Does anybody know how I would go about starting Oregon Grapes from a cutting? I would like to grow some of these and they are very native to here (makes them even more desirable). Please help! Josh & Kelsey
I don't know how successful this will be for you, but this is what I have done in the past. I put the cuttings in a pot and keep the pots on the north side of the house where they are in the shade. I keep the soil moist and wait. I don't seem to have any better luck with the rooting hormones than just potting them up. If they look like they are wilting I put the pots into a clear garbage bag to maintain the moisture/humidity. Don't forget to open the bag occasionally and watch for rot (if it is too damp that can be a problem...I just remove any plants that aren't making it to keep a healthy environment). I simply pulled some Oregon grape up from our cabin property where I had to remove some to make our parking spot big enough for two cars. They had a straight stem/root with no side roots. I brought them home and stuck them in the ground. The first year I did try to keep them watered, but haven't since. They were slow to establish, but are doing well this year and blooming. Good luck! and I hope this helps a little.
I'd Love to Know More As far as the cuttings go, timing is usually everything. If you could find out the best time to take the cutting, that would increase your chances of success. Let us know how it all turns out if you can. I'm considering Oregon Grapes for a semi-shady area right next to my veg garden. I can't imagine that I wouldn't like the taste, but... better ask....How do they taste? Apparently they like a fair amount of rain if they are found in your area of the U.S. Believe it or not, aside from a few months in the summer, its pretty moist here in MD as well.
The taste of Oregon Grapes Well lulu, I don't think you'd like the taste of these by themselves. They are very, very sour. But they make a wonderful jam and a great syrup! That's a big part of the reason I want them. Plus they are rather pretty bushes. Josh
Oregon Grapes Uses Thanks, Josh. Yes, I still want some Oregon Grapes in my garden. I agree that they are beautiful. Could I also use them to make a sweetened fruit juice or even wine? Anybody know any other ways they can be used? -Rhonda- Wearer of Many Hats
Juice/wine I'm not sure how they would taste as a juice (they take A LOT of sugar to make jam or syrup out of). I guess it depends on how you feel about sugar in your juice. I personally prefer juices that don't need much sugar.....that's just a personal preference though. Although, you've made me wonder about wine.....It may take me a while, but I think I am going to have to try that......I'll have to get back to you on that one (at the end of the season)..... Josh
