- 1). Prune back two year growth from the cherry tree in March. This will encourage sprouting of new growth.
- 2). Cut softwood cutting from new growth with a knife at a slight angle just below a node. A softwood cutting is the section of the stem that has not yet fully matured. End portions of the stem should not be used unless the growth has hardened with some maturity.
- 3). Remove leaves and buds from the lower third of the cutting and retain three to four leaves at the tip.
- 4). Dip the basal end of the cutting in rooting hormone. The hormone will stick to the moist, fresh cut.
- 5). Fill the 4-inch pot with growing medium that's well-drained and clean. Water thoroughly.
- 6). Insert the basal end of cutting into the growing media by burying two to three nodes. New roots will emerge from the nodes.
- 7). Mist the leaves thoroughly every day until roots are established. Misting will minimize water loss until rooting occurs, and prevent leaves from drying out. You will know when rooting occurs by new leaf growth on your cutting.
- 8). Create a mini-greenhouse by placing the wire frame over the pot. Place the pot/frame in a bright spot that does not get full sun, and has a minimum temperature of 72 degrees F.
- 9). Fill a 6-inch pot with potting soil. Harden off the cutting after it has rooted by transplanting it into the pot and placing it in a shady outdoor location for several weeks. Water the pot as needed when the top inch of soil becomes dry. After hardening off, the new cherry tree is ready to be transplanted into soil.
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