Roses add beauty and fragrance to any garden space. But buying rose bushes can be expensive. Why not grow your own for free from healthy cuttings instead? It turns out that ripe tomato slices can help root rose cuttings with great success. Read on to learn this simple, unusual propagation trick.
Selecting the best rose cuttings for propagation
When selecting rose cuttings for propagation, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Healthy, disease-free stems – avoid thin or damaged stems
- Pencil-width diameter – about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick
- Contains 3-5 leaf nodes – the bumps from which leaves emerge
- Take 10-15 inch long cuttings
Timing is also important. Take rose cuttings:
- In early summer, when the vines are tender but firm
- The juice level is highest in the early morning
Rooting rose cuttings with tomatoes
Why does this unusual hack work? Tomatoes secrete hormones that stimulate root cell growth in the base of the rose stem.
Follow these simple propagation steps:
1. Prepare cuttings
- Cut the cuttings directly below the leaf nodes
- Remove leaves and thorns from the lower half
2. Cut tomato slices
- Cut ripe tomatoes into 1⁄4-inch rounds
3. Add to the propagation mixture
- Use a 50/50 mix of potting soil and perlite
- Moisten the mixture and then place the cuttings and tomato slices in it
4. Enclose in a plastic dome
- Use drinking cups or plastic food containers
- Creates a greenhouse humidity effect
5. Provide warmth and light
- The ideal temperature is 75-80° F
- Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily
6. Monitor irrigation needs
- Keep the propagation moderately moist, but not soaked
- Only water when the surface dries out
Transplant successfully rooted rose cuttings
After hardening off, give your newly propagated rose bushes a permanent outdoor home in 6-8 weeks. Then enjoy your homegrown roses!
This simple tomato trick will allow you to propagate rose cuttings for free year after year. Try it this summer gardening season.