Help with cuttings populus x canescens (tower poplar)

Has anyone ever grown 'Tower Poplars' from cuttings before? I used a kit last year to grow hybrid poplars but I was wondering if I can propagate populus canescens the same way, with 2 bud cuttings using a rooting compound.

Do I have to soak them in water for a few hours, and what time of the year can I begin to take cuttings from the tree?
As well as what type of potting mix should I use?

I have planted hardwood cuttings of hybrid poplars in spring, including the tower poplar. It does not root as easy as a lot of hybrid poplar cuttings(which I never waste the time using rooting hormone on), but the tower poplar would benefit with rooting hormone.

As it has aspen parentage, its actually easier using root cuttings for propagation. But when I transplant my tower poplars, there is some top I like to cut off, so I plant the little hardwood cuttings, and have a few out of the bunch live as long as I am watering them and taking care of them. That is without rooting hormone. With rooting hormone I'd imagine I'd get a better percentage.

Thanks Lance, what type of growing medium did you use? Just a simple peat moss or compost

Hello, not sure what you'd want to use in your setup. For me, I just plant in a fenced area in native soil and keep it well watered and does good enough for me.