Growing plums from cuttings is a cost-effective and rewarding way to propagate plum trees, preserving the traits of the parent tree. Unlike growing from seeds, which can lead to genetic variation, propagating from cuttings ensures that you get a tree with the same fruit quality, disease resistance, and growth characteristics. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing plums from cuttings, from selecting the right type of cutting to transplanting your new trees.
1. Understanding Plum Tree Propagation
Plum trees (Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina, Prunus americana) can be propagated through various methods:
- Seeds (not recommended for true-to-type propagation)
- Grafting and Budding (requires rootstocks and technical skill)
- Layering (can take longer to establish)
- Cuttings (best for home propagation with minimal resources)
Plum cuttings can be taken from softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood, depending on the time of year and species.
| Cutting Type | Best Time to Take Cuttings | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood Cuttings | Late Spring to Early Summer | Young, flexible green stems; fast rooting but delicate |
| Semi-Hardwood Cuttings | Mid to Late Summer | Firmer stems, partly woody; good balance of rooting and resilience |
| Hardwood Cuttings | Late Fall to Winter (Dormant Season) | Fully mature wood; slow to root but stronger |
Best Varieties for Cuttings
- European Plums (Prunus domestica) – Good for cold climates; varieties like ‘Stanley,’ ‘Italian,’ and ‘Green Gage.’
- Japanese Plums (Prunus salicina) – Fast-growing, great for warm climates; varieties like ‘Santa Rosa’ and ‘Methley.’
- American Wild Plum (Prunus americana) – Hardy and adaptable, suitable for naturalizing.
2. Selecting and Preparing Plum Cuttings
Choosing the Right Cutting
- Select healthy, disease-free branches from a vigorous, productive tree.
- The ideal cutting length is 6 to 12 inches with a diameter of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
- Choose branches with at least 3-4 leaf nodes for softwood cuttings or multiple bud points for hardwood cuttings.
Step-by-Step Guide for Taking Cuttings
Softwood Cuttings (Spring & Summer)
- Take cuttings in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
- Use sterilized pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle.
- Remove the lower two-thirds of the leaves, leaving only the top few to minimize water loss.
- Dip in rooting hormone (IBA 1000-3000 ppm for best results) to encourage root formation.
- Place cuttings in water or moist perlite, vermiculite, or well-draining soil for initial rooting.
Hardwood Cuttings (Fall & Winter)
- Choose one-year-old wood with visible buds.
- Cut the branch into 10-12 inch sections.
- Make the bottom cut just below a bud and the top cut above a bud.
- Store in moist sand or peat moss for 3-4 weeks at 35-40°F (stratification) to break dormancy.
- Apply rooting hormone before planting in the soil.
3. Rooting Plum Cuttings
The rooting environment is critical for success. You need consistent humidity, moisture, and warmth.
Best Rooting Mediums
- Perlite + Peat Moss (50/50 mix) – Light, moisture-retentive but well-draining.
- Coconut Coir – Sustainable alternative to peat moss.
- Sand + Vermiculite – Excellent for aeration and drainage.
- Potting Mix with Compost – Provides nutrients as roots develop.
Rooting Methods
| Method | Steps | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In Soil | Stick cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil, keep moist | Moderate (50-70%) |
| Water Propagation | Place cuttings in a jar of water, change water weekly | Low (30-50%) |
| Misting System | Keeps humidity high for softwood cuttings | High (80-90%) |
| Bottom Heat (Heating Mat) | Speeds up rooting in cold seasons | High (75-85%) |
Rooting Conditions
| Factor | Optimal Condition |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
| Humidity | 80-90% (use plastic dome or misting) |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Watering | Keep medium consistently moist but not soggy |
| Airflow | Ensure good ventilation to prevent mold |
💡 Tip: To retain humidity, cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or place in a mini-greenhouse.
4. Transplanting Rooted Cuttings
Rooting typically takes 4-8 weeks. Once roots are at least 2 inches long, you can transplant them.
Hardening Off
- Gradually expose plants to direct sunlight over a week.
- Reduce humidity by removing the plastic cover for longer periods each day.
- Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
Transplanting to Pots
- Use 1-gallon pots filled with well-draining soil.
- Plant the cutting at the same depth as it was in the rooting medium.
- Keep in partial shade for the first 1-2 weeks.
Moving to the Ground
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil (pH 6.0-7.5).
- Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball.
- Mix compost or aged manure into the soil.
- Water deeply and mulch around the base.
5. Caring for Young Plum Trees
Newly transplanted trees need regular care to establish strong roots.
Watering Schedule
- First Month: Water every 2-3 days.
- First Year: 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Established Trees: Water deeply every 7-10 days in dry periods.
Fertilization
| Stage | Type of Fertilizer |
|---|---|
| Early Growth (Spring) | Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) |
| Fruit Development | High potassium (5-10-10) |
| Fall (Before Dormancy) | Organic compost or aged manure |
Pruning & Training
- Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree.
- Remove weak or crossing branches to improve airflow.
- Train to an open center or modified central leader system for best fruiting.
Pest & Disease Management
Common threats to plum trees include:
- Aphids, Japanese beetles, and plum curculio – Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Fungal diseases (Brown Rot, Black Knot, Leaf Curl) – Apply copper fungicide in late winter and early spring.
- Root Rot – Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
6. First Harvest & Long-Term Care
- Plum trees grown from cuttings take 3-5 years to bear fruit.
- Thin fruits when young to prevent branch breakage.
- Harvest when fruits are slightly soft to the touch.
Winter Protection
- In colder zones, wrap young trees with burlap or apply mulch around the base.
- Protect from late frosts using row covers or frost cloth.
7. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings not rooting | Too dry or too wet | Maintain moisture balance, use rooting hormone |
| Wilting leaves | Low humidity | Use plastic cover to retain humidity |
| Slow growth | Lack of nutrients | Fertilize with diluted liquid fertilizer |
| Black spots on leaves | Fungal infection | Apply neem oil or copper fungicide |
Conclusion
Growing plums from cuttings is an economical and efficient way to propagate new trees while preserving desirable traits. With the right cutting selection, rooting techniques, and care, you can successfully establish new plum trees that will bear fruit for years to come. Happy planting! 🌱🍑