Antique Roses for the South by William C. Welch

Author:William C. Welch
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781461602897
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing

Locations for Sticking Cuttings

SELECTING the site for sticking the cuttings is very important. Roses prefer a sunny location, but for rooting purposes it is usually best that they be shielded from hot afternoon sun. Bright light—but not direct sunlight—is ideal. It is helpful if the soil is sandy and well drained, and a drip from the roof helps to keep the area moist. An east- or north-facing flower bed against a house or other structure is usually a good choice. The sand or sandy soil should be amended with one-fourth to one-third peat moss, composted pine bark, or similar material. The cutting bed should be well tilled or spaded to insure a good blend of soil and organic materials.

Before sticking the cuttings (setting them into the cutting bed), remove all foliage from their lower halves, but leave that of the upper halves in place. If a powdered hormone is to be used, this is the time to apply it. Tip some of the hormone compound from its container onto a sheet of paper and roll or dip into it the basal end of each cutting. After treatment, tap the cuttings lightly to shake off any loose powder. Use a wooden pencil or dibble to make a hole for each individual cutting, since this will protect the cutting from damage as it is stuck, and should prevent removal of the rooting hormone. Cuttings should be stuck several inches deep or about half the length of each cutting into the bed, and placed six to eight inches apart in rows. Label each row with a permanent marker stating the variety, if known, or the site where collected, and include the date on which the cuttings were stuck. Be sure to pack the soil firmly around each cutting and water thoroughly.

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