Can You Plant Cherry Trees from Clippings?

Cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. They produce delicious fruit and stunning flowers that can make any garden burst with color. If you're looking to plant a new cherry tree in your garden, you may be wondering if you can grow one from clippings. In this article, we'll explore whether it's possible to plant cherry trees from clippings and how to do it successfully.

What are Clippings?

Clippings are small pieces cut from a plant that are used to propagate new growth. They typically consist of a stem or branch that has been removed from a parent plant, usually using a clean, sharp blade. Clippings can be taken from plants of all types, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Can You Plant Cherry Trees from Clippings?

The short answer is yes, you can plant cherry trees from clippings. However, doing so is much more challenging than it is for other plants. Cherry trees are notoriously difficult to propagate from cuttings, and the success rate is relatively low. In fact, most cherry tree experts don't recommend it, and it's usually easier to grow a tree from a seedling or an established rootstock.

That being said, it's not impossible to grow a cherry tree from a cutting, it just requires a little bit of patience and perseverance.

The Best Time to Take Clippings

The best time to take cherry tree clippings is during the dormant season, which is usually between late fall and early spring. During this time, the tree is inactive, and the cutting is less likely to experience stress. Look for branches that are roughly pencil-thick andabout 8 to 10 inches long.

How to Plant Cherry Trees from Clippings

Once you have your cutting, you will need to follow these steps to plant it:

Prepare a pot or container with well-draining soil.

Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone.

Insert the cutting into the soil, making sure that the hormone-treated end is buried about an inch below the surface.

Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm, bright location.

Mist the cutting regularly and keep the soil moist.

You should also make sure to monitor the cutting for signs of stress, such as wilting or discoloration. If the cutting does not thrive after a few months, it may be time to try again with a new cutting or consider growing a cherry tree from a seedling.

Conclusion

While it is possible to grow cherry trees from cuttings, it requires a lot of time and patience. If you're up for the challenge, be sure to take your cutting during the right time of year and follow the proper steps to ensure success. It's important to remember, however, that while taking a cutting is a fun and rewarding challenge, growing a cherry tree from an established rootstock or seedling is usually much easier and less stressful for the tree.