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Photo credit by T.Kiya

Grow roses from stem cuttings to save money. These instructions for growing roses will increase garden beauty without breaking the bank. Why spend money on rose plants when growing roses from cuttings is so simple? Share rose cuttings with friends, relatives and neighbors. Teach them how to grow roses from stem cuttings for their friends as well. Use this handy guide as a reference.

Timing is important when growing roses from stem cuttings. Grow roses from stem cuttings in the late spring. At this time rose stems are just right for rooting. The stems are neither too hard, nor too soft. Roses from stem cuttings rooted in the late spring will be ready for planting in late summer. This gives them time to establish ground roots before winter sets in.

A few basic gardening items will be needed to grow roses from stem cuttings. Use sterile potting soil and peat pots to start cuttings. A set of pruning sheers and a pruning knife are needed for the cuttings. Rooting hormone is helpful to encourage speedy root growth. Keep root cuttings moist by covering peat pots with clear plastic bags.

Not all roses will grow from stem cuttings. Newer hybrid roses are nearly impossible to grow using this method. There should be no problem with propagating older varieties of roses from stem cuttings. Local greenhouses can give advice in this matter. Growing roses from stem cuttings is simple and inexpensive. Trial and error will show which roses grow best with this method.

To cut stems from roses find a prolific branch. Stems chosen to grow roses should have blossoms or buds growing from them. Stems should be cut at a 45 degree angle on both ends. The bottom cut should be made where the stem intersects a lower branch. The stem cutting should be four to six inches long. Place the cutting in water while preparing soil.

Soak peat pots filled with sterilized soil and drain. Soil should be slightly damp to grow rose stem cuttings. Remove thorns, large buds, blossoms and all but one set of upper leaves. Make a narrow gash on each side of the lower inch of the stem cutting. This encourages roots to grow. Dip this portion of the stem cutting in root hormone to stimulate growth.

Poke a pencil or similar shaped object into the center of each peat pot. The resulting hole is for the stem cuttings. Insert stem cuttings into the peat pots. The leaves of the stem cuttings should be at the top of the stem. Press soil gently around each stem cutting for stability. Enclose each peat pot in a plastic bag to retain moisture. Plastic should not contact the stem or leaves.

Place peat pots on a plastic tray and put in a warm sunny location. Direct sunlight can burn the fragile cuttings. Watch plants carefully as they grow and take root. Add water if needed to keep soil moist. You will know the roses have grown enough to be re-potted when roots grow through the peat pots or new growth shows at the top of the stem cuttings.

The stem cuttings should be re-potted after roots appear. Use a potting soil and fertilizer combination made especially for growing roses. Bury the entire peat pot completely. The leaves should be above soil level. Pots should be placed in a warm location outdoors to mature. Plant well established potted roses in the ground during late summer.

Grow roses from stem cuttings to save money. The process is fairly simple if taken step by step. Not all roses can grow from stem cuttings. For best results, follow instructions closely. Don't forget to share instructions and stem cuttings with friends, relatives and neighbors. Soon your block will be bursting with beautiful roses grown from stem cuttings.