# Growing Roses **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 15, 2001, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-roses/54659 "2001-02-15T23:24:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AmyJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90ced4/32.png) [@AmyJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmyJohn)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2001, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-roses/54659/1 "2001-02-15T23:24:39Z")
Is it possible to take a clipping of a rose stem and make it grow roots? (You know, put a clipping in water near sun, wait a few days, and roots form at the bottom.) I know this is possible with more mundane plants, and almost swear that I’ve seen it done with a rose. Please let me know. Also, any special requirements, or would water be enough for the time being? ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2001, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-roses/54659/2 "2001-02-16T00:28:36Z")
Hi **AmyJohn**! This thread may soon be moved to a more appropriate forum, namely General Questions. But in the meantime… To answer your question, yes, you can make a rose grow roots in the way you describe. From [Roses](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0376036583/qid%3D982282570/102-5654545-6515340): > [@](#): > > You can start cuttings at almost any time of year. Use softwood during the blooming season; use dormant (hardwood) stems in autumn, winter, or early spring, depending on climate. [Chances are, you’re going the softwood cuttings route, so I’ll leave out the hardwood part.] > [@](#): > > Softwood cuttings: Start with 8-inch stems that have just flowered. Dip bottom ends of stems in rooting hormone, stick cuttings in a pot of perlite, and water well. Insert a stake in pot, then enclose pot in a plastic bag (stake in pot keeps bag upright). > > Place in a shaded but well-lit spot where they will be warm but not overheated. Rooting should occur within 1-2 months; during this time, cuttings should not need watering. To test for rooting, gently pull on a cutting; if you feel resistance, roots are forming. When new growth shows that cuttings have rooted, gradually remove bags. Start by opening bag tops a bit to let new growth begin adjusting to reduced humidity. After a few days, open tops completely; if new growth remains firm, remove bags entirely. Keep new plants lightly shaded while they adjust to the open air; water often enought to keep new growth from wilting. If you like, you can trasnfer these rooted cuttings to individual pots of lightweight potting soil, but he sure to keep roots moist duing the transplanting process. By the next planting season, they should be ready for setting out in the garden. The hormone is available at most garden shops. The one I had was sold in a little foil packet and was specifically for roses, although I’m afraid I can’t recall the brand name right now. Not that it matters, really, since I haven’t used it yet and so am unable to attest to its quality anyway. Hope this answers your question. Good luck with your roses. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AmyJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90ced4/32.png) [@AmyJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmyJohn)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2001, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-roses/54659/3 "2001-02-16T01:09:54Z")
Wow, a bit more to it than I thought there would be, but the information is very helpful. Thank you! Let’s see if I can grow those beautiful roses I got yesterday . . . Yeah, I almost placed this thread in GQ but figured the subject was a bit too mundane. Thanks so much!