Please reply ASAP! Rooting apple softwood cuttings

Edlyn12

I was wondering if I can grow an apple tree from a softwood cutting by doing the following procedure,
Cut a softwood branch cleanly with a sharp secateurs
Remove bottom leaves
Plant in moist compost
Water in
Place bag ober the cutting with sticks to stop touching the leaves.

medieval knievel · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2014 5:16 pm Post subject:

if you did manage to get this to set roots, bear in mind you'd end up with a tree which would grow to a large size - it would not be limited by the rootstock in the way the (presumably grafted) donor tree is.

Edlyn12 · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2014 5:54 pm Post subject:

I know the apple will turn out as a standard sized apple tree an I don't care that's what I want as a dwarf has too little apples for me.But the question is will it root?

Blowin · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 5:06 am Post subject:

It may help, although I think I understand what you mean, if you avoid the use of 'hardwood' and 'softwood' in this context, as they have other definitions when describing tree types.

As I understand it, the procedure outlined in the other thread about blackcurrants can be used for most such operations. I don't have the scientific knowledge to state why, nor do I understand the popular use of 'grafting' variety 'A' on to a host root stock 'B' but, if all you want is another tree, the above is worth a try for simplicity's sake?

tippben · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 7:23 am Post subject:

Try a cutting taken in Nov/Dec. Scratch or wound the bark, then use hormone rooting powder. No need for a plastic bag. You could try the method you suggest, but again HRP will improve your chances. Layering will also work.