Propagating Apple Trees from Cuttings: A Complete Guide

Propagating apple trees from cuttings is an inexpensive and easy way to clone your favorite apple variety. While less reliable than grafting, rooting apple cuttings allows you to replicate the exact parent tree without buying expensive rootstock. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through the simple process of propagating apple trees from cuttings.

Why Propagate Apple Trees from Cuttings?

There are a few key reasons you may want to propagate apple trees from cuttings rather than seeds

• Get an exact genetic copy of the parent tree. Apple trees propagated from seeds are genetically different than the parent. Propagating from cuttings ensures your new tree is identical.

• Maintain desired fruit characteristics The apples from your new tree will be the exact same variety as the parent when using cuttings,

• Avoid the need for grafting. Propagating from cuttings doesn’t require grafting the scion onto special rootstock.

• It’s inexpensive. Rooting your own apple cuttings is practically free compared to buying grafted nursery trees.

While propagating apple trees from cuttings does have some disadvantages compared to grafting, it’s a great option for the home gardener.

Selecting Cuttings from an Apple Tree

Choosing the right cuttings is an important first step for success:

• Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free branches. Avoid any wood that is damaged or diseased.

• Use 1 year old wood that is pencil-thick – around 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter.

• Cuttings should be 6 to 15 inches long and have 3-5 buds each.

• Take cuttings in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.

• Collect multiple cuttings from different branches to improve success rate.

Avoid using thin, soft shoots from the current year’s growth. Mature wood that is over 2 years old also has a lower chance of rooting. Stick with nice, straight branches about the thickness of a pencil.

Callusing the Cut End

Before you can root the cuttings, you need to “callus” the cut end. Here’s how:

• Make a clean cut just below a bud using sharp bypass pruners.

• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth.

• Place the cuttings in a Ziploc bag filled with moist sawdust or vermiculite.

• Store the bag in your refrigerator or unheated basement for 4-6 weeks.

• Check often and remist the material if it dries out.

Callusing protects the cut surface from disease infection. A protective callus will form over the cut end during the chilling period. This callus is critical for apple cutting success.

Rooting the Prepared Cuttings

After a callus has formed, you can begin rooting the cuttings:

• Fill 3-4 inch pots with moist seed starting mix or potting soil.

• Make a hole and insert the cuttings so the callused end is buried.

• Gently firm the soil and water thoroughly to settle.

• Cover pots with plastic bags or dome lids to maintain humidity.

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked.

• Provide bright, indirect light by placing pots in a warm area (65-75°F) out of direct sun.

• Remove humidity domes once cuttings start actively growing.

Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the surface inch dries out. Look for signs of rooting like new leaf growth after 2-3 weeks. Once established, begin fertilizing with a diluted liquid fertilizer to stimulate vigorous growth.

Transplanting Rooted Apple Cuttings

In spring, successfully rooted apple cuttings can be transplanted into the garden:

• Harden off potted cuttings by placing them outdoors in partial shade for 7-10 days.

• Prepare a planting bed in full sun with compost-enriched soil.

• Dig holes larger than the pot size and tease apart any circling roots.

• Backfill with surrounding soil, tamp gently, and water immediately.

• Use stakes or supports to protect young trees from wind damage.

• Apply mulch around trees leaving a gap near the trunk to prevent disease.

The young apple trees will take 3-4 years to begin fruiting but will eventually grow to match the parent tree. You can continually propagate more trees from flexible new shoots.

Tips for Apple Cutting Success

Follow these tips to maximize your chances of successfully rooting apple cuttings:

• Take plenty of cuttings to account for failures.

• Use clean, sterilized pruners when collecting cuttings.

• Apply rooting hormone powder to cut ends.

• Maintain constant moisture until cutting roots establish.

• Transplant into garden promptly once rooted.

With proper practices, propagating apple trees from cuttings is an easy and rewarding method for any gardener. Be patient, as it does take diligence and time. The payoff is having free, exact copies of your favorite productive apple variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Propagating Apple Trees from Cuttings

Can you grow an apple tree from a cutting?

Yes, propagating apple trees from cuttings is entirely possible. While not foolproof, it allows you to clone your favorite fruiting apple variety from an existing tree. Follow the steps above for the best results.

What can I root apple cuttings in?

Good rooting mediums for apple cuttings include moist seed starting mix, vermiculite, perlite and coir. Avoid water-only rooting. The cuttings need both moisture and oxygen for the best root growth.

How long does it take for apple cuttings to root?

Plan on 2-3 months before cuttings show signs of new growth from rooting. Some can take 4-6 months. Be patient as apple cuttings are slower than many other fruits. Refrigerate cuttings for 1-2 months before planting.

Can I use apple seeds to grow a tree?

You can grow apple trees from seeds, but they won’t be the same as the parent. Apple seeds produce random genetic offspring, not clones. Propagating from cuttings maintains the exact variety. Grafting is another cloning option.

What time of year should I take apple cuttings?

Late winter or early spring is best, when the tree is dormant. Avoid soft new growth. 1 year old branches about 1/4-1/2 inch thick are ideal. Collect multiple cuttings from different areas of the tree.

Propagating apple trees from cuttings takes time and care, but it’s a rewarding way to get free copies of your favorite homegrown apple variety. Follow the simple steps in this guide for the best results.