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Roses, the flowers, are not only admired for their beauty and fragrance but also play a unique role in cooking. Their petals can be used to add a subtle floral flavour to dishes, desserts, and beverages. Rosewater, made from the distillation of rose petals, is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, enhancing both sweet and savoury dishes with its delicate taste.
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Growing roses from cuttings at home is the best way to enjoy these edible flowers. This guide showcases the straightforward and enjoyable process by which you can easily learn how to prepare and care for the rose cutting to ensure the healthy growth of roses in the garden.
Choose The Right Time
It is essential to choose the cuttings in the right season; however, the best time to take a rose cutting is during the spring or early summer. This time is when the rose plant is actively growing and has the best potential to produce new roots.
Moreover, choose the cuttings when the rose plant is in its peak growing season for healthy production.
Choose The Healthy Cutting
Make sure to choose the healthy cutting; select stems that do not have any signs of disease or damage from pests.
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And as told above, the cuttings should be from the current season’s growth. Select which is around 4-6 inches long and should have at least two to three sets of leaves.
Prepare The Cuttings
Prepare the cuttings before planting, for which use clean and sharp scissors and prune the shears. Cut the healthy stem from the bush just below a leaf node; you should cut the stems at a 45-degree angle.
Use the Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone is a chemical substance that helps the cuttings develop roots more quickly and strongly. To use it, dip the cut end of your rose into rooting hormone powder, making sure to cover it well. Then tap off any excess powder. This step is optional, but it is highly recommended to you for better rooting success.
Plant The Cuttings
Fill a small pot with a mix of equal parts peat moss and perlite or coarse sand. Make a hole in the soil using a pencil or stick, and gently place the cutting into the hole. Firm the soil around the base of the cutting to hold it in place.
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Watering
Keeping the soil moist is crucial for the success of your rose cuttings. Water the cuttings regularly to ensure that the soil remains damp but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the pot has good drainage. Check the soil moisture frequently and adjust your watering schedule as needed. When the cuttings are first planted, it's especially important to maintain consistent moisture.
Harvesting
Once your rose cuttings have strong roots and new growth, they’re ready to be transplanted. This can take several weeks to a few months. To check if they’re ready, gently pull on the cuttings and feel the resistance, which means the roots are growing.
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Transplanting
When transplanting, carefully remove the plants from their pots and handle the roots gently. If moving them outdoors, prepare a well-drained planting area with good sunlight. Gradually expose the new plants to more sunlight over a week or two before planting them in your garden.
However, after transplanting, expect your rose plants to start flowering in about 6 to 9 months. This can vary based on the rose variety and growing conditions. Proper care and maintenance will encourage healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
