How to propagate cherries in the summer by cuttings, features of growing and caring for seedlings at home

Growing your own seedling that satisfies all your needs is the dream of every gardener. Beginners and experienced summer residents wonder how to propagate cherries from cuttings in the summer. There is nothing complicated about this, just follow the necessary recommendations, and a positive result is guaranteed.

Pros and cons of this method

Before getting down to business at home, experienced gardeners first study the advantages and disadvantages of a particular propagation method. Weighing all the pros and cons, they make the final decision.

Propagation by cuttings is a very effective solution. The future tree retains its maternal properties and characteristics. Another plus is that the process occurs faster than with other methods of reproduction.

In order to make it bear fruit, you don’t need to do anything special. By following simple instructions, you get a healthy tree. The process of fruiting will not come soon, but the result will not be long in coming.

This method has no downsides. Rooting does not take long. A cutting with a developed root system begins to grow, then turns into a full-fledged tree. In a few years it will bear its first fruits.

In order not to get rid of overgrowth on the site, it is better to grow varieties of cherries that do not sprout branches. This will reduce the time for caring for plants.

What cuttings are suitable

Everyone can breed their favorite variety. Planting material is harvested during the active growth of the mother tree. Approximately mid or late July, depending on the region of residence.

In order for the seedlings to be of high quality, it is necessary to carefully examine the branches from which cuttings will subsequently be cut. They should not show signs of pests or the influence of pathogens.

It is better to choose branches located on the south or southwest side of the tree.

Own-rooted seedlings are obtained by cuttings or using shoots from a selected tree. They retain all the characteristics of the mother tree. This is why they are appreciated.

Reproduction by layering of cherries will not cause difficulties.To do this, you need to secure the branch with pins and wait until the fixed branch puts out roots. Then plant it in a permanent place.

It is necessary to qualitatively reject planting material. Since this is the basis of the future harvest.

The genes of the mother tree, subject to the correct technology, are adopted by the offspring and are preserved throughout the life of the new plant.

Planting dates and patterns

Regardless of the method of propagation of cherries, there are recommended planting dates. When a young, fragile seedling is better able to take root, form a root system in time and prepare for winter.

Regions with harsh climates require planting cuttings in the spring. Then, over the course of the entire season, the seedling will take root and, having taken root, will be ready to withstand the cold.

In autumn, planting material is planted in warmer regions with less severe winters. Successfully growing your own tree is not limited to just choosing a seedling and planting time. It is recommended to choose a scheme that will allow the young cutting to grow stronger, forming healthy roots and a strong above-ground part.

Cuttings are planted at a distance of 8-10 cm, planting depth is 3 cm. The distance between rows is 25-30 cm.

Optimal conditions

In order for the cuttings to take root, the necessary conditions are created under which future seedlings take root and become full-fledged plants. Agricultural management consists of the appropriate soil composition, the correct choice of planting day and other related factors.

Soil composition

In order for the cutting to take root faster, it is necessary to ensure the supply of necessary nutrients. Ordinary soil is mixed with humus, superphosphate, wood ash and mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen are added.

Coarse river sand is poured into the bottom of the groove or hole to improve drainage. A layer of prepared soil mixture is poured on top of it. Then the cuttings are installed in a vertical position and sprinkled with soil.

Disembarkation time

For quick rooting, it is recommended to keep it in a solution that stimulates root growth. In this case, the cuttings are planted in the morning. Experienced gardeners advise planting cuttings in the evening if they have not been soaked in stimulants. After planting is completed, cover the soil with polyethylene, creating the so-called greenhouse effect.

Cuttings are taken early in the morning and in the evening. Select a healthy branch, then divide it into a number of segments, about 30 cm each.

Dimensions and depth of the hole

It all depends on the number of cuttings selected for planting. If there are a lot of them, then the bed is made wide; if there are few, then a small area is enough. A hole is dug and filled with a nutrient mixture, then a cutting is stuck into it to a depth of 3 cm.

Planting technology

If certain requirements are met, when planting cuttings, it is possible to achieve a positive result.

The procedure is as follows:

• Preparation of planting material. Selection and cutting of cuttings. The lower cut should be beveled, it is made at a distance of 1 cm from the bud, the upper cut should be smooth, it is cut above the bud.
• Soaking in stimulants. This item is carried out at the individual request of each gardener. For a day, the chopped branches are placed in the mixture, only then planted in the ground.
• Preparing the beds and soil. If planted in grooves, you should start shaping it. Then prepare the soil mixture for filling.
• Landing. The cuttings are placed vertically.
• Watering. The soil is well moistened and a watering can or sprinkler is used.
• Cover with polyethylene.This is necessary so that a certain microclimate is created near the roots of the cuttings, which will help them take root.

After the planting process is completed, all that remains is to care for the cuttings.

Features of cherry propagation by green cuttings

The most common method of propagating fruit trees, which is used in nurseries. The process is painstaking, but the result is achieved quickly. The seedlings are rooted and retain all the maternal characteristics.

Propagation by green cuttings involves:

1. Selecting a site for planting. The place should be shaded, partial shade is suitable. The sun's rays will dry out the branches, and strong shade will develop diseases.
2. Preparing the hole for planting. Depth to the bayonet of a shovel, then filled with crushed stone or gravel. Fertile soil is poured on top and everything is covered with a layer of sand.
3. Preparation of planting material. The chopped branches are kept in a stimulator and planted in the ground.
4. They build a mini-greenhouse and water it constantly. You should carefully monitor the amount of moisture. Overwatering will lead to rotting of future seedlings.

If something doesn’t work out the first time, don’t despair, you need to try again. The main thing is the result, because experience comes with age. Growing, well-rooted trees are transplanted for growing in the fall.

Caring for seedlings after planting

If rooting went well, this does not mean that the plant should be left without attention. It is necessary to continue to care for him. The success of all actions depends on how correctly this is done.

Watering

Immediately after the cuttings are planted in the ground, they should be constantly watered, not allowing the soil to dry out.But don’t forget to take it in moderation. Excess moisture will not lead to anything good.

When future seedlings begin to take root, watering is reduced and the polyethylene is removed. But they do this in stages, first accustoming the plants to open air for several hours, gradually reaching the whole day. Then remove them completely and leave them open. As they grow, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1-2 times every 10 days.

Grown young trees are watered several times a season:

• during the period of kidney swelling;
• during flowering;
• after partial shedding of fruits;
• after fruiting is completed.

The tree does not need an abundance of moisture; it will not cause anything but diseases. After each watering or rain, it is recommended to loosen the soil; this will help retain moisture in the soil longer, prevent the appearance of weeds and provide oxygen access to the root system.

Fertilizer

Any plant responds positively to fertilizing. It's important not to overdo it here. Complex mineral fertilizers will help restore the lack of nutrients in the soil.

Organic fertilizing is recommended once a season. Wood ash, which, in addition to nutrition, performs 2 more functions, repels insect pests, and fights the causative agents of certain diseases, will not interfere with the growing tree.

Cherries need liming, but before adding lime, you need to know the pH of the soil in which the seedlings are growing. This procedure is carried out every 5-6 years. The application rate for each bush depends on the acidity level of the soil.

Treatment against diseases and pests

In order to get a harvest and not ruin the young plant, it is necessary to process the seedlings. Particular attention should be paid to young, fragile shoots. They need care.Preventive treatments against diseases characteristic of the crop are required.

The exception is those cases when the mother plant is immune to the disease. Then no processing is needed. Chemicals are used, but only before flowering. Subsequently, special mixtures are prepared according to folk recipes. Their effect is lower, but they are safer for human health.

Traps are installed against insects, special sweet mixtures are poured into them and lure pests.

Growing cherries from cuttings is not a quick process, but it is simple and effective. You don’t have to do anything special and you don’t need to have any special skills. And the result is your own tree, in which the gardener is completely confident.