It's best to take hardwood cuttings in late winter. I would get vigorous twigs about 2 years old, and about 3/4 inch in diameter and 8 inches long. I would plant them a couple of inches deep in moist sand, and keep them in a shady, sheltered area until they sprout in spring. In Phoenix, we do this in January. In your area, probably about a month before the last frost.