How to plant apple tree from cuttings

Planting apple trees from cuttings is a great way to start a new orchard without having to spend a lot of money on expensive nursery stock. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can grow your own apple trees from cuttings and enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. Here's how to get started:

Gather your supplies

To start planting apple trees from cuttings, you'll need a few basic supplies:

Sharp pruning shears or a knife to take the cuttings

Clean and sharp scissors or knife to prepare the cuttings

A rooting hormone to help the cuttings take root

Potting soil

Pots or containers to plant the cuttings in

A sunny location for your new apple trees

How to take the cuttings

When taking cuttings, look for new growth that's green and flexible. Avoid taking cuttings from old or woody growth, as it will be less likely to root. Cut the stem at an angle using sharp pruning shears or a knife, making sure to remove any leaves or buds from the bottom half of the stem. Ideally, each cutting should be 6-8 inches long.

Preparing the cuttings

Before planting your apple tree cuttings, you'll need to prepare them by removing any leaves or buds from the bottom half of the stem. This will help the cutting focus on growing roots instead of new leaves. Then, using a sharp scissors or knife, make a straight cut just below a leaf node, and a slanted cut just above a leaf node.

Applying the rooting hormone

After you've prepared your cuttings, it's time to apply the rooting hormone. Dip the bottom inch of the cutting in the hormone, tapping off any excess, and then place it in your potting soil. Gently press the soil around the cutting to hold it in place.

Caring for the cuttings

Once your cuttings are planted, it's important to keep them moist and in a warm location. Cover the containers with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect and help the cuttings retain moisture. Check the soil frequently and water as needed. After several weeks, you should start to see roots growing from the bottom of the container.

Planting your new apple tree

After your apple tree cuttings have taken root, it's time to plant them in a permanent location. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your apple tree cutting. Gently remove the cutting from its container, and place it in the hole, making sure to cover the roots with soil. Water the newly planted apple tree deeply, and then mulch the soil around the tree to help retain moisture.

With a little patience and attention, you can grow your own apple trees from cuttings, and enjoy the sweet fruits of your labor for many years to come.