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Blueberries can be propagated by both hardwood and softwood cuttings. Most propagation is done with hardwood cuttings by home gardeners like us, as they are easier to source and don't require any misting equipment like you would for soft wood cuttings
Cuttings are shoots that are cut into several pieces, each about 6 inches long. Take dormant, well hardened, unbranched, one-year-old shoots from mature plants. The shoots should be pencil width but not spindly. Do not use thin wood unless you have no choice. This is best done in February and March time.
Prepare shoots by cutting them into lengths. Cut the bottom of each section near to a bud; this is especially important for hard-to-root varieties like Bluecrop The cuts must be clean, taking care not to damage the bark. To stimulate rooting, slice a one-half to one inch long layer of bark from both sides of the base of the cutting. Protect the cuttings from drying out and pot them individually into ericaceous compost. Put the pot somewhere that will give bottom heat to about 70 degrees F ideally.
Water the cuttings thoroughly about once a week to keep the compost moist but not overly wet. Water more frequently when leaves develop in April or May, roots will follow so do not be tempted to repot.
Expect about 40-60% to strike and slightly less to turn into decent plants suitable for planting.
My success rate is somewhat lower unfortunately but I have nothing to give bottom heat yet.
Cuttings are shoots that are cut into several pieces, each about 6 inches long. Take dormant, well hardened, unbranched, one-year-old shoots from mature plants. The shoots should be pencil width but not spindly. Do not use thin wood unless you have no choice. This is best done in February and March time.
Prepare shoots by cutting them into lengths. Cut the bottom of each section near to a bud; this is especially important for hard-to-root varieties like Bluecrop The cuts must be clean, taking care not to damage the bark. To stimulate rooting, slice a one-half to one inch long layer of bark from both sides of the base of the cutting. Protect the cuttings from drying out and pot them individually into ericaceous compost. Put the pot somewhere that will give bottom heat to about 70 degrees F ideally.
Water the cuttings thoroughly about once a week to keep the compost moist but not overly wet. Water more frequently when leaves develop in April or May, roots will follow so do not be tempted to repot.
Expect about 40-60% to strike and slightly less to turn into decent plants suitable for planting.
My success rate is somewhat lower unfortunately but I have nothing to give bottom heat yet.
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