How to: take rose cuttings

Rose cuttings are best taken in winter, so now is the time to practise your propagation skills and grow some more of your favourite roses, either for your own garden and to share with friends.  Just follow these simple steps.

1. Select a branch of older wood that grew last summer.

2. Make cuttings approx 8cms long, and ensure you know which is top and which is bottom. About one in three cuttings take – so take plenty!

3. Tip the base into hormone powder. Alternatively try dipping the cuttings in honey. Amino acids in the honey encourage growth.

4. Place the cuttings around the edge of a small pot filled with propagating mix. Invert a coffee jar (or plastic drink bottle) that fits snugly into the top of your pot to act as a mini glasshouse.

5. If possible, place the pot on a warm surface, such as a heating pad or water heater. The warmth will encourage better root development. Allow roots to grow before separating cuttings into individual pots.