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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Rosa (nutkana)

Lee Riley
Horticulturist
USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center
34963 Shoreview Road
Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424
541-915-7324
541-767-5709 (fax)
lee.riley@usda.gov
Family Scientific Name: Rosaceae
Family Common Name: Rose
Scientific Name: Rosa nutkana
Common Name: Nootka rose
Species Code: RONU
Ecotype: East Sand Island, Columbia River, Oregon
General Distribution: Rosa nutkana grows in the western US, from the Rocky Mountain states to the Pacific Coast, and in British Columbia and Alaska
Propagation Goal: Plants
Propagation Method: Seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 444 ml (27 in3) container
Time To Grow: 20 weeks
Target Specifications: Stock Type: Container seedling Root System: Firm plug in container.
Propagule Collection: Seed is obtained by collecting rose hips after they turn a bright red color
Propagule Processing: Berries should be stored in a plastic bag at ~4 °C until extraction, within 2 weeks or so to prevent mold growth. Macerate berries in mortar and pestle as gently as possible. Check seeds regularly to ensure seeds are not being cracked or otherwise damaged. Add water to pestle to mix, and pour mixture in beaker. Add sufficient water. Water to berry mixture should be 3:1. Add pectinase (approximately 1 table spoon per liter) to volume and stir. Leave mixture at room temperature for 24 hours. Most seeds should sink to bottom if filled and properly macerated initially. Pour off top layer while gently mixing, or adding water from a faucet. Do not mix so violently that seed rises in the water column, but just enough that berry skin begins to float and pour off the non-seed debris. When seeds are as clean as possible, pour wet seed onto paper towel and allow to dry. Pick out debris with tweezers. Dry to <38% RH. Store at 4 °C.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are placed into fine mesh bags and soaked in a 1% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 water/3% hydrogen peroxide) 24 hours, rinsed, and placed in water for an additional 24 hours.
Seeds are layered in peat in a sealed container and placed into cold stratification (1 to 3 °C) for 100 to 110 days. It is very important to check seeds in warm strat and peat weekly. If mold is evident, seeds should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Seeds are directly sown into containers. Seeds are lightly covered with nursery grit. Growing medium used is 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice with Apex controlled release fertilizer (16N:5P2O5:10K2O with minors; 6 to 7 month release rate at 21C) at the rate of 2 gram Apex per 444 ml container.
Establishment Phase: Germination is fairly uniform, and is usually complete in 3 weeks. During that time, plants may be lightly fertilized with soluble 12-2-14-6Ca-3Mg at 75 ppm.
Length of Establishment Phase: 4 weeks
Active Growth Phase: Once established, plants are fairly fast-growing. Soluble fertilizer (20-9-20 NPK, 20-18-18 NPK, or 17-5-24 NPK) at 100 to 150 ppm is applied weekly throughout the growing season. Rosa spp. plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, so irrigation should be closely monitored during the season. Plants may need to be spaced apart in racks to allow for good air circulation.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 16 weeks
Hardening Phase: No dry-down is done to induce dormancy. Seedlings are moved to an outdoor growing area in mid-September.
Length of Hardening Phase: 3 weeks
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Harvest Date: Mid to late October
Storage Conditions: Seedlings are usually outplanted in fall. No storage except in outdoor growing area. Plants are well irrigated prior to shipping and shipped in containers.
Other Comments: Wetland classification: FAC
References: Dorena Genetic Resource Center Propagation Records, unpublished.

Pavek PL, Skinner D. 2013. Plant guide: Nootka rose Rosa nutkana C. Presl. Pullman (WA): USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center. URL: https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ronu.pdf (accessed 11 Oct 2018).

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Rosa nutkana C. Presl Nootka rose. URL: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RONU (accessed 11 Oct 2018).

Citation:

Riley, Lee E.; Smith, Haley S.; Klocke, Allison. 2018. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Rosa nutkana Plants 444 ml (27 in3) container; USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center Cottage Grove, Oregon. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/24). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.