Plants To Propagate In Winter: 6 Of The Best Options For Cultivating Winter Cuttings

Winter is often considered a dormant season for gardening, but it can actually be a prime time for propagating certain plants. While most plants go into hibernation during the colder months, some are perfectly suited for propagation through cuttings. With the right techniques and a bit of care, you can cultivate new plants during winter and have them ready to thrive in spring. Here are six of the best options for winter propagation.

1. Woody Shrubs and Trees

During the winter months, deciduous shrubs and trees are very easily propagated through hardwood cuttings because their plants are already dormant; that way, it does not go under shock so easily in terms of stress with the process. Some very easy-to-propagate woody plants include:

  1. Willow (Salix spp.) willow: Salix will easily root from cutting and has high rooting qualities that make them suitable even for novices.
  2. Dogwood (Cornus spp.): will root without problem, a wonderful and colorful shrub to work with.
  3. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.): Hydrangea stems cut from deciduous shrubs can root by winter.

How to Propagate:

  1. Choose fresh, pencil-size stems from a healthy parent plant.
  2. Cut 6-12 inch sections just below a node.
  3. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil or sand.
  4. Put the cuttings in a shaded, cool spot until spring.

2. Roses (Rosa spp.)

This is a favorite among most gardeners. Winter is one of the best times to propagate roses from hardwood cuttings, and many varieties root well in the colder months, giving you a head start on the growing season.

How to Propagate:

  1. Select mature stems from this year’s growth.
  2. Cut sections about 8-10 inches long, each with at least three nodes.
  3. Remove any remaining leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a mix of sand and compost or directly in the garden if conditions allow.

3. Grapevines (Vitis spp.)

Grapevines are another excellent candidate for winter propagation. Hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season are easy to root and can lead to productive plants.

How to Propagate:

  1. Choose straight, healthy stems from mature vines.
  2. Cut 12-18 inch sections, making sure each has at least three buds.
  3. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil with the top bud just above the surface.
  4. Water well and protect the cuttings from extreme cold.

4. Herbs: Rosemary and Lavender

Woody herbs like rosemary and lavender are excellent choices for winter propagation. These are tough plants that can tolerate cooler conditions and root easily from cuttings.

How to Propagate:

  1. Cut 4-6 inches of semi-hardwood from healthy, non-flowering stems.
  2. Remove the lower leaves and place the cut end in rooting hormone.
  3. Plant the cuttings in a potting mix with good drainage, like perlite/peat moss.
  4. Place the cuttings in a bright, frost-free location. Mist them every now and then to keep them moist.

5. Camellias (Camellia spp.)

Camellias are for their blooms in winter, though they can also be propagated at those times of the year when it gets cold. Patience is needed, but the output is well worth it.

How to Propagate

  1. Take about 6 inch long semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings.
  2. Remove the leaves on the lower part of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone
  3. Place this in a good potting mix, cover with a plastic bag, and seal for humidity.
  4. Stick cuttings in a cool, sunny location but avoid direct sunlight.

6. Figs (Ficus carica)

Figs are very simple to propagate through hardwood cuttings, making it a favorite activity of winter gardeners. You will have your very own fig tree with delicious fruits in just a few years from now with almost no effort at all.

How to Propagate:

  1. Choose vigorous mature stems from the mother tree.
  2. Cut 8-12 inch long sections and each section should contain several nodes.
  3. Plant the cuttings in a container filled with a mix of sand and compost, burying at least two nodes below the surface.
  4. Water well and place the container in a sheltered, frost-free spot.

Tips for Successful Winter Propagation

  1. Clean Tools: Use sharp: Sterilized pruning shears and knives to avoid the possibility of disease being transferred.
  2. Rooting Hormone: Not usually necessary, rooting hormone can boost success rates quite dramatically, particularly for hardwood cuttings.
  3. Moisture Control: Keep the soil or medium slightly moist but not waterlogged to avoid rot.
  4. Temperature and Light: Most winter cuttings prefer cool temperatures and indirect light. Do not expose them to direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.
  5. Patience: Winter propagation often takes much longer than spring or summer propagation. Be patient and let the cuttings develop their roots.

Why Propagate in Winter?

Winter propagation has a number of advantages:

Dormancy Reduces Stress: When plants are in their dormant stage, they are not as susceptible to transplant shock.

Preparation for Spring: With a winter start, your new plants will be ready to grow vigorously when the weather warms up.

Pruning Waste Use: Winter pruning often produces many cuttings that can be reused for propagation.

Conclusion

Propagation of plants in winter is one of the most rewarding ways to stay connected with your garden during the colder months. Hardy species such as hardwood shrubs, roses, and herbs are a good place to start; with a little care and patience, winter cuttings can transform into thriving plants that bring beauty and bounty to your outdoor space.

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