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Rose is a popular flowering plant known for its beauty and fragrance. One of the most effective propagation methods is using softwood cuttings, which not only conserves cutting materials but also allows for the rapid production of a large number of seedlings. With just a few mother plants, nurseries can generate hundreds of seedlings within a short time frame. Softwood cuttings are typically taken between May and August, with each batch taking about 30 to 40 days to root. This method supports multiple propagation cycles per year—usually 3 to 4 batches—making it ideal for consistent nursery production. However, this process requires careful handling and strict management, as the success of the cuttings depends on precise conditions.
The first step in the process is preparing the cutting bed. A hotbed or cold bed made from horse manure or straw is commonly used. The beds should be built in a convenient size, ideally with a width of 1.5 to 2 meters, oriented east to west for optimal sunlight and warmth. The bed height should be around 1.5 meters, with a 20 to 30 cm difference in elevation. The depth should be about 60 cm, with a 10 cm layer of stones at the bottom (optional), followed by 15 to 20 cm of horse manure, then 15 to 20 cm of coarse sand. A final layer of fine sand, about 20 cm thick, is placed on top. The bed can be constructed using wooden frames, brick structures, or even glass or tiles for better heat retention. The hotbed cover should be made of wood with glass windows, painted to increase durability, and equipped with iron handrails for easy access. It's important to seal all gaps around the windows to prevent wind from entering.
Once the bed is ready, the horse manure is heated to 50–60°C and spread evenly, about 15–20 cm thick. Water is sprayed lightly, around 1 kg per square meter, until the surface is moist but not saturated. The fully heated manure is then placed on top of the raw manure to ensure even and long-lasting warmth. The top layer of coarse sand, 15 cm thick, is laid next. If the sand contains mud or humus, it must be washed before use. After the sand is in place, the glass window is covered. During the day, the bed is exposed to sunlight, and at night, a grass curtain is added to maintain heat. The cuttings are prepared the next day.
For the cutting process, select healthy, tender shoots from the current season, about 8–15 cm long, with semi-woody stems being ideal. Avoid using long or thorny branches, as well as those with flowers. Cuttings should be collected early in the morning (5–7 AM) and handled quickly. Do not collect wet cuttings, and avoid piling them too tightly. After harvesting, remove the lower 3–4 leaves, and trim the upper leaves partially. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts just below a node, ensuring the cut is smooth and not torn.
Next, insert the cuttings into the sand bed, about 15 cm deep. Avoid pushing them too deep or damaging the base. To make planting easier, small sticks can be used to create holes before inserting the cuttings. Rooting hormones like naphthalene acetate or 2,4-D can be applied to enhance rooting. After insertion, water immediately to help settle the soil.
After planting, the cuttings require careful management. Water the seedlings at least four times a day—early morning, midday, afternoon, and evening. Use a fine mist sprayer to keep the leaves moist without overwatering. Place a shallow container of water in the bed to help maintain humidity. Shade the bed from direct sunlight during the first five days. Monitor temperature and humidity daily, and avoid ventilation during this period. In rainy weather, reduce watering but continue misting. In cloudy conditions, allow more airflow. At night, use indirect sunlight to warm the bed, and gradually increase exposure time as the cuttings establish roots.
After about 30 days, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots. Choose pots filled with rich soil, compost, and ash, and water them immediately after transplanting. Keep them in the hotbed for a few days before gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Transplanting to open beds should occur when the roots turn tan, indicating they have lignified. This ensures stronger, healthier plants. Always transplant in the evening and provide shade for the first one or two days to reduce stress on the young plants. Maintaining cleanliness in the seedbed is crucial to prevent rot and disease.