How to Propagate Fruit Trees From Root Cuttings

Fruit tree saplings can grow quite well from root cuttings.

Fruit tree propagation is by either sexual or asexual means. When fruit trees produce seeds they combine genetic material from two different trees to create a new tree that is different from either parent. Vegetative propagation from root or stem cuttings is basically a cloning process in which the new tree will be identical to the parents. You can propagate most fruit trees from root cuttings, a method particularly recommended for softwood fruit trees.

Things You'll Need

• Root cutting
• Potting soil
• Very sharp knife
• Sand
• Powdered sulfur
• Gallon pot

Instructions

1. Dig up and expose the tree roots in preparing to take a cutting. You should take cuttings from November to February when a great deal of energy is stored in the roots and they are dormant. Work close to the plant to make sure the root you cut is from the tree you want to clone.

2. Select a 6-inch segment of healthy root, about pencil thick. Mark the end closest to the tree (up). When you set up the cuttings, they must be right side up or they won't grow roots.

3. Cut the root with a very sharp knife. Make a flat cut on the up side of the root and then an angled cut on the down end of the root segment. Remove the segment, cover the roots and water the area around the damaged root.

4. Cut the 6-inch cutting into 2-inch segments, flat on the up side and angled on the down end. You should have three 2-inch long root segments when you are finished.

5. Fill three 1-gallon pots with soil push a 3-inch hole with your finger in the center of each. Pour an inch of sand in the bottom of the hole. Dust the bottom of the cutting with powdered sulfur to keep the roots from rotting.

6. Press the cuttings down into the hole so that the top is an inch below the surface and cover with moist dirt. Cover with coarse sand or light gravel. Water only when the soil is dry to avoid rotting the roots.

7. Roots should set and small sprouts should appear in three to six weeks. Set the pots outside as soon as the weather is warm enough. Water when dry. The sapling should be ready to plant in the ground in about a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Root cuttings grow quickly and should be placed in full sun for several hours a day. Keep cuttings warm and away from freezing temperatures until the saplings are ready to plant in spring following a year's growth in the pot.

References

• Organic Guide: Propagation of Organic Fruit Trees
• University of California: California Backyard Orchard -- Propagation
• Weekend Gardner: Propagate Your Own Plants with Root Cuttings
• Let's Go Gardening: Taking Cuttings

Resources

• Florida State Horticultural Society: Propagation of Fruit Trees by Cuttings
• Conscious Constructive Evolution: Propagating Fruit Trees