Cherry blossoms are typically propagated through grafting, primarily using single-petal cherry blossoms or cherries as rootstock. This grafting usually takes place before the blossoming in early spring, and the application of cutting propagation has been rarely reported.
Recent trials we conducted on the propagation of cherry blossoms via tender branch cuttings showed that within 25 days post-cutting, the average rooting rate was over 95%.
A single plant could develop up to 20 roots, mostly of the cortical type, and some wound-healing roots, with the transplant survival rate over 90%. Here we introduce the technique as follows:
Cutting Selection and Processing
Between mid-June and mid-September, semi-lignified branches sprouted in the current year are collected. These are cut into segments 10-15cm long, each with 2-3 leaves preserved at the top. The remaining leaves, along with their petioles, are removed.
The cut at the base of the cutting is made flush by a sharp blade.
The cuttings are tied into small bundles of 50 or 100 and soaked, with about 3-4cm of their bases, in a solution of ABT rooting powder No.1 (developed by the Chinese Academy of Forestry ABT Research Center) at a concentration of 50mg/L for 5-8 hours or at 100mg/L for 2-4 hours in a cool and humid place.
Cutting Propagation and Post-Propagation Management
Setting up a Cutting Bed
Select a cool, well-drained site to set up a plastic mini-arch shed that is 1.2-1.5m wide and 5.0-6.0m long, with a height of 70-90cm.
Dig down 25cm, then lay about 10cm of slag, and then another 10cm of expanded perlite or green sand as the cutting substrate, and thoroughly water it.
Cutting Propagation
Plant cuttings in the cutting bed at a plant spacing of 3cm and row spacing of 5cm (avoid overlapping of leaves).
Before inserting the cuttings, use a short wooden punch slightly thicker than the cuttings to make holes, then place the cuttings in the holes and compact the substrate around the cuttings to ensure close contact between the substrate and the cuttings.
The insertion depth should be 4-5cm.
Post-Propagation Management
Immediately after cutting propagation, water thoroughly with clean water and tightly cover the shed film to maintain a relative humidity of over 95%.
Thereafter, spray a moderate amount of clean water once every morning. The temperature inside the arch shed should be maintained at around 30°C. If it exceeds 35°C, water can be sprayed to cool down. The substrate temperature should be around 25°C.
In the initial stage of cutting propagation, more water should be sprayed, and the amount of water sprayed should be gradually reduced afterwards.
When the cuttings start to root (generally about 15 days after cutting), ventilation can be slightly increased in the morning and evening, and then gradually increased, extending the ventilation time.
When the root length of the cuttings reaches 3-5cm and each cutting has 3-5 roots, they can be transplanted.
Transplanting
Before transplanting, gradually open the shed film, harden off the seedlings for about 7 days, and reduce the amount of water sprayed.
When transplanting, move the hardened cuttings directly into the field, immediately water thoroughly, and shade with a sunshade net for a few days to avoid sunburn.
Alternatively, they can be first moved into nutrient bowls (the culture soil should be well-drained), and after transplanting, placed in a mini arch shed, watered thoroughly, covered with a shed film, and shaded for a few days.
At the beginning, ventilate once in the morning and evening every day, gradually increase the ventilation volume after 2-3 days, and remove the shed film and shading materials after 10 days. After another 4-5 days of hardening off, they can be moved into the field.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. Here, Peggie shares the art and science of floristry, offers practical tips for nurturing plants, delves into the captivating histories of various species, and provides insights into running a successful flower shop. She hopes that everyone can take a moment now and then to immerse themselves in the world of flowers. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
