Growing plants from cuttings is an easy way to get more out of your plants for free, however some are more difficult to propagate than others.
Successfully growing new plants from cuttings relies on understanding a plant’s natural growth cycle.
Cuttings are generally divided into three categories; softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood.
Each require specific timing, care and techniques.
To ensure the best chance of success, always select healthy, pest-free donor plants and use clean, sharp secateurs to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
1. Softwood cuttings (spring)
As the weather warms up, the transition into spring is the ideal window to take softwood cuttings.
This method utilises the tender, fresh new growth of plants such as rosemary, lavender and hydrangeas.
Timing: Take cuttings early in the morning when the donor plant is fully hydrated.
Method: Cut a section of growth roughly 10cm long, making the cut directly below a leaf node (the point where leaves join the stem).
This area contains a high concentration of natural growth hormones, which encourages root development.
Tip: Select non-flowering shoots, as they do not have to expend energy on flowers and will develop roots much faster.
Strip away the lower leaves before planting.
2. Semi-hardwood cuttings
(late summer to autumn)
Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken once the current season’s growth has begun to firm up.
The tips of the stems remain flexible, but the base has started to turn woody. This method is highly effective for plants like bay trees, camellias and jasmine.
Method: Cut a straight, 10cm branchless section from the growing tip of the plant.
Retain a few leaves at the top of the cutting to support photosynthesis while stripping the lower leaves away.
3. Hardwood cuttings (winter)
Hardwood cuttings are taken during the coldest months of the year when deciduous plants are completely dormant and the wood is firm and non-pliable.
This method works well for roses, figs, grapes and dormant hydrangeas.
Method: Select healthy stems grown within the last year and cut a section roughly 15cm long.
Make a flat cut straight across the bottom of the stem directly below a leaf node, and an angled cut at the top end just above a leaf node. The angled top cut helps shed water and helps gardeners identify which end is the top.
Planting and aftercare
Once the cuttings are prepared, the planting process is identical for all three types.
Dip the bottom end of each cutting into honey or a commercial rooting hormone to protect the cut and encourage cell division.
Insert the cuttings into seedling trays or pots filled with a specialised, free-draining propagation mix.
Hardwood cuttings, being larger, will require deeper containers.
Place the containers in a warm, protected position away from direct sunlight.
To lock in the humidity and warmth required for root growth, use a covered propagation tray or loosely tent a clear plastic bag over the pots.
Keep the soil mix consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings can begin developing roots within a few weeks.
You can check their progress by gently tugging on the stem; if you feel resistance, roots have formed, and the plant can be moved to a larger pot.
Hardwood cuttings require patience, often taking two to three months to establish roots and push out new leaf growth.
