Need Guidance w/a Plum Tree Cutting?

11 years ago

I have been admiring a neighbors tree across the way from me for quite some time now but never asked her what type of tree it was. I posted a photo of it here last spring (see below) and was told it was a white Eastern Redwood, which does look almost identical in the spring.

However, I just noticed that there's fruit setting on the tree, so I went over and finally asked her what type of tree it was and she told me it was a plum tree. The plums look spectacular too! This tree is lovely through all the seasons.

A little while ago, the neighbor came by and gave me a very small cutting off of this tree. There are some roots on it but it's only a twig. Can somebody please tell me how I would go about planting this twig? I just placed it in some water and put it on my window sill in the sun. Is it possible for me to actually plant this cutting and grow a tree?

Any advice or help is very much appreciated!

Linda

Plum Tree in the Spring

Plum Tree in Summer - August 2012

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Comments (8)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
thoroughly dampen a good potting media ...

fill pot ..

plant tree in it..

cover with plastic bag

and place in full SHADE ... until fall ... and then check to see if there are enough roots .. to plant it in mother earth for winter ...

why not show us a pic of what you got.. the answer might differ ..

ken
LindaMA
Original Author
11 years ago
Ask and you shall receive! Here is the cutting/seedling, which appears to have some good beginning roots, but then, I'm not an expert. Hopefully you can tell me......

When planting in some potting media, can I use seed starter soil or should it be regular potting soil?

Linda

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
i would put it in a one gal pot ...

damp.. not sodden media .. not fine seed starting stuff.. but the more coarser stuff ...

and skip the baggie.. too big..

but full shade ...

and then go ask the neighbor.. how the heck they did that.. since this spring ... and while you are there.. if someone can root that.. in a few months.. what the heck would they do with it ... i am thinking you have a local pro.. and are asking us.. and while you are going over.. take them a gift ... cookies or something ...

ken
botann
11 years ago
Looks like a sprout from the understock and probably isn't the same as the scion. It's not a cutting rooted from a branch.
Mike
LindaMA
Original Author
11 years ago
What is it then? I was thinking that it was a sprout from beneath the tree myself, I know it's not a branch...the roots tipped me off.

What are thoughts, in a few years could I possibly have a plum tree? I do not want to waste my time if the consensus is no.

I do really like the tree and would be pleased with one even minus the fruit, due to the stunning display it gives out in the spring.

Ken, I'm whipping up a batch of brownies as we speak....lol
LindaMA
Original Author
11 years ago
I have one more quick question regarding this plum seedling; should I keep it indoors or outdoors? I know you said shade, which is where I currently have it, but in my office, not outside. I wanted to be sure before I placed it outside, due to critters and such being able to get at it if I was to place it in shade outdoors. Please advise!

Many thanks!

Linda
famartin
11 years ago
I'm not sure what it will be, but I am fairly certain it won't be what the top is. Most members of the Prunus genus (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines) are commonly propagated through grafting.

You are probably better off trying to find that variety for sale, if that variety is what you really want.
ediblelandscaping.sc
11 years ago
they gave you a sucker and since 90% of plums are grafted you'll get a plum rootstock and not the same tree she or he has. to get that you'll have to graft a limb from his or her tree onto your little tree. I'd toss it and go buy a plum tree. I can promise you if they bought the tree you'll be wasting your time only if it's grown from seed will you get the same tree.

Need Guidance w/a Plum Tree Cutting?

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

LindaMA
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Need Guidance w/a Plum Tree Cutting?

Comments (8)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

LindaMAOriginal Author

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

botann

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famartin

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BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

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LindaMA
Original Author

LindaMA
Original Author

LindaMA
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