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This process is basically the same as the stem cuttings with some differences I'll mention here. I'll also describe my experience with this.
Softwood refers to tender woody growth - new current year growth. I have a wonderful lemon tree but though it is similar to meyer lemon, it isn't quite the same. Since I don't know what it is, I decided to try to propagate. Just in case something dreadful happened to it, at least I'll have a backup. Generally, people recommend using grafting for citrus and other fruit trees, though all will generally grow from seed too (some fruit seeds need chilling and others require opening up the 'seed'). In this case I wanted to try the simplest method first. In fact, I've now created 6 new trees from my original Lemon tree. They produce fruit that is true to the original.
Most guides for taking softwood cuttings suggest doing it during a dormant period so the plant is less needy during the rooting phase. This I've tried, but it's never worked for me. Instead, I take cutting when the tree is actively growing. Meaning there are tender tips on the branches and it is ready to flower, or already flowering.
The process I use is identical to the stem cuttings process which is here. Go ahead and try anything you like. It's a fun experiment if nothing else.
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