Antique Rose Propagation

Propagating antique roses can is simple and can be enjoyable for all. There are many techniques that hundreds if not thousands of people have used throughout the years, including the infamous "Stick in the Mud" technique. However, primarily I will discuss what I have found works best for me based on my trial and error efforts and through research online.

My first attempt at rose propagation came several years ago in 2004 when I first really started getting into growing plants. I had a lot of free time on my hands, and being a rose lover wanted to grow some roses that were problem free. Enter the antique garden rose. I used to frequent the GardenWeb forums, and they have a wonderful antique rose forum that is full of wonderful information and wonderful people. That's where I found someone that was offering free cuttings. After some brief discussion the kind lady sent me numerous cuttings via the USPS. They arrived in ziplock bags wrapped in damp paper towels. I wasn't sure what to do with them but after a little research I decided to build a mini greenhouse outside, plant them in a soilless medium and mist twice daily. From this primitive method I attained 6 new roses. Not a very high rate of success but I did accomplish what I set out to do. This could almost be compared to the "Stick in the Mud" method and in reality is not very effective.

Fast forward a few years to 2007. After watching those 6 roses grow and develop and after listening to my wife complain about not enough color in our landscaping I decided it was time to try my hand at rose propagating again. This time I was armed with more knowledge and was determined to improve my technique and increase my production.

My first attempt this year at rooting rose cuttings was the 2 liter soda bottle method. Basically you cut the top off a 2 liter bottle, put some drain holes in the bottom, fill it about half way with your propagation medium, then tape the cover back on. What this does is creates a greenhouse effect, keeping moisture and humidity in, which is essential to ensuring success. However, my temperature outside here in NE FL was simply too hot right now and so far the results look dismal...maybe 2 of 10 cuttings are still showing signs of life. For detailed pics follow this link Rooting Rose Cuttings Using Soda Bottles.

My second attempt at rooting rose cuttings this involves making a mini-greenhouse using a large clear storage bin. The cuttings were then taken, put into small planters and placed into the storage bin. Then the cover was put on the storage bin was placed underneath a set of florescent lights inside my house, where the average temp stays about 75 degrees F. So far the results look much more promising using this method. I got the idea from a Canadian hybridizer named George Mander who achieves nearly 100% success using a similar setup. For detailed pics folow this link to Rooting Rose Cuttings Using Mini Greenhouse.

| | | |
| | | |

Antique Garden Roses | One Million Dollars Online | Cash Free Money | Online Tree Nursery