Quck answer
To grow a plum tree from a cutting, follow these steps:
1. Select a healthy, disease-free branch from a mature plum tree during the dormant season (late winter or early spring).
2. Cut a 6-8 inch-long section of the branch, making sure it has at least 3-4 buds.
3. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
4. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
5. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist.
6. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location, but avoid direct sunlight.
7. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop.
8. Transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground once the roots are well established.
9. Water the newly planted cutting regularly and provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow a plum tree from a cutting and enjoy delicious plums in your own garden.
There are three main types of plum trees that are commonly grown in home gardens: American plum (​Prunus americana​, USDA hardiness zones 3-8), European plum (​Prunus domestica​, zones 5-9), and Japanese plum (​Prunus salicina​, zones 5-8), which is the most popular type due to its fruit. Most plum trees that are sold in plant nurseries are hybrid cultivars, and their seeds do not produce trees that are identical to their parents. However, plums are easy to propagate from cuttings and can produce identical trees.
It is important to note that most plum trees are propagated through a process called budding, which involves joining a bud from one tree to the rootstock of another tree. Rooting a tree from a cutting may not produce the same results for tree vigor and fruiting potential.
Plum Hardiness
The American plum tree can withstand harsh conditions and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. European and Japanese plum trees are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. However, some cultivars may do well in different USDA zones. For instance, the Japanese plum hybrids Methley and Santa Rosa are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, while the European cultivar Empress thrives in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Cutting Selection
A hardwood cutting taken in late autumn or winter from two-year-old growth is best for growing a plum tree. A 10- to 12-inch-long cutting with a diameter of 1/4 inch, which is about the thickness of a pencil, is ideal.
When selecting a plum branch for a cutting, pick a stem that grows in full sunlight with evenly spaced, plump leaf nodes. Avoid taking a cutting from weak offshoots or suckers sprouting from the tree’s roots and cuttings from a hyper-vigorous branch that is much longer than the surrounding growth.
Making the Cut
Using clean tools is crucial for the cutting’s health, as using dirty tools may increase the likelihood of infection. Before collecting a cutting, wipe pruners with isopropyl alcohol.
Hold the desired stem and cut through it at a 45-degree angle. Make the cut directly below a leaf node that is 10 to 12 inches from the stem’s tip. Remove the cutting’s two sets of leaves closest to the cut or severed end, exposing the leaf nodes. The exposed nodes will produce roots that help the plum cutting survive.
Growing a Plum Tree Cutting
Mix 1 part rooting hormone liquid concentrate with 9 parts water in a clean, plastic, 12-ounce soda bottle. When you’re ready to plant the cutting, dip the severed end into the rooting solution for five seconds. Do not do this step unless you can plant the cutting immediately after.
Plant the cutting in a gallon planting container with several drainage holes. Fill the container with equal parts of coarse sand and moistened milled peat. Insert the leafless part of the cutting into the soil and press it firmly against the stem. Place the container outdoors in a shady location, taking care to protect it from the wind and cold. Water the cutting if necessary, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be damp but not saturated.
Check the plum cutting for root growth in four to six weeks. Do not be alarmed if it takes two or more months for roots to form. Gently tug the cutting for resistance, which indicates rooting. If the cutting has not rooted after three months, discard it and start with a new cutting.
Post-Propagation Care and Transplantation
Despite the rapid rooting of plum cuttings, they may still fail if transplanted too early. Give your plum cutting one month to grow in its original container after root formation or until new growth appears. Once the roots are established, transfer the cutting to a larger container.
Provide the cutting or sapling with bright, sheltered conditions and regular watering until it is well-established. Depending on the climate, transplant the rooted cutting into the ground in either the spring (for cooler climates) or the fall (for warmer climates). Choose a sunny planting bed with fertile, well-draining soil.
FAQ
1. Can I grow a plum tree from a cutting?
Yes, it is possible to grow a plum tree from a cutting. Start by selecting a healthy branch from an existing plum tree. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment, and water it regularly. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into the ground after a few months.
2. When is the best time to take a cutting from a plum tree?
The best time to take a cutting from a plum tree is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. This is when the tree is not actively growing, and it increases the chances of successful rooting. Look for branches that are about pencil-thickness and have no signs of disease or damage. Avoid taking cuttings during extreme weather conditions or when the tree is stressed.
3. How long does it take for a plum tree cutting to root?
The time it takes for a plum tree cutting to root can vary, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 months. During this time, the cutting needs to be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage root growth. It’s important to regularly check the cutting for signs of root development by gently tugging on it. Once you feel resistance, it means the roots have formed, and the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
4. What is the best soil mix for rooting plum tree cuttings?
The best soil mix for rooting plum tree cuttings should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rotting. A recommended mix is a combination of equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. This mix provides good aeration and moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid using heavy soils or ones that contain a high amount of clay, as they can hinder root development.
5. Can I use a rooting hormone for plum tree cuttings?
Yes, using a rooting hormone can greatly increase the chances of success when propagating plum tree cuttings. Rooting hormones contain plant growth regulators that stimulate root growth. Before planting the cutting, dip the cut end into a powdered or liquid rooting hormone. This helps to speed up the root development process and improves the overall success rate of rooting plum tree cuttings.