quick question about limpness in softwood cuttings

I'm trying to start some cuttings earlier this year than normal, and I think more of them are going limp on the end. I'm trying to decide if I should just take the top limp inch off, leave them on, or wait another couple of weeks before taking more? Is there a time test, such as being limp 1/2 hour after cutting, before they go into mist, is ok, but 5 minutes means they are too green? Again, this is just dealing with the top inch.
Thanks.

I'm wondering a few things - like, what are the clippings of? Are the cuttings with leaves, and if so, what size and how many of them are there? I wouldn't worry if they perk up after they're misted, if they don't, well there's a sure test!

You mentioned that it's just the top inch - you may be putting too large of a cutting in - ?

Sorry, more questions than answers!

No problem.
I tried several bushes such as the dwarf korean lilac, some forsythia, dappled willow, and just looked at some of the other bushes. All have smaller leaves, and about 4-6 inches long. They seem fine below that top inch, which flops over. Mist isn't really helping them, and I had hoped to find out if they were viable or not before cutting too many. It looks like I'll have to wait a week and try again. They seemed fine at the time of cutting them off, but they went downhill fast (5 minutes). I was cutting off the limp part, but now I'm not sure if that was the best plan.
Thanks for responding.

Oh, sure!

Okay, I probably wouldn't take more than a 2-3 inch cutting of just about anything. Something that might help a little is if you take a cup of water with you when you get your cuttings and stick them in there until you put them in whatever medium you're planting them in.

If you're cuttings have leaves, I wouldn't leave more than the smallest two or so, if they're bigger than your thumb nail, I would cut them in half. I know this all seems counter productive in terms of getting a decent sized plant, but if you get too much leaf area the plant will wilt anyway - not that wilting is necessarily a sign of death, it just means that it isn't able to take up enough moisture at that time. Oftentimes they'll spring back once they are cooler and/ or moister. Of course, too much wilting will stress the plant and kill it.

I hope this gives you a bit better of a start. Some things are a little picky as to when it's best to take cuttings, too, but it seems like at least the willow and forsythia should do fine.

I live in a forest of forsythia because I started propagating them as soon as I realised how easy they were. I trade them with friends for things and sell them at yard sales, use them as part of a privacy hedge around the house, you name it.

Thing is, I think you *are* taking your cuttings too early. I have always waited until the flowering is done, when the wood's half-hard, and then all it took to root them was to poke them in a bucket of water. They're practically like willows that way. Almost overnight they're callusing up and rooting. They bend over and root themselves in the dirt too, if you don't trim them.

I've tried them when the ends of the branches were soft, and they just died on me.--Melis

Hi: Are your cuttings in full sun or have some shade? I have done cuttings with blooms, no blooms and old wood. I have found that as long as you cut off the flowers and keep them from flowering they should take.
The willow and forsythia are easy ones. The lilac may be timing. I have found some deciduous plants require the cold period along with removing some of the bark on the sides to encourage rooting. Now some of these plants take months to happen, for me.
Another thing is when you take your cuttings. If they are going limp cut off an inch or so to make a new cutsite to encourage moisture intake. I have taken cuttings and let them sit for days in water before preping and sticking the cuttings. It just works for me.
Are you using a rooting hormone?
I hope this helps.
Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for those tips. I'm happy to say that about 95% of the ones I took 2 weeks ago are still doing well. I stopped taking any more since everyone seemed to think it was too early. I'll start again this weekend. They get about 4 hours direct sun, rest is dappled sun. Speaking of which, I better go put the water on to sprinkle them again. Thanks for the reminder.
The dogwood seeds did quite well!
I know I can do ones with blooms, but I just can't bring myself to do. I have to wait until blooming is done - enjoy them too much.
I'll try taking a second cutsite. sounds like a good idea. Yes, definitely use the hormone. Just the powder, but it seems to be doing what I need it to do.

Hi: i would recomend if possible to get soem shade on the cuttings. ven a small amout would be best. Is the direct sun in the am or pm?
I am glad to hear about the dogwoods doing well. I have a few left for my personal use.