How to Grow Miniature Roses From Cuttings

Prepare soil for your miniature roses. Locate a spot in your garden with several hours of full sun per day and good drainage. Dig a hole 12 inches deep with a spade or shovel. Fill it with water, and time how long it takes to drain. If the water drains in less than 30 minutes, the soil drains well. If it takes longer than 24 hours to drain, make a raised bed or prepare your soil in a container. Place a layer of sand on the bottom of your rose bed or container. Layer 6 to 8 inches of potting soil over the top.

Find a miniature rose plant to get your cutting from. Choose a plant you already have that grows well in your yard, or get it from a neighbor, friend or fellow gardener. Look for a variety that grows well in your climate and soil conditions, and fits your preference.

Cut a healthy cane -- a large stem -- from the miniature rose bush you want to select from. Make the cut just above a bud. Cut that piece into pieces 2 to 4 inches long.

Soak the cut stems in a hormone booster purchased at a nursery, or place a handful of willow tree osiers (twigs) in a dish of water for a homemade version.

Plant your stems in the bed or container. Plant one stem per container, and leave 12 to 14 inches between each plant for smaller miniatures. Cover at least 2/3 of the stem with the soil, piling it in a slight cone shape around the stem.

Place a mason jar or large plastic bag over the planted cutting for about a month, until the plant roots.

Water the stem cuttings immediately, then water them about every other day in the morning until it establishes root, then give them about 1 inch of water each week and more in the summer months.

Add organic compost once a month to feed your roses.