- Why propagation via root cuttings is the safest
- The individual steps for the propagation of raspberries
- The best time to gain root cuttings
- Divide root into small pieces
- Provide winter protection
- tips and tricks
Raspberries can be propagated in several ways. The safest method is propagation by cuttings. What you have to consider if you want to grow new raspberry plants from cuttings.
Why propagation via root cuttings is the safest
Raspberries form many runners, which are also suitable for propagation. However, it is not always certain that the offshoots actually come from the desired plant. Because raspberries send their runners all over the garden, you may end up with a completely different variety of raspberry.
If you use root cuttings, on the other hand, you can be sure that you are propagating exactly the type of raspberry you want.
The individual steps for the propagation of raspberries
- Discard the root of the raspberry
- Cut off a larger piece
- Divide the root into 10-inch pieces
- Plant root cuttings
- Protect from frost
- Plant in the final location in spring
The best time to gain root cuttings
It is best to take root cuttings in autumn, when the growing season is changing towards the end. The root of the mother plant can then recover over the winter.
Divide root into small pieces
Depending on the size of the piece of root you cut off, divide it into several pieces. Each section should be about four inches long.
Make sure that there are at least five eyes on each individual root cutting. New rods grow out of them. Several approaches increase the certainty that a healthy new plant will emerge.
Plant the cuttings about two inches deep in prepared soil. They come to their final location in the spring.
Provide winter protection
Raspberries don't usually need winter protection. Root cuttings have not yet formed roots. They can suffer frost damage at very low temperatures.
Therefore, cover the ground with a layer of leaves, straw, peat or bark mulch to protect it.
Mark the places where you planted the root cuttings. Removing winter protection in the spring will give you a better idea of where new plants should be.
tips and tricks
In principle, you can of course also propagate raspberries by seeds. However, the extraction of pure seed is very time-consuming and belongs in the hands of professionals. In addition, this type of propagation takes longer than pulling root cuttings.