All of the roses that I have for sale in the nursery are propagated by me from roses that grow in my garden. Now is the perfect time for me to take cuttings to root the roses that will be next year's crop. I set my work table in the driveway in the shade, gather my supplies, and get to it.
With the heat we have been having for the past two weeks, my most important supply is a big glass of lemonade (homemade, of course).
I trim and score each cutting, and dip it into rooting hormone.
It's important to be sure that everything is accurately labeled, with the name of the rose and the date.
Two cuttings per pot, 36 pots per flat.
Place each flat on the mist bench.
I did 4 flats today. Sticking cuttings is solitary work, and I enjoy the quiet. It's not lonely, though. I had company today.
If you want step-by-step instructions to learn to root your own roses, I have a photo tutorial on my Hartwood Roses web site.
(written by Hartwood Roses. Hartwood Roses blog.)