It is not at all impossible to propagate a mirabelle plum tree yourself at home. But the different propagation methods present some challenges. While one tests our luck and patience, another is more for professionals. But read for yourself!
How to propagate a mirabelle plum tree?
A mirabelle plum tree can be propagated in four different ways: by grafting, sowing seeds, separating root runners and rooting cuttings. Patience, skill and experience are required in varying degrees.
Four options at a glance
- Refining
- Sowing
- Root runners
- Cuttings
Granching scions
This method is the safest and most reliable and is often practiced in garden centers. Only you can judge to what extent you would be successful with it at home. Because in addition to a base and a scion, a lot of skill and experience is also required.
Pulling Mirabelle from a core
Any hobby gardener can and should try this method. He will be able to find enough cores. What he then needs is a lot of luck and patience. Lucky because it is not certain that the seed will germinate. And patience, because even if sowing is successful, it still takes 6-7 years until the tree calls for harvest.
Since mirabelle plums are often not of the same variety, you will only find out later whether you like the fruit taste. If you want to try this type of propagation, then consider the following points:
- only use seeds from ripe fruits
- remove the pulp from the fruit, do not crack it
- Soak in water for several days
- plant outside in well-drained soil about 1-2 cm deep
- check in spring whether small seedlings appear
Tip
Plant as many seeds as possible, this will give you a better chance of getting a new mirabelle plum tree.
Separate root suckers
If the mirabelle plum tree sprouts new branches on the side of the trunk, you can separate them from the mother tree and plant them elsewhere in the garden. But this only makes sense if it is a true-root and not grafted Mirabelle variety. The optimal time is early summer.
- There should be leaves and roots on the foothills
- carefully dig up and separate the runner
- plant in potting soil in the pot
- or directly in the garden bed
- Keep soil moist
Rooting cuttings
Finally, you can also try this propagation, but don't expect much from it. We are used to the fact that propagation from cuttings works wonderfully for many plants. But fruit trees are a little different! Take several cuttings in spring and pot them up. With a bit of luck at least one of them will take root.
