Free Flowering Shrubs and Evergreens!
It’s true, you can grow all of the flowering shrubs you want, absolutely free, once you learn how to root them yourself at home, in your backyard. I’m fixin’ to show you how to do that right now. Be prepared to be intrigued!
I want to make this as simple as possible for you so I am breaking plant propagation into two seasons.
Winter and summer.
If you can’t do one, you can do the other no matter what season it is. This article is about summer time plant propagation. To learn all about winter time plant propagation visit this page.
Timing is everything.
Timing is everything.
In order to successfully propagate your favorite flowering shrubs at home it’s important that you understand how important timing is so you know exactly when to start propagating at home. Spring is not a good time to propagate plants.
In the early spring plants are getting ready to grow, getting ready to burst into bloom and flush out with that sudden surge of new growth. Plants don’t propagate well at all in the spring because they already have too much going on. You have to let them do what they are wired to do naturally, then you can move in and propagate them to your hearts content.
When to start Summertime Plant Propagation.
Here in zone 5, north eastern, Ohio plants first start to leaf out usually around the second or third week of April. If you are in a warmer climate, or even a colder climate, all you have to do is adjust your “leaf out” date accordingly.
The Six Week Rule.
As soon as your plants start producing leaves in the spring go to your calendar and put a big X on that day and write below it, “first leaves”. Then from that day count forward six weeks.
So for me here in Ohio, I might mark April 23rd as my “leaf out” day. Counting forward six weeks from that day puts me at June 4th. That would most likely be the earliest that I could start rooting cuttings here in Ohio, if my plants made their first leaves on April 23 rd. That’s the six-week rule.
Why Wait Six Weeks?
Excellent question.
Think about this as reverse spaghetti cooking.
Huh? Stick with me, I’ll make this make sense for you. When you pull spaghetti out of the box the only way to describe it would be “Rigid”. Very stiff, brittle, can’t bend it without breaking it. But as you drop it into boiling water it begins to soften, becomes more pliable and in a matter of minutes it’s completely limp and can no longer be held out straight if you grab it by the end.
Plants are just like that, except in reverse!
When they first start to put on new growth in the spring that new growth is very soft, extremely pliable and not rigid at all. But as the growing season goes on, that growth begins to harden off and goes through four different stages between spring and winter.
1. Limp.
During the 6 weeks while you are waiting, the new growth is limp. So limp in fact that you can’t work with it at all.
2. Softwood.
Softwood is exactly what you are waiting for. Softwood is just hard enough that you can work with it, but still so soft that it has to be handled carefully and placed in a protective environment while the cuttings make roots. After waiting the six weeks you can take “softwood cuttings”.
3. Semi Hardwood.
As the growing season progresses the new growth continues to harden off and by mid summer the new growth is harder, more rigid and considered semi hard. The harder the new growth gets the more durable it is, but at the same time it’s take longer for it to root.
4. Hardwood.
As fall begins to set in the plants begin to protect themselves for the up coming, bitter cold winter air. They stop growing so all of the new growth produced during the current growing season has a chance to “harden off”. By winter the growth from the current season is very hard and rigid, not very flexible at all. Just like spaghetti right out of the box.
This article is about propagation during the summertime, so we’ll focus on softwood cuttings and semi hardwood cuttings, and for the most part they can be treated exactly the same. Just expect the softwood cuttings to be a bit more fragile and the semi hardwood cuttings will take a bit longer to root.
There are a number of different ways to root softwood cuttings. They all work, some are much more predictable than others. Here in the nursery, we use an automated system that works like magic. In the video below I show you how to do softwood cuttings with some basic household items that you probably already have around the house.
Typically softwood cuttings will start to root in 3 to 6 weeks. Some things are pretty well rooted in four weeks, other things take 8 weeks or longer. Once the cuttings are rooted you can gently remove from the rooting medium and either pot them up or plant them out in your garden.
How Do You Know when they are Rooted?
Just pull on the cutting to see if it will come out of the rooting medium. Don’t be afraid, you aren’t going to hurt them. If they are not yet rooted, or just starting to root they’ll slide out of rooting medium easily. If you feel resistance, they are rooted or starting to root, don’t disturb them unless you think it’s time to pot them. But . . . there’s no point in being in a big hurry to get them potted. They are happy where they are.
Cuttings often produce some callous before rooting, so don’t be alarmed if you see white bumps on the end of the cutting. That’s a good sign!
Once potted it helps to keep them in a shaded area if you are potting during the summer. We often leave our cuttings in our propagation beds from June until at least April of the following year. Mostly because we don’t have room for them in the nursery until we sell some of what we have on hand.
Once rooted and planted out or potted, your new plants need regular pruning. In this video I show you how important that is and how to do it.
Fertilizing your new plants.
Do not use regular garden fertilizer on your rooted cuttings or new potted plants. You will kill them. Regular garden fertilizer contains too much nitrogen that releases too quickly and it will kill your plants. I didn’t say that it might kill your plants, I said that it will kill your plants!
Not enough fertilizer is always better than too much.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food [Amazon] is a good choice because it’s safe to use. Miracle-Gro products are specially formulated so home gardeners can use them safely.
So there you have it. Summertime plant propagation techniques that actually work.
Hardwood cuttings are a wintertime project and you can learn how those are done here.
Questions or comments? Post them below.
Can I propagate camellias by cuttings or layering ?
Donna,
I would say either way should work.
How often do you water them with the bag method?
Don,
You can tell by the amount of condensation in the bag whether or not they need more water. You need it to be wet inside the bag.
hi there can I take cornus cuttings now and do you have any rooted that you could sell me thanks lynne from Cornwall UK
Lynne,
You can do dogwood shrubs now, most dogwood trees are difficult to root from a cutting. Sorry, I don’t ship any plants.
Can I root a smoke tree cutting?
Larry,
It can be done, but it’s also very tricky. Best bet is softwood now. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Hi Mike, I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. What’s a good plant I can get started on down here?
Frankie,
Anything that flowers and is selling in local garden centers. Growing in Florida is super easy!
Hi Mike,
I wanted to know if the soft wood cuttings MUST have a bag? I have a bunch of semi hardwood and others on the second floor of my barn where it’s like a greenhouse very warm and muggy. If a bag is a must ok just thought I’d ask. Thank you
Robin,
Not always, it’s just a way of keeping them hydrated. I don’t think you’ll have that kind of humidity in a barn.
Mike, You opened this article with a picture of a viburnum and you triggered me to ask a question you may be able to help me with.
I saw a viburnum I really liked called Blue Muffin. I think it just came out to market.
It came bare root and I gave it a good drink in a bucket for a few hours and then planted it. I am bothered that every plant in my garden is in full bloom and this viburnum is not even budding yet.
I never had one before so I don’t know. Is it a late bloomer?
I did scratch the bark a little and I do not see any green cambium.
What do you think? I am in zone 7 in New Jersey so y weather is not too different than yours.
I appreciate your opinion and any help you can give me.
Joe,
Bare root plants are often seriously damaged when not stored properly before being shipped to you. If there is no green under the bark, there is little hope for the plant. This is how you test to see if a plant, or a branch on a plant has died. Just scratch the bark of your plants with your finger nail. If the tissue below the bark is green and firm your plants are fine. If the tissue is brown and mushy that part of the plant is dead.
Thanks, Mike I did exactly what you said, but I was probably in denial. LOL
I was hoping, but reality has just set in.
I have several japanese maples that were seedlings last year. They are about 8-12 inches tall. I have been trying to find information regarding whether or not to prune the top as they are getting spindly. I’ve found lots of information about growing them, but not whether or not to top them. Can anyone provide some insight on this? I have about 100 maples from this year so will need to know how to do this correctly.
Mindy,
Don’t trim the tops. Maybe when they reach 44″ you can consider it then.
Where do I buy the size pot you use
Bill,
Try AM Leonard or greenhouse mega store.
HI MIKE. I AM IN NC ZONE 6/7 AND I LOVE MTN AZALEAS. CAN I PROPOGATE THEM, I WAS TOLD IT HAS TO DO WITH THE SEEDS. ALSO SILLY ? I CHANGE DISH PANS OFTEN ( PLASTIC ONES ) CAN I USE THE USED ONES WITHOUT THE DANGER OF SALT OR GREASE RESIDUE.
Martha,
Yes and yes. Deciduous azaleas are often grown from seed.
Hi Mike, I really enjoy your videos. Mike i have a question, Your method of propagating hardwood cuttings, can this be done with apple- fruit tree cuttings. Flat with Sand, drench with water and cover with plastic… Please let me know Mike, i would appreciate it. Thank You
Ed,
Probably not, most fruit trees are grafted or budded but some do work as softwood cuttings but not hardwood. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Hi Mike, I stumbled across your site recently and am quite excited to see what I may be able to grow for myself. I am not looking to make a profit at this point in time, but I have some acreage that I would love to propagate some cuttings for.
I’ve read many of your plant specific posts and have just created my propagation box ( it’s a 5’ by 2.5’ box) ready to fill with sand for propagation.
I am in KC (zone 6), and hoping to get started with some evergreen cuttings (Green Giant Thuja/arborvitae trees for privacy) and (maybe) some semi-deciduous cuttings from some cuttings I ordered earlier this spring.
When you say wait until the cuttings are rooted then place them in your garden or plant in pots, would I be able to plant these on my acreage (which has irrigation accessibility) after they have developed cuttings or do I transfer to pots to continue the rooting process, first? I wasn’t fully clear on that.
It is about mid-August here but we should still have close to 2-months before a true frost. I’m not sure so how much rooting will take place before frost, but wanted to know what to do once they root. Do I need to then transition them to a pot to continue root growth (either this fall or early spring or longer) or do I place them in the ground where I’d like to continue to grow them and water regularly? Obviously some plants will take longer to root (like my Blue Rug Juniper cuttings) , but any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I can’t afford to spend all my money on full grown or large plants, but having bought the property, I do want to spend some money on small plants and cuttings and allow them the time to grow to fill the space.
Also, I absolutely love evergreen landscapes, and am looking to incorporate as much color variety into my current evergreen landscape.
Do you have much experience with Mother Lode Juniper? It’s a slow growing horizontal juniper and yellow (my favorite color). It would bring a lot of color to my overall landscape, but have you ever propagated the Mother Lode or have any guidance? I have a medium sized plant growing But would like to try to propagate it to use elsewhere on my property. Do I try? Any wisdom?
Looking forward to seeing what I may be able to propagate. Thank you!
Elise,
1. Once well rooted plant them in a bed about 8″ apart to develop plants that are large enough and sturdy enough to be plant out in the field.
2. Evergreens are going to be slow to root, especially as the temps start to cool. Don’t be in a hurry to move them. I leave my evergreens in the propagation beds for an additional growing season after they have rooted to fatten them up a bit.
3. If you want to buy small plants and rooted cuttings you really need to test drive our members area. You won’t believe how inexpensive plants are in the buy/sell section and you can get expert advice almost instantly from truly experienced growers. The 30 day test drive is the best bargain online. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
4. Junipers? Some root very easily, some seem to take forever and you might get less than 50% so always take extra cuttings of everything that you root. But don’t be surprised if it takes a year to get them rooted. But don’t let that deter you. A year from now you will be very excited to have tried them and been patient enough to wait them out.
5. You’ve invested a lot of money in your property, you want to create a lot of plant for that property. If I were you I most certainly would invest in the one tool that almost all of my members use to making rooting cuttings almost painless. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/
Hey there,
We’re half hour east of Winnipeg, Manitoba, zone 3A and would love to propagate our high bush cranberries and saskatoon bushes. I wondered if now would be a good time to make some cutting as the new growth is green, but not limp? Thanks for the great info and encouragement to do this:)
Garth,
I would say yes, get them rooted now, then plant in the ground before winter in a protected spot. Even if it’s a temporary spot for a year or so.
Hi Mike!
I’m in Southern Maine, Zone 5, I just stumbled upon your YouTube channel and now this website when trying to learn about propagating a Japanese Flowering Quince. It has gorgeous coral blossoms and I’m dying to own one!
Today a nice gentleman dug up from the bottom of his possibly hundred year old shrub some newer (but likely not this year’s) shoots. I bought powdered rooting compound, removed all blossoms, dipped about 3″ of the ends and stuck them in a 6″ pot of soil. These shoots are 2 -3 feet tall but without branches (similar to a new shoot of forsythia) .
After watching your videos and reading several of your articles, I’m wondering if what I did will work? Thank you so much for this wonderful resource! I look forward to your response.
Kairyn,
The cuttings are way too long. Use softwood on 4″ long and try again. The wood you have is very hard, just not going to work.
Mike,
When making a propogation box, should the lid let light in or no. I was thinking of using a solar gray polycarbonate panel that only lets in some light and I think stops the UV. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Nick,
Some light but not a lot of direct sun. They really should need much sun to root.
Hello. I stumbled across your videos and had to check out the website. Very informative.
I have a question regarding clippings.
I live in Sacramento, CA so the weather seems perfect right now for clippings.
Today I went to the store excited and confident while gathering supplies. However, the owner of the hardware store left me feeling discouraged.
I am trying to do clippings from pomegranate, camellia and two different cherry trees. (I know them as choke cherry and queen … Something lol) the man informed me the only way to propagate the trees is to graft.
This project means so much to me as the trees are from my grandparent’s ranch. (They have both recently passed and these trees have a lot of sentiment for me.)
Will this method (bucket/sand/white bag) work for a camellia, pomegranate and cherry?
I have sand, potting soil, rooting hormone and perlite. I figure I’ll try a bit of everything and hope something takes.
I appreciate the knowledge and info you’ve shared as well as any advice you may have.
Thank you
sarah
Sarah,
Just because they are normally grafted doesn’t mean that they won’t root for you. It’s worth a try. Stick more cuttings than you want to increase your odds.
Mike,
Thank you. I think I ended up starting hundreds of clippings. I’ll be happy if one of each tree take root. I’ll be beyond excited if they all do.
Thank you again!
Mike, I believed I watered too much and I am now seeing small signs of rot and mildew. I’ve cut back my misting significantly to try to dry out the propagation area a bit. Would you ever recommend a light fungicide on the rooting cuttings? Its my first summer trying mist rather than poly and its making me nervous haha. I know the rooting powder contains fungicide, but I was wondering if a foliar spray before bedtime is ever appropriate to salvage hours of work sticking cuttings.
Absolutely! A fungicide spray won’t hurt a thing and will help if you have issues going on. You’re right, spray at dusk just as the cuttings are drying from the mist.
Hi Mike,
I love your emails and tips, and decided to become a member when membership opens up again. Apparently, I just missed it. But will keep an eye out. I have been told I have a green thumb, so I think I can do this, and would like to start playing with something in my own yard. Rhododendron’s.
Right now they are in full bloom on the East Coast, Cape Cod. Would I start soft wood cutting’s after the flower has died off?
Also, you won’t believe, and my neighbor and I was just talking about this bush a day before your email came out, She has a Exbury Azalea. Yes. I would love to do something with this, as you say they are very rare. When should I start looking for the pods? Right now this bush is also in full bloom.
Your time and thoughts much appreciated.
Lisa
Hey Mike, I live in south east Michigan and I was wondering when it would be a good time to start cutting softwood cuttings? Also once they get rooted what is a good size pot to put them in? I’ve been looking online for some pots but just can’t seem to find a good source. Thank you!
Nathan,
You should be able to do softwoods right now. Pots? I buy mine locally, our members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, seem to know where the best deals are.
HI Mike I live in southern California. I’m really interested in how to plant and take care of vegetables and fruits. All and any information you can give will be greatly appreciated. I have NEVER successfully planted or grown anything. All this will be my first time for all living things that are green. Thank you for your time
Jody,
I’m not much of a veggie gardener but good soil is a must. Work it well, maybe add composted manure etc. would be a good start. Most plants don’t need a lot of care. Plant them in good soil and keep the weeds at bay.
Hi Mike, I would like to know how to cross-bred Iris plants. I live in zone 5b Wisconsin. Thanks Jan
Jan,
That’s not really something that I have experience with.
I managed to propagate a couple of my Tifblue blueberry softwood cuttings last year, but I did it without a system and without plastic—so very low survival rate–2 out of 15.. I misted them several times a time by hand! I get a feeling these two blueberry plants won’t die easily, though! 🙂 I might be buying your http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/ soon! I should have bought one last year, and I would have a whole lot more blueberry plants! from loyalty to someone I know cares, if nothing else. 🙂
I’m up to 47 raspberry plants in containers, 11 blueberry plants, three wisteria, a couple of 2nd season pineapple plants—one I propagated from a pineapple I bought at Aldi—, five fruit trees! I know the thrill!!! I plan to know it for years to come! I have a couple of miracle fruit plants I bought late last year and grew under LED light during the Winter. Unfortunately, one of the three fell victim to rabbit savagery. I had let them loose for a romp in the house, and within the few minutes I left the plants on the floor, they had already wounded one. I tried to tape it up immediately, but to no avail. I haven’t given up on it yet; I put a plastic container over the “nub” and keep it moist. I’m so excited to find you! I’ve been watching Youtube for years and have likely already watched some of your videos, but I haven’t subscribed to all that many channels until the last year or so. Thanks so much for making all your information so easily affordable, or even free!!! Thanks for sharing from your wealth of knowledge! Using an aquarium to propagate plants just hadn’t come to me; so glad you shared that too!
Wesley,
You’re welcome, thanks for following along!
I want to buy your non patented hydrangeas. How do I do that?
Catherine
Catherine,
The best way to buy small plants is from our members. Mostly I just sell locally. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Hi Mike! I have been reading your e-mails for a couple years. Sharing your knowledge the way you do is a wonderful legacy to your family and all those who take advantage of your years of experience.
I am excited and looking forward to earning a part time income. I did join the backyard growers and also paid 7.00 for business 30 day trial. I thought – but I can’t get in. Help
I also have a composting question. I want to start composting but I am concerned about rats or skunks. I feel like if I put banana peels coffee grounds , egg shells ect into an open/ yet fenced area I will be asking for trouble. Any insight for me on this.
Thanks for your help. I AM Inspired!!!!
Diane,
Contact Duston in the office and he’ll help you with your membership; [email protected]. I think you are right to be concerned about rats. I compost but I don’t compost food products. Any exterminator will tell you that even feeding birds near the house can contribute to a rat problem. But I think the risk is much higher with food products.
Hi Mike – I have 4 Hibiscus plants which are not doing very good and they are really, really old. I was wondering about taking some of the better stems and trying to start them. Any suggestions? Also do you have any videos or pictures on placing plants in a flower bed with some shrubs and flowers. This bed is about 10feet long by 5-6 feet wide. What I have now is a mess with flowers growing quite high and chocking out the smaller ones. Many thanks for your suggestions from Alberta, Canada
Luciene,
See this about landscaping. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/03/23-landscaping-ideas-with-photos/ Do the hibiscus as softwood cuttings now and try more again in December as hardwood cuttings. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-winter-time-plant-propagation-can-home/
Great idea those baskets. I use so called seedling trays with propagating sand. In the case of thick stems, like pelargoniums it is a bit wobbly. I guess I can’t stick them deep enough? The baskets however would need a lot more soil…. How do they hold up in the weather though?
Hi Mike! I love your websites and have been looking at them all day!!! Quick question and you probably answer it somewhere but you have so much information I was having a hard time keeping everything straight. I am just thinking about starting out and was going to try the plastic tub for the cuttings in the plastic bag. Can they stay that way all summer/winter into the next spring until they are ready to go to pots? Or is it better to build a propagation box like in your book the backyard cash machine? Want to start simple but have to ability to grow. And lastly if I don’t really have plants to get cuttings from, where do you recommend starting? Sorry for so many questions just very excited to start this journey!!! ?
Dessirae,
Once your cuttings are rooted they can be potted or even planted in a bed until spring, then potted. Once they are rooted the tub should be removed from the plastic and kept watered until you pull them. The ideal way to get cuttings of properly named plants is to buy rooted cuttings or liners, A rooted cutting is exactly as it sounds, a cutting, pretty much a stick, with some leaves and roots on the bottom. A liner is a rooted cutting that has been grown out for one growing season. It is starting to branch out and has a much heavier root system than a rooted cutting, from one of our members.
In just a few days, today is 6/26/16 for $57 I think and that will be on sale for 50% off when it comes out. with that you get 30 days to the members area and you can buy liners from other members and you can take cuttings from those liners. Right now I have rooted cuttings that are for pick up only here in Perry, Ohio. But that’s only for those that are close and only a very limited amount. They won’t last long. This is important, For years and years and years this has been my rant;
http://freeplants.com/rant.htm
I have a small hobby greenhouse that has slide in panels. A things were fine during the winter, but now on June 1st the temperature in the greenhouse goes straight to 100 degrees when the son is shining on it. I bought a cover that was supposed to cut the sunlight by 50 percent , but I checked at noon time and th temp is 95 degrees. I have a fan in there and the doors are wide open. What should I do next. Thanks i
Richard,
I don’t propagate in a greenhouse for that very reason. All I can suggest is more shade cloth.
Once you have the basket with sand and cuttings inside the white bag, how often do you need to open up the bag to rewater it? Maybe there isn’t a specific time, but rewater once the sand is starting to get dry. How often do you think you should check the cuttings inside the bag.
Not sure if it matters, but I live in Houston, TX where it is starting to get hot. Should be in the low 90’s by the end of the week.
Andy,
If the bag is closed up it should be fine for at least two weeks. Keep in mind, this method works but in high heat it can be problematic. Most of members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, quickly realize that this system is by far the best way to go. It’s predictable. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/
Hi I live in central Valley of California. I have 4-5 year old grapevines in my backyard that are already budding. The problem is I am moving…..can I transplant my vines or is it better to take a cutting? Thank you for your time.
Jamie,
At this time of year neither of those are very good options. It’s too early for cuttings and too late for transplanting. If you decide to transplant dig out as far away from the plant as possible to do as little root damage as possible. Softwood cuttings might work, but if the plants are just now budding, you can try treating them as hardwood cuttings. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-winter-time-plant-propagation-can-home/ ????
Hi Mike, I was wondering the best time to take cuttings or if I can, from a Holly Leaf Tea Olive?
Thank you!
Cheryl,
I’d say six to eight weeks after the plant starts growing in the spring.
Thanks Mike! you and your info are Awesome!
C.
Thanks Mike! last question (for now!). what is the maximum length cutting for tea olive or any plant?
C.
Cheryl,
For most plants 5″ is ideal cutting length unless with something like grapes where the buds are 6″ apart you end up with a 12 or 13″ cutting. But that’s a hardwood cutting. A softwood cutting that long would never hold up.
Hi Mike,
I’m having a problem knowing the difference between the University Program and the Membership Program. I want both, however, I can’t afford both right now. Therefore, which would be the greatest advantage to learn how to produce and sell plants. I think the University, my husband thinks the Membership. What’s the difference between them?
Anita T Lewis
Anita,
The univeristy is great, it’s all of the videos etc. that we’ve sold since I started. There’s a ton of info in there, pdf books etc. articles. Great information. We used to sell this information for $297. The membership is also awesome! You get to interact with me and all of the other members, a great sharing of information, you can meet other members near you. Plus the buy/sell area where you can get awesome deals on plants any day of the week.
My advice? Purchase the university and test drive the members area. I really think a person should have both if possible. More here; http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/10/backyard-nursery-tools-of-the-trade-things-to-turn-you-into-a-successful-grower/
The branches that you prune off – can they be used as new cuttings, just sticking them in the sand?
Belinda,
They can but depending on the time of the year you either have to treat them as softwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings. They get treated differently.
Mike, am I doing the right thing by covering my Japanese maples with a sheet.? It has been in 20’s and 30’s. I don’t want them to freeze or be damaged. The weather is crazy here in NE AL we’ll have really cold days then unseasonably warm.
Barbara,
You’re not going to harm them covering them with a sheet, but I’m not sure how much it will really help. Cold air has a way of permeating most coverings unless there’s some kind of an insulation factor built in. But if Japanese maples are dormant, it won’t harm them to freeze. Mine have seen temperatures way, way below zero and have survived.
Loved the videos. I don’t understand after taking the plastic bag off do you leave the tote outside in the winter? I am in Virginia.
Gale,
Yes, leave the tote outside all winter. Little cuttings are tougher than you think.
So far Im confused I do not see anything of value other than links to pay more and have yet to receive anything for the 97.00 already paid please respond, although I dont expect a response, already states you this site does not do emials, bad joke guys
I’m sorry for the confusion. If you’ve paid $97.00 you are entitled to access to all of the material that I’ve produced in the past 17 years, lots and lots of videos, all of the ebooks etc. You should have received an email with details. Contact Duston [email protected] in the office and he will see that you get the products that you paid for. There is an entire library of information that you should have access to. He’ll help you set up a user name and password to access that content.
Hi Mike,
I’ve been reading your articles about propagation and I was trying to find an answer to my question, but no luck thus far. I watched your video about propagating plants in sand last week and I’ve given it a try. I have about 15 cuttings from different trees and shrubs and they are nice and humid in the plastic thrash bag. Since I did this in the beginning of September what will be my next course of action? Do i check them in the beginning of October to see if they rooted and if so what next? Do I plant them in my yard in October, or plant them in a pot, in that case where should I keep them over the winter. I”m in Colorado, 5b zone I believe. Also above video shows how to prune cuttings in a shrub shape, how about trees? Most of my cuttings are for trees, how do I prune those?
Thank you so much, I’ve been so excited about planting and propagating ever since I saw your videos. Thank you again.
Dana
Dana,
Many trees are typically propagated via seeds, not cuttings. Flowering shrubs and evergreen are done via cuttings. But that doesn’t mean that your cuttings won’t root. If you could of done this in June or July the cuttings would be more like to root faster. The softer the wood the faster they root. Your cuttings in the bag, just leave them until it gets cold, then take the bag off and place them in the shade and keep them watered. It could take them several months to root since the wood is harder.
Trust me, this is easy and you can get good at it, most importantly, timing is everything. We typically do cuttings from June until August, then we usually stop and do more in the dead of winter, outside in the cold. Hardwood cuttings. Stay tuned, I’ll try and remember to let everybody know what we are doing when.
In our members area we discuss this daily. Our Backyard Growers Members area is awesome! Learn all about it here:
http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Thanks for the emails, I’ve enjoyed getting to know about you and your company, to the point I’m going to try your plastic bag method to propagate some new blueberry starts this weekend.
I’m just drawing a bit of a blank as I think through the results of your recommended process. It seems like the leaves will turn brown and fall off long before there are any new roots established, the stem would dry up, and even if you do get new roots, there will be now where for a new leaf/bud to start. Will the leaves turn brown and fall off?
Further, I just received your propagation booklet, and it’s recommending using soil with my starts as opposed to the sand used in your video. What’s the difference, and why?
Thanks again,
Don’t the leaves turn brown and fall off?
Dave,
You have to trust the process, it works. I use sand with this system, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/, because of the regular watering. But when you are just creating a constantly humid environment soil works well, or a potting mix that contains peat and perlite.
I started my First Hardwood cuttings last October I used Mircirle grow soil & Peralic I now have beautiful Angel Trumpets growing in pots. I’m waiting for my first Bloom. What Fun to learn a New way to Garden
Patricia,
That’s awesome! Now it’s full steam ahead for you.
Mike, how long should/can we leve the cuttings in the bags?
Kurt,
It depends on the plant, anywhere from 3 weeks to 12 weeks. Most should be rooted in about 6 weeks or so.
When I first got your intermittent watering system you mentioned about starting cuttings in sand but now you seem to talk about a soil mix have you changed. I want to get started soon this year
JEH
John, I believe what Mike is saying is: you start your rooting bed with sand, then when the plants that have rooted and you have pruned, you plant them in soil in a pot. If I am wrong…Mike will correct me, I believe.
Carol,
You are absolutely right, I haven’t seen John’s comment before seeing yours.
John,
All of my softwood cuttings are done in sand. Hardwood cuttings I also do in sand, but sometimes I’ll root them in potting soil. Both seem to work really well for me. Last winter I did them all in sand. It got down to 21 below zero after I stuck my cuttings and I still have incredible success with them. Cuttings never cease to amaze me.
Mike I have enjoyed your videos . I was wondering if I could root hydrangeas this way.
Juanita,
Absolutely! http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm
I just found your site, and all this great info!
My panicle hydrangea has had its first growth this year and is flowering. How do I root them if they have flowers or flower buds? Is it too late for softwood, or do I root the whole flower?
Thanks!!
Pete,
Remove the flowers and stick softwood cuttings now, then hardwood cuttings in late winter.
Sorry, if you could clarify, I’m not completely clear…
Cut the flowers (or buds as they are in the middle of blooming) off, (dry them, whatever) then cut an additional 5-6″ and use that for my softwood cuttings? Its ok if the cuttings are cut on the top too?
Then I can do hardwood later if I want. Do I have that right?
Peter,
Just clip the flower bud and toss that, and use the top 4″ of the plant for your cutting. You can probably get more than one cutting from each stem until you get down where the wood starts to get hard. Then come winter you can use that harder wood for hardwood cuttings. What really matters is how you care for those cuttings while they are rooting. They need to be in a humid environment.
I did just noticed some don’t have flower buds on the ends (not yet?) Should I just use those? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to get it right 🙂
Pete,
I say you can use both, just clip off the flower buds. I have hydrangeas rooting right now that are starting to bloom.
Mike, I have just watched the above two videos regarding taking cuttings and pruning. I found them very interesting and helpful.
Many Thanks
Thanks Marlene, wishing you great plant propagation success!
Mike,
Is there a difference between playbox sand and contractors sand?
Al,
That really depends on where you buy it, it does vary in different parts of the country. But for the most part I’d say there is little difference, play box sand should work just fine. Sometimes you just have to use what you have in your area. As long as it drains it will work.
Thanks Mike for your very helpful advice and videos. I can see you are a no-nonsense kind of guy. Of all the marketers I follow online, you would be one that I would probably take the time to travel to and visit..
Thanks Thomas, I appreciate that.
Thanks Mike for great info can I do this with Crape Myrtle shoots coming off the roots?
Cliff,
Rather than take the cuttings from root suckers, I’d take softwood cuttings from the tree itself. It should work just fine.
Thanks Mike for all your great info. Have learned a lot from you.
I just watched your video about pruning rooted cuttings…brilliant. makes perfect sense how you explain it but without having watched this I would have been scared to prune so drastically. I will from now on though. Thanks for the great advice
Wendy,
You are welcome, proper and aggressive pruning is absolutely essential.
Hello
I just watched your video about rooting cuttings.
I trimmed my japanese maple and want to root the trimmings. Can I do this using your rooting system?
thank you
Jacqueline
a plant lover
Jacqueline,
Japanese maples are extremely difficult to root as cuttings. Most are grafted for that very reason. But you can try this http://www.freeplants.com/homemade-plant-propagation.htm
tank for the up date
Thanks, Mike, You’ve taught me not to be afraid to prune!!