How to Propagate a Cherry Tree from Cuttings or Grafting

Cherry trees are a beloved garden feature producing sweet fruit or beautiful blossoms. Propagating a new cherry tree from an existing tree ensures that the new plant will be an exact genetic replica. This allows you to multiply prized varieties. Cherry trees can be propagated by taking stem cuttings or by grafting. Read on to learn the steps for propagating cherries using these techniques.

Overview of Cherry Tree Propagation

There are two main types of cherry trees

• Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) – Produces sweet, heart-shaped fruit in summer.

• Sour or tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) – Bears round, tart fruit used for cooking.

Both can be propagated by cuttings or grafting This will create an exact genetic clone of the parent tree

Stem cuttings involve rooting a severed stem section in media until it forms its own root system. Grafting joins the top portion of one plant (the scion) to the roots and lower trunk (rootstock) of another plant.

When to Take Cherry Tree Cuttings

Cherry tree cuttings are generally taken in summer as semi-hardwood cuttings or in winter as hardwood cuttings:

• Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from mid to late summer when new growth is slightly firm but still green and not fully hardened off. This is the easiest time for propagation.

• Hardwood cuttings are taken when the tree is fully dormant in late winter. The wood will be hard, brown, and mature. Hardwood cuttings are slightly more difficult to root but still effective.

For best results, always use healthy plant material without signs of disease or damage. Cuttings from young cherry tree branches root quickest.

How to Root Cherry Tree Cuttings

Follow these steps to root cherry tree cuttings:

1. Prepare a pot with moist, well-draining propagation medium like half peat moss and half perlite.

2. Use sterile pruners to cut a stem section around 4-8 inches long, with 2-4 leaf nodes if possible. Remove all but the top few leaves.

3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Tap off any excess.

4. Insert the cutting into the propagation medium. Gently firm the mix around it.

5. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Place it in bright indirect light.

6. Keep the medium evenly moist but not soaked. Mist the cuttings daily to provide humidity.

7. Check for rooting after 6-8 weeks. Gently tug the cutting; resistance means roots have formed.

8. Once well rooted, transplant the young cherry tree into a pot with soil. Gradually acclimate it to outdoor conditions before planting it.

With proper care, the cutting will successfully take root and grow into a mature, fruiting tree identical to the parent.

Propagating Cherry Trees by Grafting

Grafting is another propagation method that joins two separate plant parts together. It takes an existing plant (the rootstock) and attaches a cutting (the scion) to grow a new tree variety.

Follow these key steps to graft a cherry tree:

• Select a suitable rootstock plant that is compatible with the scion variety. For cherries, dwarfing rootstocks control size.

• In early spring, make a 2-3 inch diagonal cut into the rootstock trunk at the desired grafting point.

• Prepare a scion stick from dormant 1-year-old cherry wood with plump buds. Cut it into a long wedge shape on one end.

• Insert the scion wedge into the rootstock slit so the cambium layers align. Wrap grafting tape around the join to hold it together.

• Once the scion starts growing in late spring, cut off the rootstock trunk above the graft union. This forces the scion to become the new trunk.

With proper grafting technique, the scion will fuse with the rootstock within a few months. It will grow into a productive cherry tree identical to the scion variety but with any size-controlling benefits of the rootstock.

Tips for Successfully Propagating Cherry Trees

Follow these tips to boost your propagation success when taking cherry tree cuttings or grafting:

• Select green, semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, disease-free trees for best results.

• Use a sharp, sterile blade and pruning shears to prevent disease transmission.

• Apply rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth in cuttings.

• Maintain high humidity around cuttings until roots develop.

• Keep cuttings and grafted plants well-watered but not waterlogged.

• Transplant new trees carefully to avoid disturbing young roots.

• Graft in early spring when sap is flowing between rootstock and scion.

• Protect grafted trees from wind damage while the graft union is still fragile.

Troubleshooting Cherry Tree Propagation Issues

Here are some common issues and solutions in propagating cherry trees:

Cuttings failing to root: Use younger wood, wounded stems, bottom heat, and rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

Poor graft union: Ensure the cambium layers are perfectly aligned and the join is wrapped tightly.

Grafted scion dies: Choose compatible rootstock and scion varieties. Protect tender new growth from weather extremes.

Rootstock sprouting: Prune off rootstock shoots to send all energy to the grafted scion.

Small crops: Allow young trees 2-3 years to establish before expecting large harvests.

Enjoy Your Propagated Cherry Trees

With proper techniques, you can successfully propagate new cherry trees from existing varieties you love. This allows you to expand your home orchard or share special trees with gardening friends. Pay close attention to aftercare while new trees are young and establishing. Soon you’ll be rewarded with bumper crops of tasty fruit from your own propagated cherry trees!