Technical Specifications

leafed types of cuttings will need to be trimmed, but it is preferable to use the
largest leaf area which can be kept in good condition, and which at the same
time meets the requirements for economy of space.
TIME TO TAKE CUTTINGS
Throughout the United States, the time to take cuttings will be dependent on
when new growth starts. Cuttings of the current season’s growth, 4 to 6 inches
in length, generally are the most satisfactory.
Note: Cuttings of certain plants can be taken over a much wider range of time
in the South than in the North, and corresponding season advance must be
considered.
In the State of New York, cuttings of most deciduous shrubs will root best
when taken during June, July and August. A few varieties can be taken the
latter part of April, and others during May, depending upon when new growth
starts. Cuttings of the current season’s growth, 4 to 6 inches in length,
generally are the most satisfactory. Cuttings taken between August and
December will vary considerably in their capacity to root.
For plants grown indoors, cuttings should be taken according to the condition
of the material, without regard to season.
CARE OF CUTTING MATERIAL
Keep cutting material in a fresh condition from the start. Cuttings of many
varieties keep fresh when the basal ends of the stems are immersed in water
or wrapped in wet cloth or burlap until ready to place in the GardenTech
®
RootBoost™ Rooting Hormone. Do not keep shoots and branches in closed
containers for long periods. Frequent spraying of the cutting material, according
to the dryness of the air, or covering with moist cheese cloth, will prevent
excessive wilting.
PLANTING CUTTINGS AND HOW TO CARE FOR THEM
After treatment with GardenTech
®
RootBoost™ Rooting Hormone, plant the
cuttings in a mixture of 1/4 peat moss and 3/4 sand (by volume), or in sand
only, until rooted. Propagators who have a satisfactory rooting medium should
continue to use it. Any method of planting cuttings which keeps them in good
condition may be used. When cuttings are plant ed in a vertical position, they
require more critical care than when slanted in such a way that the exposed
leaves lie flat or close to the surface of the rooting medium. Sufficient shade
must be provided at all times, but particularly on hot, bright days, to keep the
cuttings fresh, but not dense enough to cause rotting of leaves, or the growth
of molds. Immediately after planting, the cuttings should be watered thoroughly
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