Learning how to take apple tree cuttings is a popular project for UK gardeners who want to propagate their favourite apple varieties for free. While grafting onto rootstock is the professional and most reliable method, it is possible to grow apple trees from hardwood cuttings. Success rates are lower than with many other plants (typically 30–60% with good technique), but with patience and the right approach, you can produce new trees that are true-to-type. This comprehensive beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need.
Why Take Apple Tree Cuttings?
- True-to-type plants: Cuttings give you an exact genetic copy of the parent tree.
- Cost-effective: Create multiple trees from one parent instead of buying expensive named varieties.
- Preserve special varieties: Ideal for heirloom or sentimental apples.
- Rewarding long-term project: Growing a tree from a cutting you took yourself is deeply satisfying.
Important reality check: Apples are woody fruit trees and naturally harder to root from cuttings than soft-stemmed plants. Professional nurseries almost always use grafting for stronger, faster-fruiting trees.
Grafting vs Cuttings – Which Should You Choose?
Recommendation: Use cuttings for fun and variety preservation. For reliable production, grafting (or buying grafted trees) is usually better.
Rootstock Considerations for Cuttings
Trees grown from cuttings are own-root trees. Unlike grafted trees, they grow on their own roots, which can make them:
- Very vigorous (potentially too large for small gardens)
- More susceptible to certain diseases
- Slower to fruit in some cases
If space is limited, consider grafting onto dwarfing rootstocks (M27, M9, M26) instead.
Best Time to Take Apple Tree Cuttings in the UK
- Hardwood cuttings (recommended): Late autumn to mid-winter (November – February).
- Best months: December and January, when the tree is fully dormant.
- Avoid softwood cuttings unless you have a propagator and bottom heat — they are much more difficult.
How to Take Apple Tree Cuttings?
Taking cuttings is a delicate process that requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What You Need
- Sharp, clean pruning shears
- Rooting hormone powder or gel
- A pot or container with well-draining soil
- A plastic bag or plastic wrap
- A label or marker
Step 1 – Choose the Parent Plant
Select a healthy, disease-free apple tree that produces good-quality fruit. Younger branches (2–5 years old) root better than very old wood.
Step 2 – Select and Cut the Stem
Choose straight, pencil-thick stems of the current or previous year’s growth.
- Cut lengths of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches).
- Straight cut at the base just below a bud.
- Sloping cut at the top just above a bud (helps shed rain).
Step 3 – Prepare the Cutting
- Remove any side shoots or buds except the top 2–3.
- Wound the base lightly by scraping a thin strip of bark.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone powder or gel (strongly recommended for apples).
Step 4 – Plant the Cutting
- Pot method: Use deep pots with a 50/50 mix of peat-free compost and sharp sand/grit.
- Trench method (best for quantity): Dig a narrow trench in a sheltered spot, add sand at the base, insert cuttings vertically (two-thirds buried), and firm the soil.
Step 5 – Aftercare
- Place in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or sheltered garden spot.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Roots develop slowly over winter and spring (usually 4–8+ months).
Step 6 – Pot On and Plant Out
Once well-rooted with new growth, pot on or plant in final position the following autumn or spring.
Expected Timeline & Long-Term Care
- Roots form: 4–8 months (sometimes longer).
- Strong new growth: Following spring/summer.
- First fruit: Usually 4–7 years (own-root trees can be slower and more vigorous than grafted ones).
- Tree size: Own-root apples can grow very large — consider dwarfing rootstocks if space is limited.
How to Improve Apple Tree Cuttings Success Rate?
To aid in the success rate of rooting apple tree cuttings, consider these focused steps:
- Select Healthy Branches: Choose cuttings from healthy, disease-free branches. Opt for one-year-old wood with several leaf nodes. Healthy cuttings have a higher chance of rooting successfully.
- Use a Chilling Period: After taking the cuttings, store them in moist sawdust or vermiculite in a cool place like a refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. This chilling process helps form a callus over the cut end, crucial for successful rooting.
- Apply Rooting Hormone: Once the callus forms, apply rooting hormone to the cut end. This hormone significantly increases the likelihood of successful root development.
- Take Multiple Cuttings: Increase your chances of success by taking several cuttings. Not all cuttings will root, so having multiple attempts can improve your overall success rate. This also allows you to experiment with different conditions and techniques to see what works best for your specific environment and apple tree variety.
Conclusion
Remember that mastering how to take apple tree cuttings is a bit of an art form, with its own set of challenges. But don’t let that deter you. Just focus on picking the healthiest branches, giving them a good chill, using some rooting hormone, and don’t forget to take a few extra cuttings for good measure. Not every cutting will take root, and that’s okay. Each try teaches you something new and gets you closer to growing your very own apple trees from cuttings. So, keep at it, stay patient, and enjoy the process. After all, gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the results. Maybe you will have your own orchard or row of espaliers in a few years.
Garden Doctor Tips
“Choose a cloudy day for taking cuttings to reduce stress on the plant!”
“Label your cuttings with the variety and date to keep track of progress!”
“If possible, take multiple cuttings to increase the chance of success!”
“Maintain consistent moisture and temperature during the rooting process!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you root apple tree cuttings in water?
Yes, you can root apple tree cuttings in water, but results will vary. Rooting them in soil is generally more successful. The water method allows you to visually monitor root development, but it might not provide enough nutrients for optimal growth.
How long does it take for apple tree cuttings to root?
It usually takes several weeks to a few months for apple tree cuttings to root. The exact time can vary depending on the cutting’s health, environmental conditions, and care.
Do apple tree cuttings need sunlight while rooting?
Apple tree cuttings need indirect light but should be protected from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too harsh for delicate new roots and can dry out the soil too quickly.
Can you take cuttings from any apple tree?
Yes, you can take cuttings from any apple tree, but choose healthy, disease-free branches for the best results. Different varieties may have varying success rates, so some experimentation might be necessary.
How do you know if an apple tree cutting has rooted?
You’ll know a cutting has rooted when you see new growth, like leaves or shoots, and the cutting offers resistance when you give it a gentle tug. This indicates that roots have formed and are anchoring the cutting in the soil.
When is the best time to take apple tree cuttings?
The best time to take apple tree cuttings is in late winter or early spring, just before the bud break. This is when the tree is still dormant, and the cuttings are less likely to go into shock.
Do apple tree cuttings need a greenhouse environment?
Cuttings don’t necessarily need a greenhouse environment, but they do benefit from a humid atmosphere, like under a plastic cover, which simulates greenhouse conditions and helps prevent moisture loss.
Can I use homemade rooting hormone for my apple tree cuttings?
While you can use homemade rooting hormone, like honey or willow water, commercial rooting hormones are usually more effective and consistent in promoting root growth.
How deep should I plant the apple tree cutting?
Plant the cutting so that half of it, including a couple of leaf nodes, is buried in the soil. This depth ensures stability and provides enough space for root development.
How often should I water the apple tree cuttings?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot, while under-watering can dry out the cutting. The frequency will depend on environmental factors like humidity and temperature.
Author
Trevor Wright is not just a seasoned horticulturist; he’s the esteemed Garden Doctor. With a BSc in Horticulture and years of hands-on experience in the soil, Trevor has become a trusted mentor for all things gardening. As the founder of Garden Doctor, he’s committed to clarifying the intricacies of gardening, offering straightforward advice that’s rooted in years of practice. His writing is a garden of how-tos, savvy insights, and comprehensive guides that enable individuals to nurture and grow their garden dreams. When he’s not knee-deep in garden beds, Trevor is at his keyboard passing on his green-thumbed wisdom to budding gardeners, ensuring that the legacy of sustainable and joyful gardening blossoms far and wide.
