Question
Tom,

I set out 8 pear cutting similar to your instructions, with the exception of doing them this month(August).

Within a week the two leaves I left on turned black and fell off. It has been about two weeks since potting .

My question is, should I leave the stems in the potting soil a few more weeks to see if they will sprout or should I start over again

Thanks
MIKE  

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for your question.  There is always the possibility of a cutting not taking root.  Sometimes the leaves will shrivel and/or fall off but the cutting is still alive.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy and it should be warm (mid 70s F).  It will probably take at least 8 weeks for rooting.  Did you dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone like Rootone?  This is necessary to induce rooting.  Don't throw away the cuttings yet.  Give them 6 more weeks and then check with a pencil digging gently near the cutting so you can see if there are any roots.  Sometimes cuttings won't take.  If after 6 more weeks that's the case, try again with new, fresh cuttings.  I hope this helps.
Tom