skip to main content

Removing 'suckers' to produce rootstock

18 years ago

Hey all...

I've got a single branch of rootstock growing, and wanted to know how long I should wait before I remove and plant it (with the hope of it rooting, and providing me with some delicious rootstock!!). It's currently a good 6" long or so, but the leaves seem quite small yet. I'll get a picture up in a little bit.

Any tips/hints/suggestions?

~Derek

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Millet
18 years ago
Six to eight inches is a good length. New growth flushes have a soft "limp" structure in the begining, that soon firms up. After the new sucker firms up and three leaves are fully open is a good time to attempt rooting. Use a rooting hormone and bottom heat. - Millet
tweaker2
18 years ago
~Derek I have a sucker on one my tree's also. It is about 4" I also plan on doing the samething, I plan on using Dip & Grow, I hope you are able to keep up your postings on this..The sucker I have growing sure seems to grow at a much faster rate. I hope they are easy to root Tom
Related Discussions
"Bloody Butcher" Heirloom corn - do the "suckers" produce ears?
Q
Comments (1)
I could not find any sources on suckers growing in hydroponic medium. Here's what's available for in-ground suckers: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/suckers-growing-corn-plants-53804.html
...See More
Rootstock sucker?
Q
Comments (9)
Your rose is in a pretty small pot- so my guess is that it came in something even smaller? Was it possibly a 4inch size container? (the length of one side of the top opening, not depth of container) If it came in something that small, it's almost certainly own root. And it's fine. A grafted plant generally is pretty large (yours looks like a young plant). Also, any bud union is generally planted visibly above the soil line, it's like a knot of wood-- with an inch or two of thick, finger sized, root stock cane holding it above the soil. I can't imagine a grafted rose being sold potted with the bud union under the soil. Even in zone 4, where I am a lot, I've never seen a rose at a nursery with it's bud union buried in the pot- the pot would need to be so big (deep) (When we plant them outside up here in the cold north, we do plant them under the soil, however) So, I think it's own root if you can't tell if it's budded or not. This post was edited by lola-lemon on Fri, Mar 22, 13 at 12:43
...See More
Suckers? Root-Stock? What to do?
Q
Comments (9)
Seil, Thanks so much! I may take cuttings from the pretty rose to see if I can get it on it's own roots before I destroy the root stock. I wonder how far those suckers can travel? There are 4 spots, including the big clump on the slope (which was probably a grafted variety killed by Dr. Huey. I am betting they are all connected. Round up might be the answer, but I don't want to kill the Pretty rose. Interesting that Dr. Huey only blooms once. We moved here last June and never saw it bloom. Does Dr Huey send up shoots 5 to 10 feet away from it's beginning? I have no clue which clump is it's start, but I will begin by pulling out the suckers closest to the pretty rose. Thank you! Suzi
...See More
Removing suckering rootstock?
Q
Comments (4)
Halloblondie, If you decide to remove the root stock sucker, pull it down to sever it from root stock. If you pull up on it, you will struggle. It will fight for its life. Pull it down, and it rips away from the rootstock like the leachy parasite it is, almost effortlessly. How on earth does one pull the sucker down, you are asking? If you transplant it, you can perform the deed when it is out of the ground. Just grab it right where it attaches to the root stock and pull it down towards the roots. It will rip right away, and hopefully take any dormant growth buds around it along with it. Now, if you want to remove it while the bush is still in the ground, cut off the top of the sucker's cane at about 6" from the ground. Dig soil away until where the sucker's juncture with the root stock is clearly seen. Have on stout shoes, center your foot on the sucker as close to root stock as you can, and step down real hard on the sucker, and it will rip right off in a downward direction. No kneeling, no bloody, scraped hands. Moses
...See More
kybasche
Original Author
18 years ago
I'll run to the market today and pick up some rooting horomone. Expect some pictures of my surgery later tonite for anyone interested!

~Derek
kybasche
Original Author
18 years ago
Change of plan... this weekend the magic happens!

~Derek
BabyBlue11371
18 years ago
Good Luck Derek!!! I'll be looking forward to seeing pictures. I have kinda done this.. when I grafted Nola the "limbs" I took off to clear the area for grafting I planted those. they all survived!! Put the clipping dipped in root starter in damp soil in a 4" pot in a gallon zipper baggie.. once a day I breathed in to the bag.. to puff it up and to supply carbon dioxide . don't know that it needed the carbon dioxide but it kept the baggy from touching the leaves. the Ziploc baggies kept an excellent humidity level for them also.. might want to put baggies on your list of things to get..

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Home Full of Boys Achieves Order and Inspiration

By Mina Brinkey

A 3-month overhaul produces an organized and inviting space fit for this Florida family of 9

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own European and Asian Pears

By Marianne Lipanovich

Try these trees for their good looks, delicious fruit and wide range of sizes — plus you can espalier them

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Vase Shapes Set Shrubs Apart

Billowing on top and slender on the bottom, shrubs in a vase shape showcase blooms and foliage to perfection in the landscape

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Add an Apple Tree to Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Readily available, beautiful and fragrant, apple trees offer four-season interest along with crisp, juicy fruit

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra

By Curtis Adams

Common elderberry is a highly adaptable shrub from the eastern U.S., with berries galore for wildlife and humans alike

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Ways to Grow Edibles in Small Places

By Matt Kilburn

No big backyard? Join in the grow-your-own fun with these small-space ideas for planting vegetables, fruits and herbs

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Delight in Summer’s Garden Glories — Here’s What to Do in June

By Annie Thornton

Wherever you live in the United States, these guides can help you make the most of your summer garden

Sponsored

More Discussions

Advice needed. Just repotted my two dying avocados in Tapla's 5-1-1

8

In ground outside Meiwa kumquat on flying dragon

2

indoor lemon tree

7

figs vs kumquats

6

What varieties?

0