Three major propagation methods of purple-leaf dwarf cherry

Cutting propagation

Cutting medium

The cutting medium for purple-leaf dwarf cherry can be made of vermiculite powder, perlite and peat soil in a ratio of 2:1:1. It should be noted that the three are not mixed directly, but the peat soil is spread first, and then the other two are evenly mixed in proportion and spread on top of the peat soil. In addition, the cutting medium must be loose and breathable, suitable for plant growth.

Selection and preservation of cuttings

The branches used for cuttings are branches between 10 and 12 cm long cut from the sturdy mother branches of purple-leaf dwarf cherry (each branch is guaranteed to have four or five bud nodes). After cutting, they should be kept in a cool and humid place, or wrapped in something moist and stored.

Processing of cuttings

Cut a 45° oblique incision close to the back of the bud 2 cm away from the upper end of the cutting, and then soak the cutting in naphthaleneacetic acid solution or rooting powder solution for a period of time, preferably 30 to 60 minutes.

Cuttings

The insertion depth should be greater than one-third and less than one-half of the length of the cuttings. The spacing is generally between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm. After cuttings, the cutting medium should be watered thoroughly.

Grafting

Selection of rootstock

The rootstocks for grafting purple-leaf dwarf cherry can be wild peach or wild apricot. The rootstock must be free of diseases and pests, have strong affinity, and should have grown for one to two years.

Grafting Purple Leaf Dwarf Cherry by Branch Grafting

Bud grafting is generally not used for purple-leaf dwarf cherry grafting. The scion is cut into a duckbill shape and four or five buds are retained. The length of the scion is generally between 8 and 10 cm. The scion is tightly combined with the cambium of the rootstock 5 cm above the ground and the interface is tied with plastic strips. Moisturize after grafting is completed.

High branch layering propagation

Selection of branches

The mother branches are also strong, but the thickness requirement is between 1 and 2.5 cm.

Specific steps for high branch layering

After ring peeling the lower part of the petiole, treat it with an aqueous solution of naphthaleneacetic acid, and then wrap the wound with wet mud. The next step is to cut the branches, remove the plastic bags, and plant the branches with the substrate soil in the seedbed. Remember to water them enough.