How long does propagation typically take?

The amount of time required for propagation varies significantly depending on the type of plant and the method used. For example, planting a fast-growing herb like basil will take 10 days to root, but hardwood cuttings from trees will take three months. I track what is happening weekly in my propagation journal. You expect different schedules for each method.

Cuttings taken from softwood always give the quickest results of any. Plants such as mint or coleus take root within two weeks. A temperature of 70-75° F should be maintained. The use of humidity domes is recommended. My fastest basil cuttings got roots in nine days. The growth is tremendously accelerated by consistent warmth and moisture.

Hardwood cuttings take some waiting. Roses and grapes require 8-12 weeks of winter dormancy. I start these in December for spring planting. You need to provide a cool but frost-free compartment. Rooting hormone improves success by 20% for slow starters.

Seeds have their own timetable. Tomato seeds germinate in 5 to 7 days, while carrot seeds take 14 to 21 days to germinate. I pre-soak hard-coated seeds to quicken the process. Continue to control timing with the temperature of the soil. For the quickest results, maintain a temperature of 70 °F.

Observe progress to avoid early disturbance. Check for resistance when gently pulling cuttings. Look for new leaf development. I write down expected dates on a calendar. Patience prevents you from damaging fragile roots.

Realistic expectations should be set for challenging plants, such as orchids and magnolias, which require three months (even under ideal conditions). I propagate those plants myself. You will achieve success when you align timelines with the biology of the plant, not when you impose unnatural timelines.

Read the full article: 7 Essential Plant Propagation Techniques Explained