Objective  To optimize the tissue culture conditions for an efficient, rapid propagation of Double Delight Chinese roses for large scale operations.

  Method  Stems cut from the rose plants were used for the tissue culture optimization with an orthogonal experiment and completely randomized block design method. The initial generation culture, subsequent generations enrichment, rooting enhancement, and transplant augmentation for the plant propagation were evaluated.

  Result  The optimal method to disinfect the stems for propagation was to dip them in 75% C₂H₅OH for 30 s followed by soaking in a 0.1% HgCl₂ solution for 6 min. The most efficient 1^st generation culture was obtained in a medium containing MS+3.00 mg·L^-1 6-BA+0.30 mg·L^-1 NAA with an induction rate of up to 95.56%. The selected enrichment medium was MS+1.00 mg·L^-1 6-BA+0.10 mg·L^-1 IBA to yield a multiplication factor of 6.61. For efficient rooting, the best medium was MS+0.05 mg·L^-1 IBA+2.50 mg·L^-1 activated carbon to result in a 95.56% rate. The mixing ratio of the substrates for seedling transplanting was optimized to be fine sand:vermiculite:perlite:coconut bran=1:2:3:1 that provided a seedling survival rate as high as 98.33%.

  Conclusion  A highly efficient, rapid propagation method using cut stems from Double Delight Chinese rose plants was established for scale-up productions.