Rose Hybridizing Basics: Cuttings, Not Seeds, for Home Gardeners

Seeds vs. Cuttings

Rose seedlings aren't commercially sold; roses are propagated from cuttings or rootstock. To get a variety, buy cuttings or take them from desired plants.

Simple Grafting (Budding) for Hybrids

1. Cut a bud from variety A.
2. Make a V-cut in the stem of variety B (mother plant).
3. Insert bud into V-cut.
4. Wrap with damp peat moss and aluminum foil.
5. Water into the wrap to prevent drying.
6. Wait ~1 month. New growth combines traits of both.

This is T-budding, the standard method for rose hybridization. True seed breeding is far more complex.