How do you root forsythia cuttings? Take 4 to 6 inch (10–15 cm) softwood forsythia cuttings from this season’s growth in late June or early July, strip the lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone and insert 2 inches (5 cm) deep in coarse sand or perlite. Cover with clear plastic and keep in bright, indirect light. Iowa State University Extension says forsythia cuttings should root in six to eight weeks.
Key takeaway: Forsythia is one of the easiest shrubs to multiply. Iowa State calls it easily propagated from softwood cuttings, its semi-hardwood guide lists forsythia too, and Missouri Extension lists softwood, hardwood and layering as options. That flexibility means you can take forsythia cuttings almost any time the plant is growing or dormant.
| Method | When | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood forsythia cuttings | Late June–early July (Iowa) | Iowa State Extension |
| Semi-hardwood | Mid-July to early fall | Iowa State Extension |
| Hardwood | Late Feb–early Mar, or after full dormancy | Iowa State Extension |
| Layering | Simple layering | University of Missouri Extension |
| Rooting time | 6–8 weeks (softwood) | Iowa State Extension |
When Is the Best Time to Take Forsythia Cuttings?
Early summer is easiest. Iowa State University Extension recommends softwood forsythia cuttings from the current season’s growth in late June or early July, and its general guide gives late May through early July. Iowa State’s semi-hardwood guide also lists forsythia, with cuttings taken from mid-July to early fall once new growth has just become woody.
- Softwood: flexible new growth that snaps when sharply bent.
- Semi-hardwood: firm stems with full-size leaves.
- Hardwood: dormant, leafless stems in late winter.
How Do You Take Softwood Forsythia Cuttings?
Iowa State’s steps are simple. Use a sharp knife to cut 4 to 6 inch (10–15 cm) shoots, pinch off leaves on the lower half and remove any flowers. Make a fresh cut just below a node, dip the cut end in a root-promoting compound, and insert about 2 inches (5 cm) deep in moist coarse sand, perlite or vermiculite. Firm the medium around each stem.
- Cut 4 to 6 inch (15 cm) shoots of current-season growth.
- Strip leaves from the lower half.
- Recut just below a node.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick 2 inches (5.1 cm) deep and firm the medium.
- Water, drain and cover with clear plastic.
Do Forsythia Cuttings Need Rooting Hormone?
Not strictly, but it helps. Iowa State explains that root-promoting substances increase the percentage of cuttings that root, shorten rooting time and increase the number of roots per cutting, and its forsythia answer includes a hormone dip. Most garden-center products are powders. Our rooting hormone for water propagation guide compares forms.
What Is the Best Rooting Medium for Forsythia Cuttings?
A medium that holds moisture yet drains well. Iowa State lists coarse sand, perlite and vermiculite, in a pot or flat with drainage holes, watered and drained before sticking cuttings. Missouri Extension says perlite works best mixed with an equal volume of peat moss or vermiculite, and warns against very fine sand and heavy soils, which hamper root formation. See our perlite propagation guide.
How Do You Keep Forsythia Cuttings From Wilting?
Hold in humidity. Iowa State explains that a cutting has no roots yet keeps losing water through its leaves, so it wilts and dies if it dries out. Put stakes inside the pot and cover it with a clear plastic bag, or use a dome over a flat, then place cuttings in bright light but not direct sun. Inspect daily and remoisten the medium as needed.
Our humidity dome guide shows simple setups.
How Long Do Forsythia Cuttings Take to Root?
Forsythia cuttings usually root in six to eight weeks, according to Iowa State, and Missouri Extension says most woody cuttings such as forsythia root in several weeks. Iowa State suggests digging up two or three cuttings after 4 to 5 weeks to check. If roots are weak, put them back for more time.
- Week 4–5: gently check two or three cuttings.
- Week 6–8: most should have roots.
- After rooting: harden off before potting.
Can You Root Forsythia Cuttings in Winter?
Yes, as hardwood cuttings. Iowa State lists forsythia among shrubs propagated from hardwood cuttings and says material is best collected in late February or early March in Iowa. Stems taken in late fall or early winter should be stored in moist media at about 32 to 40°F (0–4°C), away from fruit, whose ethylene can hurt rooting. Late-winter cuttings can be stuck immediately.
Can Forsythia Cuttings Root in Water?
The extension guides reviewed here root forsythia in sand, perlite or vermiculite, not plain water, so a solid medium is the proven route. If you experiment with water, use fresh, clean water and a bright spot. Our water propagation vs soil propagation guide explains the trade-offs when moving water roots to mix.
How Do You Care for Rooted Forsythia Cuttings?
Harden them off slowly. Iowa State says to remove the cover without letting cuttings wilt, keep the medium moist, then after a few days transplant into individual pots of commercial potting mix. Young plants can go in the ground in early fall, or grow in a garden bed for one to two years first.
Why Do Forsythia Cuttings Fail?
Most forsythia cuttings fail from drying out or rotting. Iowa State warns that a cutting will wilt and die if it loses a large quantity of water, and University of Missouri Extension notes that low humidity allows wilting, scorch and leaf drop. Missouri also warns against very fine sand, which has poor aeration, and heavy soils that pack tightly.
- Wilting: cover sooner and shade from direct sun.
- Black stems: medium too wet or too dense.
- No roots: wrong timing or stems too soft or too old.
FAQ About Forsythia Cuttings
How long should forsythia cuttings be?
4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm), per Iowa State.
When do you take forsythia cuttings?
Late June to early July for softwood; late winter for hardwood.
How long until forsythia cuttings root?
Six to eight weeks.
Do forsythia cuttings need hormone?
Not required, but it improves rooting.
Can you layer forsythia instead?
Yes; Missouri Extension lists simple layering.
Do forsythia cuttings need sun?
Bright light, but not direct sun, while rooting.
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension — How do you propagate forsythias?
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagating Shrubs and Trees from Softwood Cuttings
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagation of Deciduous Trees and Shrubs from Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagation of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines from Hardwood Cuttings
- University of Missouri Extension — Home Propagation of Garden and Landscape Plants (G6970)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Forsythia x intermedia 01 by Uoaei1 (CC BY-SA 3.0); Softwood stemcuttings by KVDP (talk) (Public domain); Forsythia bloom by C. E. Price (Public domain)