added my own home grown mycoryh. fungi because i picked up the wrong bag of pro 50…and took care of the cuttings and they all rooted. I was also able to get some of the winged cuttings rooted also, but these are under hoop as the deer in the area are in a little trouble this year because of the constant cold day after day and knawed at the winged stems for some reason (thought they were supposed to be too bitter for deer to knaw on…but then last nights -4…just across from you on great lakes in upstate NY—I see tracks right up the stairs of my back porch where they got to my apple peels I left out to go into compost pile but was too cold to walk across the lawn last night….thanks for your information…we read every email….our family loves you and yours and the donkeys…feel like you are one of ours…
Thank you Kathleen, I truly appreciate you following me.
we have hundreds of trees and bushes in our yard–and really wonder about doing this
Libby,
I am always in search of plants for my nursery. There’s so much stuff that I don’t have and would like to have. And it’s the same for many small growers across the country.
I want to grow more Sweet Lemon trees and wonder if I should use the clam propigators or seeds and then graft to citrus sticks–I am unfamiliar with grafting…my tree is Big and came from Tampa – I live outside of HOuston, Tx
Libby,
I’d try the clamshells first. Grafting is tricky and it takes time to grow out the rootstock first.
I adore reading your advice & of course watching Finnegan & Fergus ( same age as my 6lb Shih Tzu Morgan who watches the as well). I have a hedge of flowering Callycanthus in my little DC garden. In summer I am always cutting them back. Would you like some winter cuttings? I would happily gift them to you for all your advise.
Kerry,
I appreciate your offer but in the business it’s really important that I know for sure, what variety etc. before I start growing any plant in my nursery. There are so many different varieties, that you really have to have the original plant tag if you want to propagate something.
Do you have a list of plants that do well as hardwood cuttings in the winter? I know purple sandcherry, red twig-are there others that I should try? Forsythia? Cranberry Viburnum? Others?
Thanks, have a blessed day
Terry
https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/?s=hardwood+cuttings
Terry,
Here’s a pretty good list for a variety of different plants. http://www.freeplants.com/howtodowhat.htm
Terry,
It’s really worth trying a lot of different things. I’m always surprised by things that root as hardwoods that I never thought of.
Hi Mike! Love your posts! I am a retired guy here in Stark County Ohio, O degrees this morning! Would like to start growing japanese maples to make a little xtra income. Where can I get rootlets or seedlings to get started. Is there anything I can do in the winter to getstarted? Keep up the good work!
Gary,
We have all kinds of wholesale sources. I have seven hundred ordered for next month, I think I am currently paying around $1.50 each in quantity. Many of our members also offer them in smaller quantities. We also have wholesale sources for the rarest of varieties. see this page https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/small-plants-big-profits/
mike can you propagate any kind of fruit trees like this
Ken,
Most fruit trees I’d say cannot be done from hardwood cuttings. Try this http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm or this http://backyardgrowers.com/free-clamshell-propagator/?utm_source=MBYN&utm_medium=ProductsPage&utm_campaign=ClamshellPropagator
I was just wondering about lilac trees if they would be better as hardwood or softwood cuttings. I have two varieties, but not sure what they are. One was given to me by my grandmother who has now passed away. The other one I don’t remember where I got it, but don’t have the name of the variety.
Sincerely
Robin
Robin,
Do the Lilacs as softwood cuttings for sure.
Mike,
Since the cutting contains the moisture and energy that will be used to produce leaves and roots, doesn’t in make sense to seal the top end of the cutting with grafting wax to prevent evaporation from the wound?
Regards,
Mike
Mike,
Sealing the wound on the top of the cutting would do no harm but it’s completely unnecessary. The cuttings root just fine without that extra step and expense.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for all of your valuable information. I have been rooting softwood cuttings for years but have not had much success with hardwood cuttings. I can’t wait to try your method.
I am wondering how many cuttings do you place in each pot after they have rooted? (For Annabelles I usually put 7. )
Also, can I do this with crape myrtles, abelias, lespedezas, butterfly bushes and chaste trees? They all bloom later in the season so I figure I wouldn’t be sacrificing blooms on the parent plants this year.
One more question- when would you propagate Goldflame spirea?
Thank you.
Janet,
To us a cutting is a valuable commodity and we put one per pot and they make up into nice size shrubs quickly. Some growers who are trying to produce a 3 gallon size plant quickly might use 3 cuttings, but in most cases that’s rare. They put one cutting in a smaller pot then later shift that small plant into a 3 gallon if that’s the size they want. I sell most everything that I grow in these pots. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/plastic-nursery-pots/. Goldflame spirea can be done now as hardwood cuttings or just about any time during the summer as softwood cuttings. I do most, if not all of mine as softwood cuttings. The others on your list will most likely be most successful as softwood cuttings. The hardwood technique is great for many things but not all. Of course it takes little effort to experiment to see what happens.
Happy New Year Mike!!!
Thanks for the reminder about Winter Plant Propagation. I always forget about this. I am so focused on spring and summer propagation and need these reminders that there are things I can do in the winter to make more “babies”.
Love the donkeys too!
Can you do this with white Rose ofSharon? I have tried to root one with absolutely no success. I have even tried planting the seeds.
Barbara,
Rose of sharon can be done as hardwood cuttings and they can also be done as softwoods like this. http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm. Don’t bother with the seeds, you’ll get a pretty generic rose of sharon.
Can I do any hydrangea’s for taking cuttings or do some work better than others
Deb,
I would stick to the Hydrangeas in the P.G. family for hardwood cuttings. P.G., Annabelle and a few others. Most of the Macrophyllas are easy to do as softwood cuttings. http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm
Hi Mike, I have a big beautiful Pink Lady Hawthorne that’s about 40 years old.
I would like to take some cuttings this year. What time of the year would be best?
We all love Finnegan and Fergus and the videos that their in. My favorite so far is the one where they are helping you dig up the sod for a garden..
Thank you, Bill
Bill,
A lot of trees are tricky from cuttings but it’s always worth a try. Wait until June and take some softwood cuttings now. I don’t know where on this site Duston has those clamshell propagation balls but that would be another way to do a favorite tree. We really don’t use those in the nursery, but they do work. I found them. http://backyardgrowers.com/free-clamshell-propagator/?utm_source=MBYN&utm_medium=ProductsPage&utm_campaign=ClamshellPropagator
The donkeys are a lot of fun. I bought a 4 wheel ATV and they go crazy when I fire that thing up. Kicking and bucking and running along the fence line.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Mike! I was wondering if cuttings would also work with young fruit and nut trees that are grafted to root stock. I will look up to see what each tree is, whether hard or soft wood. We are in east TX, zone 8, and maybe our winters aren’t cold enough to follow your procedures for propagating by cuttings (it only freezes maybe 10-20 nights and less than 5 days each winter). What do you think? Thank you.
Joy,
As you mentioned most fruit trees are grafted or budded but you can try some as softwood cuttings. I wouldn’t try hardwoods, I’m guessing it would be a waste of time. These clamshell propagators do work. http://backyardgrowers.com/free-clamshell-propagator/?utm_source=MBYN&utm_medium=ProductsPage&utm_campaign=ClamshellPropagator. I’d put them on in the spring.
Do you worry about rabbits or squirrels eating these hardwood cuttings – either now in the winter or in the spring when they start leafing out?
Jodi,
All kinds of critters can and will eat your cuttings so if you can put up some kind of a fence around them that will help. I stuck a bunch of cuttings a few weeks ago and that night something got in the bed and dug some up, chewed others off. But I’m guessing the ones that got bit off will still root and do fine, the bottom half is still in the sand.
Hey Mike,
Thanks, I’ve always enjoyed your site.
I have an over grown gooseberry, should this technique work on that plant?
It seems like it meets the criteria?
Jason,
It probably would. Do some now, then do more again in summer as softwood cuttings. One method or the other will work.
Love your tips and will be building my first aquarium propagation system this weekend.
Japanese boxwoods are my target, wanting to create a handsome hedge/border. Any special tips on those you might have? Read that I need the woody portion of the stem. I’m in Dallas, so a few nights a week we dip below 30 degress…are these okay to be outside?
Again, a million thank you’s for all the brilliant tips and tricks!
Keith
Keith,
We almost never use the wood part of the stem. Almost always we are working with growth from the current growing season. Boxwood you can do now but they’ll be slow to root because the wood is harder. If you wait until summer, probably late June for you, you can take cuttings that will be fairly soft, but just hardened off enough to stand up on their own. The softer wood should root in about 4 weeks. During the summer you do need some kind of an aquarium set up like this, but put it in the shade. http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm
Hi Keith. Use this link for great info on Boxwood Cuttings. http://www.freeplants.com/boxwood_propagation_and_care.htm
Mike, one of my many mature black walnuts produces jumbo nuts, beyond belief as to size, nothing smaller than a tennis ball and many larger! This year I harvested some for the first time. Once hulled they are still just under 2″ across. They produce a lot of delicious meat, cracking it out easily in quarters.
I want to multiply this tree and create a local brand with it. To make the most of this, am I better off focusing on cuttings or on grafting? (I have hundreds of graft-sized rootstock all over the place.)
Thanks for your advice.
Terry,
If you want an exact clone of the tree you have then you’ll have to do cuttings or grafts, seeds won’t give you an exact clone of the parent plant. You can try some cuttings this summer, but I’m thinking you might have to bud or graft to get what you want. I can’t say that I am any kind of an expert on Black Walnuts so this is the best advice I can offer on them. If you just want Black Walnut trees grow the seeds.
Grafting is the best action here. Good luck!
I love donkeys, especially miniature types. Since my last name is Finnegan I wonder how you named your Donkey “Finnegan.”
I have been receiving your emails for years and have enjoyed your expertise. I don’t sale any of my plants I have grown but give them to family and friends. I just like seeing things grow,
Keep up the good work!
Terry Finnegan
Pueblo West, CO
Terry,
We wanted to give them Irish names in honor of my late father so I asked my Email subscribers for selections. We received hundreds and settled on Finnegan and Fergus.
We had all of our readers submit names for the donkeys and ended up selecting Finnegan and Fergus.
Can you do this with Japanese maple?
Katheine,
No, Japanese maples are difficult to root from cuttings under any conditions. Most are grafted, some are budded. http://japanesemaplelovers.com/how-to-graft-japanese-maple-trees/