Starting Cuttings Outside

ohiobruce

ohiobruce

Well-known member
Likely a dumb question, but are there any tricks to starting cuttings outside after the last frost date? Is it as simple as sticking the cutting in a pot of good potting mix and watering occasionally?

How about planting directly in the ground?
 
I probably wouldn't do it early spring but would wait until you can maintain at least a 60 degree soil temperature. As mentioned above, keep them shaded so the soil doesn't dry out too quickly
 
I start most of my cuttings outside during the last week in April.

1) I take fresh cuttings and press 5-6 sticks into a three gallon pot.
2) I use my fig soil media (mostly ground mulch), not potting soil.
3) I then place the 3 gallon pots on the shady side of my house until I see signs of green buds.
4) I water every 2-3 days. Since my media drains rapidly, overwatering is not an issue
5) If frost is forecasted, U shuffle the cuttings into the garage for the night.
6) Once green buds are seen, the cuttings get moved to partial shade and then full sun as they acclimate. I begin a weak fertilizer regimen when I see those first green buds too.
 
ohiobruce said:
Likely a dumb question, but are there any tricks to starting cuttings outside after the last frost date? Is it as simple as sticking the cutting in a pot of good potting mix and watering occasionally?

How about planting directly in the ground?
Click to expand...
Opiem10 said:
I start most of my cuttings outside during the last week in April.

1) I take fresh cuttings and press 5-6 sticks into a three gallon pot.
2) I use my fig soil media (mostly ground mulch), not potting soil.
3) I then place the 3 gallon pots on the shady side of my house until I see signs of green buds.
4) I water every 2-3 days. Since my media drains rapidly, overwatering is not an issue
5) If frost is forecasted, U shuffle the cuttings into the garage for the night.
6) Once green buds are seen, the cuttings get moved to partial shade and then full sun as they acclimate. I begin a weak fertilizer regimen when I see those first green buds too.
Click to expand...
The carefree way of rooting.
 
Opiem10 said:
I start most of my cuttings outside during the last week in April.

1) I take fresh cuttings and press 5-6 sticks into a three gallon pot.
2) I use my fig soil media (mostly ground mulch), not potting soil.
3) I then place the 3 gallon pots on the shady side of my house until I see signs of green buds.
4) I water every 2-3 days. Since my media drains rapidly, overwatering is not an issue
5) If frost is forecasted, U shuffle the cuttings into the garage for the night.
6) Once green buds are seen, the cuttings get moved to partial shade and then full sun as they acclimate. I begin a weak fertilizer regimen when I see those first green buds too.
Click to expand...
When do you separate them?
 
Kompakfigs said:
When I see roots coming out from the bottom of the pot.
Click to expand...
I tend to wait until mid-August. At that time, the intense summer heat has passed so separating and transplanting results in very few losses. And I don’t tease out the tangled roots. I use a small garden trowel and just cut wedges of soil around each successfully rooted cutting.
 
Opiem10 said:
I tend to wait until mid-August. At that time, the intense summer heat has passed so separating and transplanting results in very few losses. And I don’t tease out the tangled roots. I use a small garden trowel and just cut wedges of soil around each successfully rooted cutting.
Click to expand...
Easy and saves on pots and soil. Thanks.
 
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