Plant propagation is the simplest and most inexpensive way to become a nurseryman, and many have dabbled in it as a hobby then gone on to make a living providing liners for potting, planting in the field, or transplanting to the landscape. Learnt the basics below.

• Environment
• Cuttings
• Grafting
• References

Environment

• Hamilton and Midcap 1999. Installation of mist propagation equipment. Comprehensive reference that covers mist systems, equipment, costs and structures. DF Hamilton and JT Midcap. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Circular 417.

Cuttings

• Blythe et al 2007. Methods of auxin application in cutting propagation: a review of 70 years of scientific discovery and commercial practice. Excellent review of everything you’ll need to know about how to use rooting hormones and why they work. EK Blythe, JL Sibley, KM Tilt, and JM Ruter. J. Environ. Hort. 25(3):166–185 (2007).
• Jone, J.R. et al. 2010. Vegetative Propagation of Oconee Azalea by Stem Cuttings and Mount Layering. Though used in this paper to propagate native azaleas, the methods used to propagate the plants by stem cuttings and mound layering can be transferred to most ornamental plants. J.R. Jones, A.V. LeBude and Thomas G. Ranney. J. Environ. Hort. 28(2):69–73. June 2010

Grafting

Grafting plants marries an understock to the desired cultivar to produce a unique individual that should grow well after planting, and produce the traits intended. Below are some basics concepts about grafting and some references to explain techniques and make the task easier and more successful.

Technical Publications

• Jayswickrama Jett and McKeand 1991 Roostock effect in grafted conifers: a review. Grafting is widely used to propagate conifers. Selected rootstocks can be used to improve graft success, reduce incompatibility, alter scion vigor and increase seed production . It may also be possible to alter crown characters and scion physiology. KJS JAYAWICKRAMA, JB JETT and SE MCKEAND. New forests 5:157-173.
• LeBude, Upchurch, and Neal. Preemergence Herbicide Applications to Six Containerized Woody Ornamental Rootstocks do not Affect Winter Grafting Success. Proof of using preemergence herbicides in grafting without affecting grafting success. J. Environ. Hort. 27(2):119–122. June 2009

Extension Publications

Hamilton and Midcap 2003. Propagation of woody ornamentals by grafting and budding. Good coverage of common grafting techniques and T-budding. Discusses tools and techniques. DF Hamilton and JT Midcap University of Florida IFAS Extension CIR416.

Stoltz and Strang. Reproducing fruit trees by graftage: budding and grafting. Reference for producing fruit trees asexually. LP Stoltz and J Strang. University Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service HO-39.

Starbuck, CJ 2002. Budding. Fairly comprehensive on the subject. Agricultural Extension University of Missouri-Columbia G 6972.

Bilderback, Ted 2014. Grafting and Budding Nursery Crop Plants. Grafting and budding are horticultural techniques used to join parts from two or more plants so that they appear to grow as a single plant. In grafting, the upper part (scion) of one plant grows on the root system (rootstock) of another plant. In the budding process, a bud is taken from one plant and grown on another. NC State Extension.

General References

Raulston, JC 1995. Plant Propagation Budding and Grafting. Rootstocks for ornamentals production and use in the southeastern United States. JC Raulston presentation gave at an IPPS meeting in Charleston, SC. Lists various rootstocks to use for grafting plants.

International Plant Propagator’s Society (IPPS). The mission of IPPS – with a focus on the global community of those involved in horticultural plant production – is • to share knowledge, information and skills; • to provide guidance and support for lifelong career achievements; • to increase recognition of the profession; and • to maximize the integration of research, education, and horticultural knowledge.