Spring apple tree trimming and propagation.

In this episode, I am going to show you how to properly prune apple trees for maximum fruit production and then I'm going to show you how to propagate the trimmed branches (apple tree scion wood cuttings) and turn them into new apple trees that are an exact genetic clone of your apple tree. This will work on both anna and golden dorsett apple trees. In phoenix, these are the 2 varieties that I recommend, with very low chill hours. I will post updates on the cuttings as they root and start to grow. They will also be available to purchase mid to late summer.

[@yourMARKIE143]

Awww I really love it❤❤😍

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Thanks!

[@gabrielhickman3908]

I dig it man

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Thanks! 😉

[@kprairiesun]

Please show what you do once they have roots. Do you feel the need to graft onto stronger rootstock?

[@dreamcatcherhomestead3823]

Awesome video, hope all turned out well with the cuttings

[@edibles_and_exotics]

It did then the record summer heat hit and killed all but a handful of them. I missed one day of watering 😕

[@dreamcatcherhomestead3823]

@@edibles_and_exotics oh, I'm sorry to hear that. ☹️ Hopefully, this year will go better

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@dreamcatcherhomestead3823 thanks. I think this year I'm going to do just air layers, I have a lot of big branches that need to be removed. Most of the smaller branches are fruiting spurs this year so those are going to stay on the trees. 😊

[@dreamcatcherhomestead3823]

@@edibles_and_exotics that sounds smart, surely the tree will do better as well. Is it better to air layer the bigger branches? And about how old should the limbs be to air layer? I've only recently heard of air layering and want to try it myself.

[@s.thomascarey3604]

@@dreamcatcherhomestead3823no age linit. As long as the branche is long enough to cover with dirt

[@T-unit-84]

Good info thank you

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianjones866]

Awesome video only problem is I’m in the total opposite part of the country. The apples grow great up here. I wonder if I have enough time in the season to do this in northern Maine.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I'm sure you could. You can over winter them somewhere where the soil won't freeze and when the temps come back up they will continue the rooting process.

[@brianjones866]

@@edibles_and_exotics thank you very much for replying. I’m going to give it a shot. I also want to try air layering.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@brianjones866 deffenatly do it! There is no better feeling than having secuss multiplying your favorite plants and trees!

[@debbiehall6616]

Thank you

[@edibles_and_exotics]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@gotsilver77]

I took 30 cuttings from a honeycrisp apple tree, and one cutting was successful

[@edibles_and_exotics]

One is better then none! Keep trying different tines of the year and different media and see if you can get better success. I always do the same and eventually I get near 100%

[@kelvinchukwubuikem3214]

Your video was quite helpful. I suggest you try incoporating Wambugu apples among your stock vatieties, its way bigger in fruite size and grows across regions. Also, to a lrage extent its disease resistant. Thanks once more for your video.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I never heard of that variety I'll check it out! Thanks for the suggestion. Thanks for watching!!!!

[@-stayinzambia8950]

@@edibles_and_exotics Wambugu apple is from Kenya, big size.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@-stayinzambia8950 send me some scions!

[@-stayinzambia8950]

@@edibles_and_exotics I don't have that plant. The lady who owns that apple tree normally comes to Zambia to send seedlings and visit her customers every two or three months. If you want to see how that apple looks like, just do a search in KZbin.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@-stayinzambia8950 I will thanks!

[@rynophiliac]

would love to see an update on the cuttings. Have you tried mixing any peat into the perlite media? I've had great success with 50/50 peat/perlite mix for softwood cuttings but I haven't tried any hardwood cuttings yet. I'm in Mesa also, pretty small world!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I have mixed in peat moss when I run low on pearlite and can't find more locally, honestly, it seems to work the same for me. The only thing I don't like about it is when it dries out it hard to rehydrate, where as the pearlite just sucks up water no matter how dry it gets. But yes it seems to work just as good may even work better in the summer since it's finer and will hold more moisture? I was actually thinking of doing an update on the cuttings this week. They have a ton of top growth, looks like every single one is growing up top! Don't know about root growth yet probably not much if at all yet but in the next month when it warms up they will get roots for sure! It's great to see a fellow mesan on you tube!!!😁

[@rynophiliac]

@@edibles_and_exotics ah yes peat moss is very hydrophobic. that makes sense. it wasn't really an issue with soft wood cuttings because I had them under a misting system with a timer so they never did dry out but I can see that being an issue with hardwood cuttings. I haven't done much with hardwood cuttings, I just don't have the space or the time right now to do everything I'd like to try :(

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@rynophiliac I don't have the space or time either 😁 Lucky you, I wish I had time to build a Misting system! Do they work as good as people say?

[@rynophiliac]

@@edibles_and_exotics yes indeed, for softwood cuttings it's pretty much required to have them on mist. once you cut them they try to wilt and die on you, the mist keeps them alive until they can grow new roots. Probably a green house would also help keep the cuttings from drying out but I don't have one. I look forward to being able to do more in the future when I have more time. right now we have a few hundred baby banana plants I'm growing with my kids to sell in a few weeks. That will be fun and they can earn a little money from it.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@rynophiliac For my soft wood cuttings I just wrap the top with parafilm leaving space between it and the perlite and they root pretty easily. Wrapping a ton of cuttings takes for ever and hurts my hands though. I bet a mister would definitely help there! What kind of bananas are you growing?

[@EricaGates0623]

How long is this process? I saw you comment somewhere that you were going to have a free guide? I would love to learn and try while I follow your videos!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Rooting cuttings depends on the type of tree and time of year but in most cases it takes 2 to 3 months for roots to be good enough to remove them from the pearlite and get them potted into their own pots. My grow guide is for planting plants and trees in ground here is the link, 1drv.ms/w/s!Ag8-qFgahuuuhWHXY-h6pa8CNhYY

[@RemsFamily]

What would you say the success rate is on propagating this way? I heard it wasn't working but I agree with you. You're just going to throw the branches out anyway, anyone of them rooting is a plus!!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I usually get 90 percent when I don't get lazy and forget to water. I never throw away plant material either, if it's free and even if only ones takes its all worth it!

[@RemsFamily]

@@edibles_and_exotics definitely

[@schoolinstrat1566]

Is there a specific way of cutting the bottom to root? I've never had success planting cuttings.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I don't do anything special at all. Just pearlite and water. If the tops dry out on you you could try wrapping them with parafilm from about a half inch above soil level to the top. I keep mine in full shade protected from the wind. I think drying out and too much light are the biggest issue with apple cuttings.

[@schoolinstrat1566]

@@edibles_and_exotics thanks 😊

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@schoolinstrat1566 My pleasure. 😊

[@turbowarp]

I've only ever bought grafted trees. Don't understand why. What would we be missing growing true from cuttings vice some "special" root stock?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

The reason why I prefer seed or cutting grown vs a variety grafted onto a root stock are many. I am usually in no rush for fruit, I'm very patient, I find grafted trees have issues with infestation or Disease at the graft union, they are prone to snapping in wind or snow at the graft union, they sucker like crazy most of the time, they don't grow as vigorously, have a short life span, and you are at the mercy of who ever decided what root stock is best which isn't always correct. Cutting grown don't have any of those issues and if grown right will have a better root system and will also produce right away. Seed grown is even better as it will adapt to its environment and be a much hardier tree. The most important thing is to have the correct soil and conditions for planting instead of relying on adapting the root stock to the soil and canopy. I've had no problems growing anything in my yard and our arizona soil is notorious for being devoid of organic matter, having high ph, and high salt content! Get the soil right and grafted trees are not necessary and in fact are backwards thinking. Now I'm not against grafting different varieties onto a tree to get "fruit cocktail" trees that's a totally different but must be done properly so you don't wind up with issues down the road.

[@RainbowWarriorChris]

Also, if it's a rooted cutting and a freeze kills it back, it will come back stronger, and it won't be a rootstock growing back up

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@Rainbow Warriors Garden and Homstead That is an excellent point! I don't have the freeze problem here, so thanks for that insight!

[@Cherryparfait41]

We have a beloved Winesap apple tree that was planted by my late in-laws. It’s overgrown and neglected, but I’m curious if it would be a good candidate for propagating. Sure would mean a lot if it were possible. Thank you!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Of course it wood be a good candidate! I would recommend starting air layers on the larger branches that need to be removed and when you trim the smaller twigs below the air layers start cuttings bins! Apple trees air layer super easy so you should have 100% secuss with those, cuttings root out pretty good too but usually not all of them make it. 😉 I have a video on my channel for how to air layer any tree the process is the same for any tree with bark. And you can follow my how to video for doing apple tree cuttings. Please let me know updates as time goes by! I love hearing it!

[@Cherryparfait41]

@@edibles_and_exotics Awesome! Will do. I’ll checkout the video. I’ll bet I can make it work with your guidance. Thank you!

[@Cherryparfait41]

Hey, we also have a super mature white peach tree that we thought was completely dead, but it sent out a good sized branch last spring and flowered this spring! And, looks to have survived our late freeze. Lol, you should see it….it’s a beautiful but quirky sight. 😊 My MIL grew it from a peach pit that she got from one of her brothers after he moved south. Sorry, to bug ya. It’s been on my mind to see if there was a chance to keep these two going. Thanks, again!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@Cherryparfait41 Give it a go. I'm sure you will have great secuss!

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@Cherryparfait41 That's great I love it when a tree or plant comes back from the dead! Where are you located? And I totally enjoy the conversations with my subscribers, it totally makes my day!

[@branchingoutpermaculturewi4766]

are there holes in the bottom of the boxes

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Are you asking about the rooting bins? If so, yes one in each corner for drainage. With out holes the cuttings would rot in a day or two and die. I will do an update on them this week they are doing great don't know if they have roots yet but top growth is rolling along!

[@anthonyzanetto7993]

Do you sell any of the cuttings that have roots?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I do sell rooted cuttings in pots. Usully around 20 bucks. Right now I only have figs and mulberries. I only did some apple air layers this year and they are not ready to remove from the trees yet.

[@optomistprime1]

Can sand be used?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

It could but removing them once rooted out becomes difficult. Sand is heavy and dense so roots Amy get damaged.

[@femzybeauty]

How do you prepare your soil sir?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

For the cuttings, I use straight perlite or a mixture of perlite vermiculite and peatmoss.

[@benjaminambatt7423]

I am trying continues every year on spring time. Unfortunately no luck. still trying

[@edibles_and_exotics]

What point do you get to before they die?

[@freddynzeyimana5453]

How long does presoak goes?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

A day if you want to do it.

[@13101s]

I didn't know I could make my own apple trees... Can I do the same with walnut? Hazelnut?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

You should have no problem rooting out apple trees. A lot of people say it's not possible, but if that were the case, how am I able to do it, and how are other plant nurseries able to do it? I haven't tried with those two in particular, but I have rooted cuttings on many different deciduous trees. I would think it would be no different with walnut and hazelnut. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I love hearing secuss stories!

[@13101s]

@@edibles_and_exotics I could tell you in 6 years, if the walnut tree is bearing nuts. I thought the issue was that fruit trees might not produce fruit that way? But I really don't know.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@13101s A cutting grown or air layer grown is an exact copy of the parent tree and does not revert to the juvenile stage it will root out and fruit right away!

[@maozedung7270]

@@edibles_and_exotics But if you took the layer from a crafted tree it could get an other size and so on, but not the same tree.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@mao zedung that is true. If one mistakenly took an air layer or cutting from a tree, they didn't know the history on

[@samssam4034]

What's that white material 🤔?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Pearlite. Basically puffed volcanic rock.

[@vincentlabruzzo5368]

What happens if the original Apple Tree is a grafted tree on dwarf or semi dwarf rootstock

[@edibles_and_exotics]

The genetics don't mix you still have what ever variety is grafted on the top and the root stock usually a crab apple on the bottom.

[@vincentlabruzzo5368]

@edibles_and_exotics so the air layer for cutting can be a full size tree even if it came from a dwarf root stock?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@vincentlabruzzo5368 rootstock does not make a dwarf tree, grafted trees in general never do as good as a seed cutting or air layer grown tree.

[@vincentlabruzzo5368]

@edibles_and_exotics ah, I didnt realize that

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@vincentlabruzzo5368 I do have some grafted apple trees but not by choice only because that's usually all that's available but I do air layer and do cuttings on them and sell them as intact trees. They do much better than my grafted in ground trees.

[@johanconradie2120]

one apple per branch

[@emmanuelmbah3364]

Hi So you sell apple Scion woods, I'm gonna need some

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Sorry for the delayed reply I have some personal issues I've been dealing with. Where are you located? Right now I have golden dorsett.

[@emmanuelmbah3364]

@@edibles_and_exotics Lanham, MD

[@Emmanuel-nm1zo]

It the golden Dorset a grafted tree?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@Emmanuel-nm1zo no it was an air layer.

[@frostylonewolf1700]

oh no does it mean you won't get bananas this year since the flower got hit by frost?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

I'm not sure yet but I am going to post an update video tonight just have to edit it and get it uploaded. May not get to it until tomorrow morning but I will get it out there this weekend for sure.

[@frostylonewolf1700]

@@edibles_and_exotics oh and i like apple trees i wish i had one

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@frostylonewolf1700 Why don't you grow one?

[@frostylonewolf1700]

@@edibles_and_exotics oh not yet cause i live at someones place its a rental apartment place

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@Frosty LoneWolf Oh man, you need a farm like me! When you buy your own place don't make the mistake I made years ago, buy land with a house not a house with a tiny yard!

[@emmanuelmbah3364]

Is there a way I could reach you by email?

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Sure [e-mail]

[@921mallen]

Show results !

[@maozedung7270]

I think it does not work. I never saw some professionals who did it in that way. Usual you grow the desired rootstocks some 5 years, than you cut Them down near the flor and cover the roots witrh sawdust about 12" thick and keep it moist. After a year you blow the sawdust away with a blower...The shoots should have got roots. Then you can cut the new young rootstocks for transplanting. You let always 1 stem on the old root for further labour and production. The new transplanted plants you craft with the desired variety. You need 10-12years to start a production of apple trees. I think the vidio above is a nice phantasie about many apple tres...

[@edibles_and_exotics]

If you are growing grafted trees, all one needs to do is grow a root stock and graft the main trunk. Depending on the variety, it could take 2 to 4 years to attain a decent size. Fruit production starts in the first year, all be it small. I am not a fan of grafted trees unless you are trying to make a fruit cocktail tree. There are a lot of misconceptions in the agricultural industry, such as field monoculture and orchard growing. If you would Ike I can add links to people that have and do use the above method with great secuss. I am speaking personal experience in my videos. I would never mislead my viewers. If you haven't tried rooting cuttings, I encourage you to give it a try. Do a quick search on KZbin for Apple tree cuttings, you will find many American goers that use the method I show and have planted may producing apple trees of different varieties. 😉

[@maozedung7270]

@@edibles_and_exotics Apples are nativ in Germany and be sure the Gerrman apple growers know very well what they are doing.

[@edibles_and_exotics]

@@maozedung7270 Es gibt mehr als einen Weg, etwas zu tun

[@maozedung7270]

@@edibles_and_exotics ok tues-

[@edibles_and_exotics]

Just to let you know apple trees originated in the middle east not Germany.

[@richarddetriquet9642]

Apples generally will not successfully grow from cuttings. Grafting is the only way to replicate a variety.

[@Xander-pg5ly]

I get apples from the clones that I've made from my apple trees

[@richarddetriquet9642]

@Xander-pg5ly Grafting on rootstock yes, rooted cuttings very unlikely