Tips for propagating siberian pea shrub and haskaps

We have a small tree and plant nursery here in Vermont and looking to pick the brains of my fellow permaculture enthusiasts. We have some Siberian pea shrubs and haskaps and last winter we took some cuttings to see how they would do. Put them in a jug of willow water for a few days and planted in pots in our grow room. Almost immediately they started pushing leaves and I’m like oh no and began misting them a few times a day, kept the soil moist like we usually do with other cuttings but they eventually petered out and never formed any roots.
We are curious about results others might have had with hardwood versus softwood cuttings and methods that improved success rates?

I am not too experienced with pea shrub, but I will speak for haskap propagation, and it might be relevant for pea shrubs also.

Looking at the pattern of the plants, they present as multi stemmed shrubs. Most plants like this will propagate through stool layering, mounding soil and compost and mulch against the base of the plants and dividing the rooted stems while dormant. I’ve also just plan root divided haskaps and that works too. Anywhere the stems are in touch with soil will readily root.

Cuttings are a bit trickier, but I’ve also had success with them. I take them dormant in early spring, and keep them dark on bottom heat in a cool space. If the stems are warm like 65-75 degrees and the tops stay cold <40 they will strike roots or root initials within a few weeks and even if they leaf out will be supported. You can then plant them in pots or out in gardens.

Pea shrub grows as a multi stemmed being as well, and I imagine it could be propagated in much the same way. Many folks do it from seed also. They grow pretty fast after the first year.

Good luck

We appreciate the helpful tips, we have done some stool layering as well and I was thinking tops being cool and heat on the bottom might work but haven’t ever tried it. Sounds like it’s worth trying, thanks