How do cherry blossoms reproduce? A detailed explanation of common propagation methods

Grafting is the main method, though sowing and cuttings can also be used. For grafting, cherry or wild cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) seedlings are generally used as rootstock, with superior cherry blossom varieties as scions. Cleft grafting is mainly used, while budding is rarely adopted.

Cleft grafting is carried out in March. Select vigorous 1-year-old cherry blossom branches as scions, cut them into small sections about 8 cm long, each with 2-3 plump buds. Use a grafting knife to cut two symmetrical slanted surfaces of different sizes at the lower end of the scion. One slanted surface is 2 cm long, cutting away 1/3 of the xylem; the other slanted surface is about 1 cm long, with a little of the xylem shaved off, forming a wedge shape. The cut surfaces should be smooth, which helps survival. Cut the selected rootstock off at a height of 10 cm above the ground, then on the north side of the rootstock cross-section, choose a position matching the diameter of the scion, and use a cleft grafting knife to cut a slit downward from top to bottom between the xylem and the bark, slightly including some xylem, about 3 cm deep. Immediately insert the long slanted side of the scion facing inward into the rootstock slit, aligning the cambium layers (at least align the cambium on one side). Then bind the joint tightly with plastic tape and surround it with moist soil for protection. Once the scion has survived, remove the protective layer.