[amc]

I've been pruning the blackcurrants and currently have the multibranched cuttings poked into compost.

I'm going to take cuttings to propargate yet more blackcurrants.

What is the ideal length of cutting? Should it be just last years new growth or are the thicker, woodier stems ok to use? Do I need to dip the cuttings in hormone rooting powder?

Any advice gratefully recieved.
Ta amc

[richyrich7]

They need to be hardwood cuttings not this years soft growth, take them so they are about 6"+ long with at 6-7 buds. Simply stick a spade in the ground wiggle slightly and remove, the slit you have made should be fine for putting the cuttings in, pop them deep enough that roughly 2-3 buds are left showing, tread on the soil to close the slit and it's done    if you soils really heavy a bit of sand in the bottom of the hole should help.
Make sure you plant them the right way round  

[amc]

Cheers Richy,

I'll do that, I've also got some to post to a mate - its good to know the cuttings I'll send him will have a good chance of growing :!:
Many thanks, amc

[slugtrap]

Cut the bottom straight across just below a bud and the top diagonally just above a bud - This will help you remember which way up to stick them in the ground! It also stops the cutting wanting to grow from the top or dying back, concentrating more on growing roots... It's very satisfying getting plants for free, a two year old bush from a garden centre will cost you £7.95 or more!!! Swap um with yer mates too!!