Can plum trees be propagated by cuttings? Time and method of propagation by cuttings

Can plum trees be propagated by cuttings?

Plum trees can be propagated by cuttings. It is best to do so in spring in April and May. Rooting will be quicker at this time and the survival rate will be higher in an environment with suitable temperature. The temperature for cuttings should best be controlled at around 20-28 degrees.

The cut branches should also have good growth potential. It is best to use tender branches grown in the current year. The length of the branches can be about 10-20cm. After selecting the branches, remove the leaves at the bottom and keep 2-3 leaves at the top. In order to make the roots grow faster, you can soak them in rooting water solution. After processing, cut the branches into the soil, water them and wait for them to take root.

When to graft plum trees

It is better to propagate plum trees by cuttings in April and May in spring. The survival rate of cuttings at this time is about 90%, while the survival rate of transplants is over 86%. It takes about 40 days to raise seedlings of plum trees. The planting time is also different in some areas.

Plum tree cuttings precautions

Branch processing: If you want to plant plum seedlings, you need to prepare suitable cuttings first. Such cuttings need to be taken from the mother plant of a good variety that is growing well and has no signs of pests and diseases. Choose one-year-old healthy branches, cut a section of 13-17 cm, cut an oblique cut at the bottom, dry it slightly and wait for the wound to shrink.

Soil preparation: The plum tree's requirements for soil are actually not high. Generally, as long as it is not a special extreme terrain such as saline-alkali land, it will be fine. However, considering the rooting and development speed of the branches, it is best to prepare loose and porous soil with strong drainage and air permeability, a certain basic fertility, and an overall slightly acidic nature.

Maintenance and management methods of plum trees after cutting

Soak the bottom of the branch whose wound has dried up in rooting water, or dip the bottom in some rooting powder, and then insert it directly into the prepared loose and fertile soil, exposing 1-2 buds is best. Generally, insert about half of it, water it appropriately, water it until the soil is slightly moist, shade it and wait for rooting.