From Shoots to Roots: Mastering Woody Plant Propagation with Shari Dutton

Welcome to another episode of Hort Culture, where host Alexis is joined by special guest Shari Dutton, University of Kentucky Extension Associate and longtime horticulture mentor, to dive deep into the art and science of woody plant propagation. While woody cuttings require extra patience compared to fast-rooting annuals or houseplants and take longer to develop robust root systems, the rewarding payoff is well worth the wait. Whether you are looking to multiply favorite landscape shrubs or source material for specialty crop production, this episode covers everything you need to know about successfully starting semi-hardwood, greenwood, and hardwood cuttings. Shari shares expert insights on ideal late-winter timing, utilizing efficient techniques like heel and mallet cuttings to maximize surface area, and understanding plant juvenility and stock health. You will also learn crucial practical tips on selecting the right rooting hormone concentrations (IBA), achieving optimal airspace in your perlite-based propagation media, managing bottom heat and high humidity, and properly hardening off your new plants for long-term success. Tune in for valuable advice, a few laughs, and recommended resources like Michael Dirr’s classic reference manual to help you grow your plant collection from the ground up! Shari Dutton Extension Associate Center for Crop Diversification Recommended Book Reference : Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture by Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. Heuser Jr. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!