How to Grow Box Hedges From Stem Cutting

Prepare a small pot for starting the cuttings by filling with an equal amount of peat, sand and perlite. As an alternative, use fine gravel to root cuttings. Pour about an inch of the rooting hormone into a plastic cup.

Measure 4- to 8-inch sections from softwood stems starting from stem tips. Cut with clean, sharp scissors. Softwood stems are the current year's succulent, supple growth. The recommended time to take softwood cuttings is anywhere between the middle of May to mid June.

Remove all the leaves from the lower half of each cutting, leaving only a couple of leaves at the top. These continue to naturally produce a substance that helps with root production.

Insert a pencil 2 to 3 inches deep in the rooting medium to create planting holes. Dip the base of each cutting in the rooting hormone and plant immediately in individual planting holes.

Firm the soil around the cuttings and water pot well. Place the entire pot in a large clear-plastic bag and stick a chopstick in the soil to help keep the bag up. Close top with a rubber band.

Place in a bright, warm spot out of direct sun. Open the bag every three to four days and water enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Close bag after watering. It usually takes up to a few weeks for the cuttings to root.

Transfer rooted cuttings to individual, medium-sized containers filled with a well-drained potting soil. Let plants get well established before transplanting to desired spot in the garden.