How to Propagate Cherries? Detailed Introduction to Common Methods
Cherries are a very common fruit and a type of cherry, and they are also very popular in our country. At present, cherries are grown over a fairly wide range, and many people are constantly joining the ranks of cherry growers. One of the more important aspects of growing cherries is how to propagate them, which is also a question that many beginners are quite concerned about. So today, the editor has brought you the propagation methods for cherries. Let's take a look together!
1. Seed Propagation
After harvesting cherries, take the seeds out of the fruit, then wash off the pulp attached to the seed coat, and dry the seeds in a cool place. Because the cherry seed coat is relatively thin and its germination ability is fairly strong, scarification work is not necessary. After drying, sow the seeds directly into the soil and strengthen management. They will germinate in about 2-4 weeks after sowing; after they break through the soil, manage the seedlings well. When the seedlings grow to about 2 cm, they can be transplanted. However, the germination rate of cherry seeds will be affected by the plant, reducing their vigor, and sometimes the germination rate is relatively low, so it is not suitable for large-scale propagation.
2. Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is mainly carried out in spring and summer. Select semi-mature, healthy branches from vigorous plants, with a diameter controlled at about 0.4 cm; if too thick, they are not suitable for germination, and if too thin, they lack nutrients and the germination rate decreases. After cutting them off, cut the branches into small sections of about 15 cm, keep about 3 leaves on each section, and then insert them into the substrate. After cutting, pay attention to covering with soil and film to improve the soil's moisture retention. Rooting begins about 1 month after cutting. When the root mass grows densely, transplant them. With proper management, the survival rate of cuttings can be as high as 90%, making it a commonly used method of large-scale propagation.
3. Layering Propagation
For layering propagation, first select branches that are more than two years old, then girdle the lower part of the branch near the node, damaging the phloem at this position to promote rooting there. Then use a sealed plastic bag filled with moist soil or moss to wrap the wound, tie both ends of the wrapped part tightly, and wait for rooting. After successful rooting, cut off the part below the root so that it becomes a new plant, and transplant it into the main field for planting. Layering propagation is generally carried out during the peak growth period of cherries, and the rooting rate is high, but fruit quality will be affected to a certain extent.
4. Grafting Propagation
For grafting propagation, use cherry seedlings and the like to cultivate rootstock, then select vigorously growing cherry plants as scions, generally before germination in late spring. Try to ensure that the rootstock and scion have the same thickness, usually mainly by cleft grafting and approach grafting. If cleft grafting is used, first select the grafting position on the rootstock, then cut off excess branches, split the main trunk about 3 cm, then keep the scion at about 10 cm, cut the grafting part of the scion into a wedge shape and insert it into the bark opening in time, then wrap the graft union with plastic film and secure the grafting clip to prevent air leakage. After grafting, place the grafted seedlings in a cool place, spray water appropriately to ensure sufficient moisture, ventilate appropriately according to temperature changes, and after new buds grow, expose them to light.
The above is a brief introduction to several propagation methods for cherries. Among them, the methods most used for large-scale planting are cutting propagation and grafting propagation. The other two will more or less have a certain impact on labor, yield and quality, and are not conducive to expanding planting benefits. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.