What Is a Mallet Cutting? A Cutting With a Piece of Old Stem
A mallet cutting is a stem cutting that carries a whole section of older stem wood at its base, so the cutting looks like a small mallet. Gardeners use it for woody plants.
The short answer
NC State Extension lists three hardwood cutting types: straight, heel plus mallet. A mallet cutting includes an entire section of older stem wood. WSU Extension describes it as a complete cross section of the main stem along with a side shoot. Take it from a dormant stem, strip the lower leaves plus root it in a moist medium.
How is a mallet cutting different from other cuttings?
NC State notes a straight cutting is a plain length of stem. A heel cutting has just a thin sliver of older wood at its base. A mallet cutting carries the whole section of the older stem.
| Type | What sits at the base | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Plain stem | NC State |
| Heel | Small section of older wood | NC State |
| Mallet | Entire section of older stem | NC State plus WSU |
Source: NC State Extension plus WSU Extension.
When do you take a mallet cutting?
NC State notes hardwood cuttings come from dormant stems in late fall, winter or early spring. Listed examples include fig, forsythia, grape, privet plus spirea.
How to: step by step
- Choose a side shoot on a dormant stem.
- Cut through the main stem above plus below the shoot.
- Strip leaves from the lower third to half.
- Dip the base in rooting powder, as WSU advises.
- Poke a hole with a dowel or pencil plus insert the cutting.
- Cover with a clear bag plus give bright, indirect light.
Troubleshooting
Cutting dries out: low humidity. Cover it with a clear bag, per Iowa State.
Soggy base: poor drainage. Use coarse sand, perlite or vermiculite in a pot with holes.
Few roots: no hormone. Iowa State notes hormones raise rooting rates.
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Sources
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 13: Propagation, NC State Extension
- Propagating shrubs, vines and trees from stem cuttings, Washington State University Extension
- Propagating shrubs and trees from softwood cuttings, Iowa State University Extension, Yard and Garden
- Glossary of garden terms, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
FAQ
Why is it called a mallet cutting?
The piece of main stem at the base sits across the side shoot like the head of a mallet. WSU describes it as a full cross section of the main stem with a side shoot.
What plants root from mallet cuttings?
WSU notes Tam juniper can be grown from tip, heel or mallet cuttings. NC State lists fig, grape plus privet among hardwood cuttings.
Does a mallet cutting need rooting hormone?
Iowa State notes rooting hormones raise the rooting rate plus the number of roots. WSU advises dipping the base in rooting powder.
How deep should I set the cutting?
Iowa State advises inserting shrub cuttings about 2 inches deep in a moist medium with drainage holes in the pot.
How long until roots form?
Iowa State notes most deciduous shrub softwood cuttings root in 6 to 8 weeks. Hardwood cuttings may take longer, so check gently before moving them.
