Anyone who tastes the fruits of an apricot tree knows whether the variety suits their taste. If they are large, aromatic and sweet, the desire for an identical copy is awakened. Can a new tree be grown from cuttings?
Can you propagate an apricot tree from cuttings?
Propagating an apricot tree from cuttings is difficult and unsuccessful. More successful methods are the use of green cuttings (only for young trees), root shoots or grafting the plant using the most common method.
Is propagation from cuttings possible?
Theoretically, many cuttings can be obtained from an existing apricot tree. The only question is whether they can form roots well or whether they can form roots at all. Because without roots no new tree can grow.
If you look at the propagation of this tree in practice, you will notice that stable branches are not used for propagation from cuttings. This will certainly have its reasons in the inadequate rooting. Therefore such an attempt would just be a waste of time.
Green cuttings
The size or age of a tree is crucial for propagation via green cuttings. Only an apricot tree that is still in its youthful phase of life can be easily propagated using green cuttings. These are herbaceous shoots that root quickly.
- propagate in summer
- cut shoot tips about 10 cm long
- remove lower leaves
- halve large leaves
This method does not promise guaranteed success. To be on the safe side, cut several cuttings. Then you can try to get them to root in different ways: in a glass filled with water or planted out in a pot.
Tip
Place the cuttings in a bright and warm place, but definitely away from the midday sun.
Root shoots
If your apricot tree produces root shoots, you can use them for propagation. However, you will only harvest identically tasting fruit if the original tree was not refined.
Refining
Grafting apricot trees is the most common method of propagation. No cutting is necessary for this, just a so-called eye. If done correctly, the chances are good that the finishing will work. However, detailed specialist knowledge and careful work are required.
Tip
When finishing, make sure to use a suitable base. If necessary, get advice from a tree nursery.
