On Nov 7, 11:09*am, stuart noble wrote:
On 06/11/2011 17:35, kay wrote:



NT;941186 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?

No idea specifically on redcurrant, but on general principles for
cuttings:

1) You need to keep the air around the cuttings moist to reduce water
loss so full sun is a very bad idea. I enclose the entire pot and
cuttings in a plastic bag. Remember the leaves are pumping water out,
but there are no roots to replace the lost water, so you need as little
leaf as you can get away with, and try to reduce water loss as close as
possible to zero.

Those transparent freezer bags with the handles are ideal. Knot them up
and hang them on a hook.

Thanks eveyrone for the feedback. I'll wait till christmas and plant
some long cuttings outdoors.


NT