How and When to Take Hardwood Plant Cuttings

A Beginner’s Guide

Taking hardwood cuttings is a great way to propagate plants and expand your garden without spending a lot of money on new plants. This method is particularly effective for certain types of shrubs, trees, and perennial plants. If you’ve ever wondered how to take hardwood cuttings and when is the best time to do it, this post will guide you through the process.

What Are Hardwood Cuttings?

Hardwood cuttings are sections of mature stems taken from deciduous plants during their dormant period. Unlike softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, which are taken from new or semi-mature growth, hardwood cuttings come from older, woody growth. These cuttings are typically taken when the plant is not actively growing, making it easier for the cutting to root without expending too much energy.

Hardwood cuttings are perfect for plants like:

• Rose bushes
• Forsythia
• Lilacs
• Honeysuckle
• Willows
• Boxwoods
• Hydrangeas

When to Take Hardwood Cuttings

The key to successful hardwood cutting propagation is timing. Hardwood cuttings are best taken when the plant is in its dormant phase, typically in late fall to early winter, after the plant has dropped its leaves. The best time for our area is Janurary and February, but times may vary depending on your local climate.

The plant’s dormancy is essential because it minimizes the energy needed for the cutting to survive and root. Taking cuttings during this time ensures that the plant’s energy is focused on survival rather than growth.

In colder climates, you’ll want to wait until the temperature has consistently dropped to allow the plant to enter full dormancy. In milder climates, you may have a slightly longer window to work with, but the cuttings will still need to be taken before the plant starts to show any signs of new growth in the spring.

How to Take Hardwood Cuttings

Taking hardwood cuttings is relatively simple and requires just a few basic steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the Right Plant

Choose healthy, mature plants with good disease resistance. The cutting should come from last season’s growth and be free of disease, pests, or damage. Look for stems that are firm, woody, and about the thickness of a pencil or smaller.

2. Prepare Your Tools

To ensure clean cuts and avoid introducing any disease, make sure you’re using sharp, sterilized pruning shears or a knife. Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution before starting.

3. Take the Cutting

Cut sections of stem that are approximately 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long. The cutting should include at least three buds—two at the top and one at the bottom. Make the cuts just below a bud at the base and just a little bit above a bud at the top.

4. Remove the Leaves

If the cutting has leaves, remove them to reduce moisture loss. For hardwood cuttings, it’s best to remove all leaves entirely.

5. Optional: Use Rooting Hormone

Although not necessary, you can dip the cut end of the hardwood cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Rooting hormones contain auxins, which promote root growth.

6. Prepare the Potting Medium

Fill a small pot with a well-draining rooting medium, we recommend sand. Insert the cut end of the hardwood cutting into the medium, burying it about halfway. Firm the sand around the cutting to ensure it stays upright. If you are only doing a few use a styrofoam cup, poke a couple of small holes in the bottom then place something in the bottom to keep the sand in and let the water drain such as landscape fabric. Place the sand in what ever container you are using and wet the sand down and let drain.

7. Water and Place in a Suitable Environment

Water the cuttings gently to moisten the sand, and place the pot in a cool, sheltered spot. A greenhouse or a cold frame is ideal, but you can also place them in a shaded area outdoors if temperatures stay low. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the cuttings.

8. Wait for Rooting

Rooting can take several weeks to months, depending on the plant species and environmental conditions. During this time, it’s important to keep the cuttings moist and check periodically for signs of growth. After several weeks, gently tug on the cutting to see if there’s resistance, indicating that roots have formed. Important – when you notice new growth on your cuttings make sure to protect them from late frosts. Frost may very well kill your new cutting. Even though it may be putting on growth doesnt mean the roots are established.

Caring for Your Cuttings

Once your hardwood cuttings have rooted and you see new growth, it’s time to care for them like you would any young plant. Gradually acclimate them to sunlight and, once the risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them into your garden or larger containers.

Be sure to keep the new plants well-watered and feed them with a balanced slow release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth as they establish themselves.

Tips for Success with Hardwood Cuttings

• Choose the Right Time: Timing is critical. If you take cuttings too early in the fall or too late in the winter, they may not root properly. Aim for the dormant period.
• Use Fresh Cuttings: Hardwood cuttings are more likely to root successfully when they are taken fresh. Don’t store cuttings for too long before planting.
• Be Patient: Rooting can take time. Don’t rush the process. Give your cuttings the care and time they need to establish healthy root systems.
• Check for Mold: If you notice any signs of mold, remove the affected cuttings and adjust the moisture levels in your container.

Conclusion

Hardwood cuttings are an affordable and rewarding way to propagate plants, and with the right timing and technique, you can grow new plants for your garden at minimal cost. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection of roses, shrubs, or even fruit trees, taking hardwood cuttings during the dormant season is a simple and effective propagation method. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have healthy new plants ready for the next growing season!