Rooting Cuttings (and other Joys of Spring)

How to Root Cuttings

It’s easy to root cuttings of azaleas, rhododendrons, crape myrtle and other woody plants!

Take cuttings that are about six inches long — this month is a good time. Strip the leaves off the bottom two inches of the stems and dip them in a rooting hormone. Plant the base of each cutting in moist potting mix or peat moss in small pots. More cuttings can go in larger pots if you prefer — a one gallon pot can hold 6 to 8 cuttings. Enclose in a clear plastic bag. This creates a “mini greenhouse” for the cuttings and holds in warmth and moisture as they root. Cover each pot loosely so that the plastic bag does not cling to the cuttings.

Place the cuttings in a shady area out of direct sunlight. Check soil moisture about once a week as the cuttings root. One “secret”…