Growing a rose from cuttings is a traditional, age-old method of rose propagation. In fact, many beloved roses found their way to the western United States with the help of hardy pioneers who traveled by covered wagon. Propagating a rose cutting under a jar isn’t completely foolproof, but it’s one of the easiest, most effective ways of growing a rose from cuttings.
Read on and learn how to grow what is affectionately called a “mason jar rose.”
Rose Propagation with a Mason Jar Greenhouse
Although rose propagation is possible any time of year, growing a rose from cuttings is more likely to be successful when the weather is cool in spring or early fall (or during the winter if you live in a mild climate).
Cut 6 to 8 inch (15-20 cm.) stems from a healthy rosebush, preferably stems that have recently bloomed. Cut the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle. Remove blooms, hips, and flowers from the bottom half of the stem but leave the top set of leaves intact. Dip the bottom 2 inches (5 cm.) in liquid or powdered rooting hormone.
Select a shady spot where the soil is relatively good, then stick the stem into the ground about 2 inches (5 cm.) deep. Alternatively, stick the cutting into a flowerpot filled with good quality potting mix. Place a glass jar over the cutting, thus creating a “mason jar greenhouse.” (You don’t have to use a mason jar, as any glass jar will work. You can also use a plastic soda bottle that has been cut in half.)
Water as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. It’s critical that the soil not be allowed to dry out, so check frequently if the weather is warm and dry. Remove the jar after about four to six weeks. Give the cutting a light tug. If the stem is resistant to your tug, it has rooted.
At this point it no longer needs the protection of the jar. Don’t worry if the cutting hasn’t yet rooted, just continue to check every week or so.
Transplant your mason jar rose to a permanent location after about a year. You may be able to transplant the new roses sooner, but the plants will be very small.
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