Learn About Planting Apple Tree Cuttings
What Are The Methods Of Apple Propagation?
You might want to know how apple trees are propagated if you’re new to gardening or not. Although apple trees are usually grafted onto more resilient rootstocks, apple tree cuttings could be planted instead. Are apple tree cuttings rootable? It is possible to start apple tree cuttings, but you might not get the same traits as the parent plant. Continue reading to find out more.
Are Apple Tree Cuttings Rootable?
Growing apples from seed is possible, but the results are unpredictable, much like when you spin a roulette wheel. The majority of widely grown apple varieties are grafted onto more resilient rootstocks from disease-prone rootstocks.
Cuttings from apple trees can also be planted as a propagation method. Although this is a fairly straightforward method of propagation, apple tree rooting is not always successful, and the results are unpredictable, just like with seed propagation.
Get Apple Tree Cuttings Started
In the winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant, start an apple tree from cuttings. Using sharp pruning shears, cut a section of a branch 6 to 15 inches (15 to 38 cm) from the tip.
Cut end off and store in a cool cellar, basement, or refrigerator for 3–4 weeks in moist sawdust or vermiculite.
The cut end will develop a callus following this chilling time. Place the callused end in a container of moist peat soil after dusting it with rooting powder. Keep the soil moist all over. The container should be placed in a warm area with partial or dappled sunlight.
Cuttings From Apple Trees Are Planted
Leaves should appear after a few weeks, a sign that roots are developing. Apply a small amount of liquid fertilizer or manure water to them at this stage.
You can either transplant now or wait a year for the seedling to establish roots before moving the cutting the following spring.
Make sure the hole you dig can hold the apple tree’s roots. After planting the apple tree seedling in the hole, cover the roots with dirt. Water the plant well and gently press down on any air bubbles.
For added protection, you might need to cover the trees if the weather is still chilly, but you should take the covers off as soon as the temperature rises.
