Why graft when you can grow from cuttings?
Heruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (30)
Silica
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Can you grow watermelon from cuttings?
Comments (5)Yes, you can root watermelon cuttings. I know because I've done it three times. I've also only attempted it three times. I use the same method I like to use for tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers and cucumbers (and it has worked every time). You do not need hormone rooting powder. I've successfully rooted Mississippi Cobb Gem, Ledmon and Tom Watson watermelon (seeds from rareseeds.com). Here's how you can do it: 1. Get some new seed-starting mix. I personally add 7-7-7 fertilizer and basalt rockdust to it. Old soil and topsoil may have pathogens that cause damping off or root rot. Do not use potting soil. It has too much nitrogen for our purposes, although I've never tried it with watermelon cuttings. 2. Ideally, take your cutting from a plant grown completely indoors. Plants from outdoors may also work, but they may also carry extra fungi and have more difficulty adapting to the light changes I'm going to mention. I took my cuttings from seed-grown plants planted in the same conditions as these cuttings. 3. Cuttings should be at least 9-12 inches long. You can probably get away with less, but I've only tried this length. It works. Shorter lengths will work for other kinds of plants, like tomatoes, but the long ones work excellently there, too. 4. Obtain a new 20 fl oz foam cup. I didn't put drainage holes in mine or anything like that. 5. Put a spoonful or two of soil in the cup to cover the bottom. Then, pot your cutting, with the stem buried deep in the cup. It will get more nutrients this way, and the plant will be more secure. 6. Water your cutting with water that contains about 1 teaspoon of potassium sulfate per gallon. A little more than a teaspoon of potassium sulfate probably won't hurt. Water liberally, but after the water absorbs, you don't want water sitting on top of the soil, of course. I imagine if you didn't use potassium sulfate you should use less water. If water in your room doesn't evaporate quickly, you may want to use somewhat less water, too. But use potassium sulfate. Cuttings love it. Its awesome. This is where I get mine: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JD6MGK/ 7. Put the potted cutting in a rather warm room. 8. Keep your potted cutting out of bright light for two to three days. Do not put it very close to a lightbulb at this point. Too much light will probably make it wither, and stunt the plant for a while. 9. After the aforementioned two days have passed, put the potted cutting in bright light. Bright light is now not only perfectly safe, but necessary for the plant to grow much. I use both high and low color temperature CFLs (6500k and 2700k) and my growing area is surrounded with mylar blankets. The 2700k bulbs help to keep damping off away, although it shouldn't be in your soil, anyway. If it is, though, they will probably help to keep it at bay or kill it. 10. When the plant starts growing noticeably, that probably means it has roots. However, let it grow out at least a bit before planting outside, just in case. Watermelon cuttings do not have taproots....See MoreWhat can I cut from my apple tree now for grafting?
Comments (3)They should go into your fridge, not freezer. The reason February is a good time is because the tree should be fully dormant and that's about the latest you can count on that. Too early and they spend more time in storage during which they can mold or dry out. With good storage conditions though both are manageable. You want relatively straight new growth that is hardened off and dormant. Maybe pencil diameter in lengths perhaps 6-12" long. Store them in a ziplock bag wrapped in a barely damp paper towel. Put them in the fridge. Every month or so, check and verify that there is still some moisture in the bag and they aren't molding. In the early spring graft them onto another tree or rootstock. Or just buy another King apple tree. It will be the same effect....See MoreWhy can't I grow a Willow from a cutting?
Comments (16)If you take a cutting in early spring (about this thickness of a pencil or so)), plant directly in the soil, with about 2-4 buds above the soil line and 8-10" below it will root within a couple of weeks. If it must be done when the parent tree isn't dormant, you really need a mist bench for best success. Rooting in water isn't a great idea because then you must get it established in soil. Just start with moist soil. I've rooted thousands of cuttings and willows are among the easiest if done right. Also, it should be mentioned that not all willows root with the same ease. Pussy willows for example, are not as easy (though still easy compared to say, an oak)....See Morewhy do you grow JM from seeds?
Comments (16)I grow most of my maples from seed. It's fun to see them grow and show their individual characteristics. I grow them in raised beds for several years before culling them to get what I'm after, mainly fall color. I mulch with woodchips and I get volunteers popping up all over every year. You may be able to find volunteers under maples in your area. 90% of the maples in my garden are from seed and now I'm getting seed from the original seedlings. Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of my garden...See Moredbarron
5 years agoDenise Becker
5 years agolucky_cloud
5 years agodbarron
5 years agoDenise Becker
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agoDenise Becker
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agobklyn citrus (zone 7B)
5 years agoDenise Becker
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agobklyn citrus (zone 7B)
5 years agoDenise Becker
5 years agoponcirusguy6b452xx
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agobklyn citrus (zone 7B)
5 years agobklyn citrus (zone 7B)
5 years agosocalnolympia
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agoSilica
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agoSilica
5 years agoHeruga (7a Northern NJ)
5 years agoSilica
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoponcirusguy6b452xx
5 years agoDave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
5 years agosocalnolympia
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESYes, You Can Grow an Edible Garden on a Hot, Dry Site
Difficult garden spots don’t need to deter you from planting trees, herbs and other delicious food plants
Full StoryNATIVE PLANTSHow to Grow a Garden From Seed
Planting grasses and flowers from seed is economical, minimizes garden maintenance and benefits local wildlife
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENS8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed
Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring
Full StoryDIY PROJECTSFashion a High-Quality Cutting Board From Scrap Wood
Waste not, want not. This DIY project saves scraps from the landfill, hones your woodworking skills and produces a gorgeous kitchen piece
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESSee What You Can Learn From a Floor Plan
Floor plans are invaluable in designing a home, but they can leave regular homeowners flummoxed. Here's help
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESWhat We Can Learn From the Minimalists
Discover the power of simplicity and how to employ a less-is-more approach in your decorating scheme
Full StoryFALL GARDENING5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers
Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit
Full StoryATTICSWhat Does Your Attic Want to Be When It Grows Up?
Thinking of an attic renovation but not sure exactly what to do? Let these 6 remodeled rooms inspire you
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESYou Can Grow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Flowers
The blooms and branches selected to decorate St. George’s Chapel at the royal event are English garden favorites
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGAnother Independence Day: When Kids Can Do Their Laundry
Set yourself free and give your child a valuable life skill at the same time
Full Story
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A