Roses are excellent flowering plants, and propagating them through softwood cuttings is an efficient method that requires minimal mother plants to produce a large number of seedlings in a short time. Softwood cuttings can be taken from May to August, and within 30 to 40 days, a batch of seedlings can be ready. This allows for 3 to 4 propagation cycles per year, which supports consistent nursery production. However, this process is somewhat labor-intensive and requires careful management and strict conditions.
The first step is preparing the cutting bed. Softwood roses can be propagated using either a hotbed or a cold bed. For convenience, each bed should be constructed with standard dimensions, such as 1.5 or 2 meters wide, oriented east to west for optimal light and warmth. The bed height should be around 1.5 meters, with a 20 to 30 cm difference between the front and back. The depth of the bed 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, 15 to 20 cm of coarse sand, and then 20 cm of a sand-to-glass mixture. The bed can be built using soil, wood frames, or bricks, with tiles or glass on top for better heat retention. The hotbed cover should be made of wood, equipped with glass windows, and painted to extend its lifespan. Iron handrails should be installed at both ends for easy access, and small vents should be placed every other window for ventilation and watering. The sides of the hotbed should be sealed to prevent wind from entering.
To prepare the hotbed, horse manure is stacked and heated to 50–60°C before being spread in layers about 15–20 cm thick. Water is sprayed at a rate of 1 kg per square meter, ensuring the bed is moist but not waterlogged. Once fully heated, the manure is spread over the soil layer, with raw manure placed below and the heated layer on top for longer-lasting warmth. A 15 cm layer of coarse sand (grain size 1–1.5 mm) is added on top. If the sand contains mud or humus, it must be washed before use. After the sand is laid, the glass window is covered. During the day, the bed is exposed to sunlight, and at night, grass curtains are used to trap heat. The next day, the cuttings are inserted.
For the cutting process, select healthy, tender shoots from the current year’s growth, approximately 8–15 cm long, with a semi-woody texture. Avoid taking long branches, thorny stems, or flowering shoots. Cuttings should be harvested early in the morning (5–7 AM) and handled carefully. Do not collect wet cuttings, and avoid piling them too tightly. After harvesting, remove the lower 3–4 leaves, and trim the upper 2–3 leaves by half. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts just above the semi-woody section. Ensure the cut is smooth and not damaged.
Insert the cuttings into the sand bed at a depth of about 15 cm, making sure not to damage the base. Use a small stick to create a hole before inserting the cutting to promote root development. Treat the cut ends with naphthalene acetate or 2,4-D to encourage rooting, and water immediately after planting.
After planting, spray water thoroughly, cover the window sash, and seal all gaps. For the first five days, use shading to protect the cuttings from direct sunlight. Monitor temperature and humidity daily. Keep the seedlings consistently moist, spraying water at least four times a day: early morning (5–7 AM), mid-morning (11–12 PM), afternoon (2–3 PM), and evening (5–7 PM). On rainy days, adjust accordingly. Use a fine mist sprayer or sprayer to maintain moisture without overwatering. Place a clear water basin in the bed to help regulate humidity. Cover the bed with shading straw in the morning and remove it in the evening. In rainy weather, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. On cloudy days, allow more exposure to air. In the evening, use indirect sunlight to warm the bed. Once rooted, gradually increase airflow to strengthen the seedlings. Maintain cleanliness in the bed to prevent disease.
After about 30 days, the seedlings can be transplanted into pots. Use well-draining soil mixed with humus, ash, or garden compost. Plant the seedlings carefully and water immediately. Keep them in the hotbed for a few more days, following the same care routine as during the initial cutting stage. Gradually increase the exposure time to outdoor conditions. When the roots turn from white to tan, indicating lignification, they can be moved to open beds. Transplanting should be done in the evening and covered for a day or two to reduce stress. This ensures a smooth transition and healthy growth.
Flood Light Camera,Cctv Flood Light Camera,2Mp 3Mp Flood Light Camera,Waterproof Flood Light Camera
Shenzhen Zuomi Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bkvis.com