18-02-2004, 02:02 AM
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want to grow new tree/plants from cuttings of mature ones
(Kevin) wrote in message . com...
I was thinking of doing some cuttings and then wrapping the cut ends
with soaked paper towels and putting them in a plastic bag. Then
transfer them to a pot with soil and cultivating them indoors (of
course).
If you take some branches now, and do as you say (plastic wrapped with
wet paper or wet leaves or wet sand), and possibly put them in a cold
dark place, they will remain viable for grafting for several weeks.
The branches are not at their prime for cuttings or grafting, as they
are dormant. Much better if you could have done it just before winter
or just after winter.
As many have said, it is not advisable to try a cutting, even though
if you remove enough branches, you can try that avenue (you may end up
with a small tree with sick roots, but if it does not get sick, the
fruit will be true). To try a cutting, cut the stick just before
planting, dip the cut into rooting hormone, and plant in sterile
medium with two buds above soil, a moisture tent, and a temperature in
excess of 70F. You should water sparsely, as the moisture tent and
lack of vegetation will save water. I have mulberry and kiwi cuttings
in a 12 inches pot since september, by now the leaves are up and the
moisture tent is off, and I have watered them only twice.
Much better to graft. But then you have to have a tree ready to accept
the graft. Considering the varieties available today, the fact that
you could get other desirable fruits that would fill your harvest
season, such as plums, you may be better off starting with new trees.
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