Dr Planto

“How to Take Hardwood Cuttings in Fall: 5 Best Plants to Start”

Fall is an ideal time to propagate certain plants through hardwood cuttings, allowing gardeners to increase their plant collection without spending a fortune. Hardwood cuttings, taken from mature dormant wood, are a simple and effective way to reproduce plants. By the time spring arrives, these cuttings will have developed roots and be ready to grow vigorously. In this guide, we will focus on the best hardwood cuttings to take in fall, spotlighting five plants that are easy to propagate and perfect for starting your propagation journey now.

Why Choose Hardwood Cuttings in Fall?

Before diving into the best plants to propagate, let’s understand why fall is an excellent time to take hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are collected from deciduous trees and shrubs after they have dropped their leaves and gone dormant. This stage of dormancy allows plants to focus their energy on rooting, making propagation more successful. Propagating during the fall also gives cuttings plenty of time to develop roots over the winter, so they can burst into growth once spring arrives.

How to Take Hardwood Cuttings

When taking hardwood cuttings, make sure to choose healthy, mature wood that’s at least one year old. Cut sections about 6-12 inches long, making a clean, angled cut just below a node (where leaves once grew). Remove any leaves or buds and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. Place the cuttings in a pot with moist, well-draining soil or perlite, and keep them in a cool place through winter.

Now that we have the basics, let’s explore the five best plants for fall hardwood cuttings.

1. Rose (Rosa spp.)

Roses are a favorite in many gardens, and fortunately, they’re also one of the easiest plants to propagate from hardwood cuttings. While roses can be propagated through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings taken in the fall have the advantage of rooting over winter. This method works best for species of roses and many hybrid tea varieties.

How to Take Rose Cuttings in Fall:

• Choose a stem that has finished blooming and has matured over the summer.
• Cut a 6-8 inch section from the stem, just below a node.
• Remove any remaining leaves, but leave the top bud intact.
• Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of sandy soil or perlite.
• Keep the cutting in a cold frame or greenhouse until spring.

By the time spring rolls around, your rose cutting should be well-rooted and ready to plant in your garden. rose propagation, growing roses from cuttings, rose garden, and hybrid tea roses.

2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)

Hydrangeas are another plant that thrives when propagated from hardwood cuttings. These popular shrubs, known for their large, colorful blooms, are easy to root in the fall. Taking hardwood cuttings ensures that by the time spring arrives, the new plants are ready to explode with growth.

How to Take Hydrangea Cuttings in Fall:

• Select a healthy, mature stem from the current season’s growth.
• Cut a 6-10 inch piece, cutting just below a leaf node.
• Remove any leaves or flower remnants.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with well-draining soil or a perlite mixture.
• Keep the pot in a cold frame or sheltered location over the winter.

With proper care, you can grow beautiful new hydrangea plants from your fall cuttings. Hydrangea propagation, rooting hydrangeas, hydrangea care, growing hydrangeas.

3. Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

The fig tree is a favorite for fruit gardeners, and it’s surprisingly easy to propagate from hardwood cuttings taken in fall. Figs grow well in both warm and cooler climates, making them a versatile choice for gardeners looking to expand their fruit orchards.

How to Take Fig Tree Cuttings in Fall:

• Choose a healthy, mature branch from the tree, and cut a 6-12 inch section.
• Cut just below a node, and remove any leaves or buds from the cutting.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage faster rooting.
• Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, and keep it in a cold frame or sheltered spot.

Come spring, you’ll have rooted fig tree cuttings ready for transplanting, giving you a head start on growing delicious figs. Fig tree propagation, fig tree care, growing figs, fruit trees from cuttings.

4. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Forsythia is one of the earliest flowering shrubs in the spring, lighting up gardens with its bright yellow blooms. It’s also one of the easiest plants to propagate from hardwood cuttings. This hardy plant roots quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to try their hand at propagation.

How to Take Forsythia Cuttings in the Fall:

• Select a strong, healthy stem from the current year’s growth.
• Cut a 6-10 inch section, just below a leaf node.
• Remove any leaves or flower remnants from the cutting.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of sandy soil or perlite.
• Keep the cutting in a cold frame or sheltered location during the winter.

By spring, your forsythia cuttings will be ready to plant, providing you with beautiful, vibrant yellow blooms in early spring. Forsythia propagation, growing forsythia, forsythia care, early spring flowering shrubs.

5. Grapevine (Vitis spp.)

Grapevines are another excellent candidate for fall hardwood cuttings. Propagating grapevines allows you to expand your vineyard or garden without purchasing additional plants. Hardwood cuttings taken from grapevines in the fall root well over the winter, giving you strong, healthy plants by spring.

How to Take Grapevine Cuttings in Fall:

• Select a mature, healthy vine that has grown during the current season.
• Cut a 10-12 inch section from the vine, cutting just below a node.
• Remove any remaining leaves or tendrils from the cutting.
• Dip the bottom end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil.
• Keep the cutting in a sheltered location, such as a greenhouse or cold frame, through the winter.

With proper care, your grapevine cuttings will take root and be ready to plant in your garden or vineyard in the spring. grapevine propagation, growing grapevines, vineyard care, rooting grapevines.

Final Tips for Successful Fall Hardwood Cuttings

• Timing: Take cuttings after the first frost when plants have entered dormancy.
• Soil and Location: Use well-draining soil, such as a mix of sand and perlite, and keep cuttings in a cool, sheltered location.
• Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development.
• Patience: Hardwood cuttings take time to root, so don’t rush the process.

Conclusion

Fall is the perfect time to take hardwood cuttings and propagates plants such as roses, hydrangeas, fig-trees, forsythia, and grapevines. By following these steps and using the right care, you can create a beautiful, thriving garden without spending money on new plants. Plus, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of watching your propagated plants grow and flourish as the seasons change. So, get started with your fall propagation project, and by spring, your garden will be filled with fresh, new growth!