How to Propgate Cherry Trees
- 1). Begin taking one or two softwood cuttings in the spring by looking for new branches from this year's growth just as they begin to harden. The branches should have leaves at different stages of development and are easily snapped when bent. Measure 4 to 6 inches from the tip of the stem, including at least two to three leaves, and cut the branch with a sharp knife right below a node where a leaf joins a branch. Place cuttings in water immediately so they do not dry out.
- 2). Strip the bottom third of the cuttings of leaves when you are ready to plant them, which should be as soon as possible. Dip the tip of cuttings a half inch into a rooting hormone, which will improve your rooting success rate.
- 3). Fill small pots with a mixture of half sand and half peat to promote good drainage. Stick the cuttings, one in each pot, about a third of each one's length. Water the cuttings thoroughly and place a plastic bag over them for humidity. Place them in a warm area with indirect sunlight.
- 4). Keep the cuttings moist, but not soaked, until they begin to root. This should be after about 60 days. You will notice new growth on the stems and at this time you can take the plastic bag off the rooted cherry cuttings and transplant them into bigger pots. Place them in a semi-shady, but protected area when they are young and water them when they dry out.
- 5). Take some semihardwood cuttings in mid-July to early fall if your softwood cuttings are not rooting. These should come out of mature branches about quarter to half inch in diameter, with fully matured leaves on them. Measure 8 to 10 inches from the tip of the stem and cut with a sharp knife below a node. Plant these cuttings and care for them the same way you planted the softwood cuttings.
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