Propagating Old Apple and Flowering Cherry Trees

For aging fruit trees, three vegetative methods preserve the variety:

1. Suckers

• Dig up shoots at base; sever from mother; replant.

2. Layering

• Bend low branch; wound; bury; weight. Sever next season.

3. Softwood Cuttings (Hardest)

1. 8-inch green stems; no flowers/fruit.
2. Cut at attachment to main limb.
3. Rootone; 1–2 inches in warm, wet soilless mix.
4. Mist 2x/day; 70–75°F; roots in 8+ weeks.

Suckers and layering are most reliable for difficult-to-root fruit trees.