On 06/11/2011 15:19, Spider wrote:
On 06/11/2011 15:08, NT wrote:
Hi folks

I'm trying to root redcurrant cuttings, and getting nowhere. The last
of 3 batches of cuttings is now dying. They've been 2-3" long, with
most of the leaves taken off to slow water use, planted fairly deeply,
in compost thats kept almost wet, and with a variety of remaining leaf
areas. The results? In every case they look ok for a bit, but after
many days they very slowly die, starting at the outer leaf edges,
moving inward. No sign of rooting was ever found afterwards. Light
levels have varied from direct sun in batch 1 to more or less no
direct sun in batch 3.

What am I dont wrong? How can I get them to work?


NT


I've never tried to root redcurrants, but I don't think one starts with
3" cuttings. This sounds as if you're using soft tip cuttings when, in
fact, you'd probably be better off using 9-10" hardwood cuttings in a
slit trench. I will check my propagation guide and come back to you.



Right. I've checked in the prop. bible.

You need 12" hardwood cuttings.
Remove all but the top 3 or 4 buds, to avoid suckering later.
Insert the cuttings to half their length.

There seems to be nothing about soil type, temperature or watering.
I suggest you use a slit trench (in a sheltered spot in your garden)
with sharp sand in the bottom to aid drainage. Water to settle the soil
around them. Make sure they're set in firmly so that neither animal nor
wind can easily move them, but *don't* compact the soil.
I dare say you could also do this in a deep pot which is kept outdoors.

I suggest you don't keep the compost/soil quite so wet, as this can
cause rotting.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay