JBP seedling cuttings

[clapper]

I germinated some JBP seeds so that I can try to make some cuttings this year. These are the test batch - I have a larger batch in the works. Two questions:

1. do these need to be fertilized at all prior to cutting. They are in akadama pumice with a layer of sand on top. if so, what do you recommend.

2. when do I cut? From what I can tell it should be a few months after germination when the main stem has darkened. But I didn’t find a lot of info on this.

Thanks.

 

[Nybonsai12]

No fertilizer. Rooting hormone after the cut before you plant.

Cut when center growth starts to take off

 

[Shibui]

There are all sorts of tales about when to cut. I've found it does not really matter. Juvenile pine shoots will root at any stage so there's no need to wait for the 'purple stem' stage and they'll still root after then.
The healthier the seedlings are the better the rooting so I'd fertilize just to boost the seedlings though they'll still root without it.
Originally pine seedling cuttings were cut through the stems 'where the color changes' but I've found that's not the only way to get seedling cuttings. I've found I can let the seedlings grow taller then use part of the top as a cutting and keep the lower section as well - 2 for the price of 1.
Some photos and more in this thread https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/shibui-pine-contest-entry.36341/
Some years I've repeatedly taken cuttings of JBP seedlings as the tops grow.

Point is that there's not just one rigid way to make seedling cuttings. Plenty of scope to try slightly different methods and still get a result.

 

[clapper]

There are all sorts of tales about when to cut. I've found it does not really matter. Juvenile pine shoots will root at any stage so there's no need to wait for the 'purple stem' stage and they'll still root after then.
The healthier the seedlings are the better the rooting so I'd fertilize just to boost the seedlings though they'll still root without it.
Originally pine seedling cuttings were cut through the stems 'where the color changes' but I've found that's not the only way to get seedling cuttings. I've found I can let the seedlings grow taller then use part of the top as a cutting and keep the lower section as well - 2 for the price of 1.
Some photos and more in this thread https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/shibui-pine-contest-entry.36341/
Some years I've repeatedly taken cuttings of JBP seedlings as the tops grow.

Point is that there's not just one rigid way to make seedling cuttings. Plenty of scope to try slightly different methods and still

There are all sorts of tales about when to cut. I've found it does not really matter. Juvenile pine shoots will root at any stage so there's no need to wait for the 'purple stem' stage and they'll still root after then.
The healthier the seedlings are the better the rooting so I'd fertilize just to boost the seedlings though they'll still root without it.
Originally pine seedling cuttings were cut through the stems 'where the color changes' but I've found that's not the only way to get seedling cuttings. I've found I can let the seedlings grow taller then use part of the top as a cutting and keep the lower section as well - 2 for the price of 1.
Some photos and more in this thread https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/shibui-pine-contest-entry.36341/
Some years I've repeatedly taken cuttings of JBP seedlings as the tops grow.

Point is that there's not just one rigid way to make seedling cuttings. Plenty of scope to try slightly different methods and still get a result.

Sorry, just noticing your reply. Much apreciated. I have about 40 seedlings going at all stages now so I will take your advice and experiment with cutting at different stages.
Question, can you recommend a good razor for getting the task done? Or is any old single edge razor good enough. I’ve heard the sharper the better to get a clean cut and avoid crushing. Thanks again.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

There are all sorts of tales about when to cut. I've found it does not really matter. Juvenile pine shoots will root at any stage so there's no need to wait for the 'purple stem' stage and they'll still root after then.
The healthier the seedlings are the better the rooting so I'd fertilize just to boost the seedlings though they'll still root without it.
Originally pine seedling cuttings were cut through the stems 'where the color changes' but I've found that's not the only way to get seedling cuttings. I've found I can let the seedlings grow taller then use part of the top as a cutting and keep the lower section as well - 2 for the price of 1.
Some photos and more in this thread https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/shibui-pine-contest-entry.36341/
Some years I've repeatedly taken cuttings of JBP seedlings as the tops grow.

Point is that there's not just one rigid way to make seedling cuttings. Plenty of scope to try slightly different methods and still get a result.

So smart move my dude!! I never have seen that seedling cutting technique, you have an update of the cuttings and other pines?

 

[Shibui]

Question, can you recommend a good razor for getting the task done? Or is any old single edge razor good enough. I’ve heard the sharper the better to get a clean cut and avoid crushing.

Cleaner cuts usually do help with cuttings, grafts, etc. I tried a razor blade for the first trials but since then I've just chopped the seedlings with the pruning scissors, stripped lower needles, dipped in hormone and put the cuttings in a community pot then into misting bed. I still get around 90% strike rate.

So smart move my dude!! I never have seen that seedling cutting technique, you have an update of the cuttings and other pines?

I've posted pics and details on my pine contest thread - https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/shibui-pine-contest-entry.36341/
Note that's not the original pine seedling cutting technique. It show my variations.