Rooting Bradford Pear Cuttings: Expectations vs. Reality

Grafting Complication

Bradford pears are grafted: a desirable scion (flowering, thornless) on a vigorous, thorny rootstock (Pyrus calleryana). Cuttings from the scion will root but produce a tree on its own roots—not the same as the grafted original. It may revert to thorny, wild-type growth.

If You Still Want to Try

1. Cuttings: 6–8 inch softwood (green, flexible) stems in early summer.
2. Hormone: IBA rooting powder/gel.
3. Medium: Moist perlite/peat mix under humidity dome.
4. Timeline: Roots in 2–3 weeks; pot up when rooted.

Better Option

Purchase a new 'Bradford' or improved cultivar ('Cleveland Select', 'Aristocrat') at the new home. They establish faster and have better structure.