Winter may seem like a quiet time for gardeners, but Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm sees it as an ideal season for plant propagation. Whether you’re growing plants for personal enjoyment or running a nursery business, this season offers months to prepare for spring. In this article, we’ll explore Jason’s three-part approach to winter propagation, focusing on hardwood cuttings, late-season active cuttings, and overwintering rooted cuttings.
Hardwood Cuttings: The Red Cup Method
Hardwood cuttings are a cornerstone of winter propagation. Jason has refined his method over time, moving from planting directly in garden soil to using coarse sand in simple red cups. This updated approach significantly improves success rates and minimizes the risk of disease.
The process begins with selecting firm stems from the current year’s growth—those hard to bend but not old and woody. These cuttings, typically 6 to 7 inches long, are stripped of leaves and prepared with cuts just above and below nodes. Dipping the base of each cutting in rooting hormone (preferably with a higher concentration like 0.8-1% IBA) enhances rooting success.
Once prepared, the cuttings are inserted into red cups filled with coarse sand, allowing for spacing before topping off the cups with more sand. Coarse sand, being inert and well-draining, reduces the risk of overwatering while retaining moisture—a balance that helps prevent rot and encourages root development. Labeling the cups is essential to track plant varieties.
Care during the winter is simple. In climates like Jason’s, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, the cups can be left in a shaded greenhouse with occasional watering. For colder climates, a frost-free but unheated space such as a garage or shed is ideal. These areas provide the necessary balance of cool temperatures and good air circulation to prevent rotting.
Pushing the Limits: Late-Season Active Cuttings
For gardeners eager to stretch the propagation season, Jason demonstrates how to push semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings later into the year. While the best time for these cuttings is typically late summer, extending into fall can work if plant material is still viable.
Jason achieves this by keeping cuttings under grow lights in a controlled indoor environment. However, the process takes significantly longer. For example, while cuttings may normally root in 3-4 weeks during peak conditions, late-season cuttings can take 6-7 weeks or more due to cooler temperatures and reduced plant vigor.
Not all plants respond equally well to late-season propagation. Jason shares an example with boxwood cuttings: while they callused, they failed to root promptly. Patience is key, as some plants may take months instead of weeks to root under these conditions.
Late-season propagation requires careful monitoring of light, temperature, and humidity. Jason emphasizes that while it’s possible to achieve results, gardeners must accept the potential for extended timelines and variable success rates.
Overwintering Rooted Cuttings
Successfully rooting cuttings is only part of the challenge; overwintering them properly is critical. Strategies vary by climate. In mild regions like New Zealand or California, rooted cuttings can remain outdoors with minimal protection. In colder climates, planning for frost protection is essential.
Jason recommends maintaining rooted cuttings in conditions just above freezing—2-3°C (33-35°F) is ideal. At these temperatures, plants remain semi-dormant, reducing the need for intensive care like pest management or feeding. Greenhouses with supplemental heating, or frost-free spaces like garages or sheds, provide the perfect environment.
Light levels also play a role. While dormant plants don’t need intense light, indirect light or a few hours of supplemental LED lighting can prevent pale, elongated growth. Jason advises watching for signs of light deficiency, such as stretching, and supplementing if needed.
Keeping rooted cuttings warm enough to prevent freezing but cool enough to avoid active growth simplifies winter care. Warmer conditions may force plants into active growth, requiring more attention to light, feeding, and pest management—tasks that can complicate winter care.
Key Takeaways for Winter Propagation
Winter propagation is a unique opportunity to prepare plants for spring. Hardwood cuttings thrive in inert media like coarse sand, while late-season active cuttings require controlled environments and patience. Rooted cuttings should be overwintered in frost-free, cool conditions to minimize maintenance.
Jason’s expertise highlights the importance of adapting these techniques to your climate and resources. With a thoughtful approach, winter can be a productive and rewarding season for gardeners of all experience levels.
