How to Take a Cutting From Blueberry Bushes

Propagation of woody plants by stem cuttings is commonly referred to as cloning. Blueberries behave similarly to other woody shrubs, in that they prefer to be propagated from cuttings during dormancy prior to periods of vigorous growth in early spring. Buds should be formed and mature on branches selected for cuttings, though branches that have begun to leaf out are also suitable. Blueberries can be propagated from both mature hardened shoots called hardwood, or from softwood, which is new, lighter greenish-white growth. Propagating selected cuttings saves money and allows the grower to clone plants that do particularly well in a given environment.

Mature blueberry bushes
Pruners or clippers, preferably sharp and clean
Rooting hormone (optional)
Pots for rooting, 3 by 3-inch square pots recommended
Rooting mix (50-50 peat and sand, or peat and vermiculite/perlite,
or 33-33-33 sand, peat and vermiculite) or good quality soil
Propagation structure: wood frame and cover for rooting
pots
Small sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Select a shoot that has at least four leaf buds or groups of leaves. Clip about an inch below the fourth or fifth leaf bud.
- 2
  Optional:
  
  With a small knife, carefully remove the bark below the cutting's last vegetative bud. Dip the exposed stem in rooting hormone to increase the likelihood of rooting.
- 3
  Label the cutting with its variety, and if desired include other information on the cutting date and the mother plant's location. In a small pot containing premixed rooting medium, bury the cutting up to half-way in the medium, leaving one or two vegetative buds exposed.
- 4
  Place the cuttings in a cutting propagation structure in full sunlight. The propagation structure should protect the cuttings from rodents, inquisitive pets and pests, while reducing air flow over the cuttings to keep them from drying out. A small wood frame covered in thin cotton fabric or a row cover works well.
- 5
  Periodically check on the cuttings to keep the rooting medium moist and the air inside the propagation structure well humidified. Check for diseased cuttings and destroy them. Cuttings should be supplied with liquid or slow-release fertilizer or plant food weekly. Additions of small amounts of completed compost can substitute for fertilizer. Cuttings should be left in the propagation structure until the following spring, when they can be planted in their permanent homes.

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