To propagate apricot trees, you can use grafting or budding for the most reliable results, ensuring the desired characteristics of the parent tree are maintained. Alternatively, you can propagate from cuttings or seeds, though the latter may result in trees with different fruit characteristics and slower fruiting times.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of each method:
- Grafting and Budding: Why:
These methods are favored because they allow you to preserve the specific cultivar characteristics of the parent tree, ensuring the new tree will bear fruit with the same qualities.
How:
Grafting involves joining a scion (a piece of a branch) from the desired apricot variety to the rootstock of another tree (often a seedling). Budding is similar, but a bud is used instead of a scion.
Skill Level:
These techniques require some skill and practice, but are well worth the effort for reliable propagation. - Cuttings: Why:
If you’re looking for a more straightforward method, taking cuttings can be a good option.
How:
- Timing: In late winter or early spring, take a 6-9 inch stem from last year’s growth.
- Selection: Choose a healthy stem with a few leaf buds, and cut it at a 45-degree angle.
- Preparation: Strip leaves from the bottom half, but leave a few on the top half.
- Rooting: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil, keeping it moist and humid.
- Patience: Be patient, as it takes time for cuttings to root and develop into a new tree.
Considerations:
Apricots, like other stone fruits, can be difficult to root from cuttings, so you may not have 100% success.
- Seeds: Why:
You can also propagate apricot trees from seeds, but the resulting trees may not bear fruit with the same characteristics as the parent tree.
How:
- Stratification: Apricot seeds require a cold, moist period (stratification) to germinate.
- Planting: Plant the seeds in well-draining potting soil about 2 inches deep, and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings reach 6 to 12 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Considerations:
Trees grown from seeds will likely be larger and slower to start fruiting than those propagated from cuttings or grafted onto a rootstock.