How to Propagate Apple Trees from Cuttings

Propagating apple trees from cuttings is an easy and inexpensive way to clone your favorite apple variety. While less reliable than grafting, rooting apple cuttings allows you to replicate the exact parent tree without having to buy expensive rootstock. Follow these simple steps for propagating apple trees from cuttings.

Choosing the Cuttings

• Take cuttings in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant
• Select healthy 1-year-old wood that is pencil-thick
• Cut sections 6 to 15 inches long ideally with 3-5 buds each
• Cut just below a node using clean, sharp pruning shears
• Take multiple cuttings to improve success rate

Apple wood that is too young (current season’s growth) or too old (over 2 years) has a lower chance of rooting successfully Stick with branches around the thickness of a pencil.

Callusing the Cut End

Before placing the cuttings in soil, you need to callus the cut end to prevent rotting. Here’s how:

• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth
• Place the prepared cuttings in a Ziploc bag filled with moist sawdust or vermiculite
• Store bag in the fridge or an unheated basement for 4-6 weeks
• Check periodically and remist the material if needed
• A callus will form over the cut end during this chilling period

The callus forms a protective layer over the cut surface of the cutting, preventing disease infection. This callus is vital forapple cutting success

Potting and Rooting the Cuttings

Once callused, you can begin rooting the cuttings:

• Fill 3-4 inch pots with moist seed starting or potting mix
• 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 soil moist but not soaked for the entire rooting period

Keep pots in a warm area (65-75°F) out of direct sun. Provide bright, indirect light. Remove bags once cuttings start actively growing.

Ongoing Care

• Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top inch dries out
• Watch for signs of rooting like new leaf growth after 2-3 weeks
• Begin fertilizing with a diluted liquid fertilizer once growth resumes
• Harden off before transplanting outdoors in spring

If rooted successfully, the cuttings will begin leafing out and growing within a few weeks. Avoid disturbing or transplanting until the cutting is well-rooted and has put on new growth.

Transplanting Rooted Cuttings

In spring, transplant successfully rooted cuttings into the garden:

• Harden off by setting pots outdoors in partial shade for a week
• Prepare garden soil with compost and transplant into a sunny, sheltered spot
• Dig holes larger than the pot and tease apart any circling roots
• Backfill with native soil, tamp gently, and water immediately
• Install stakes or supports to protect young trees from wind damage
• Mulch well but avoid contact between mulch and trunks

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

Tips for Apple Cutting Success

Follow these tips to boost your chances of rooting apple cuttings:

• Take plenty of cuttings since some will fail to root
• Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease transmission
• Apply rooting hormone to help initiate roots
• Maintain constant moisture until cuttings are rooted
• Transplant to the garden promptly once rooted

With proper care, you can propagate your own productive dwarf apple trees for free. Just be patient, as rooting cuttings does take some time. The reward of free trees makes it well worth the effort for any gardener.