Like most fruit trees, cherry trees cannot be propagated by seed or cuttings. The process of propagating cherry trees, which is used in the professional cultivation of planting material, is called grafting.
document types
To multiply, you first need a so-called base. This alone is responsible for the size of the mature cherry tree. When buying a cherry tree, it is therefore important to note whether the rootstock specified on the label is weak, medium or strong-growing.
Strong-growing seedlings are used as bases for standard trees. These develop a strong root system, show healthy growth and ensure a long lifespan for the tree. The half-stems are grafted onto medium-growing types or seedling rootstocks so that the trunk height of around 120 cm is maintained. The spindle bushes and columnar trees have a weak-growing rootstock, produce quick yields, but do not live as long as half-stems or tall-stems.
finishing methods
A one-year-old shoot or an eye or bud of the noble variety is required as the second component for propagation. These are taken from the cherry tree, whose properties in terms of taste and size of the fruit, yield strength, resistance to fungal diseases, sensitivity to frost, etc. are desired.
The two "partners" are connected by
- budding,
- graft or
- Copulate.
For grafting, a well-developed bud of the noble variety is placed on the base, in which the bark has previously been cut. The noble eye is inserted behind the unfolded bark and firmly connected with bast. After growth, remove the bast and later cut away the shoot above the eye.
Scions of different strengths are used for grafting and copulating. These are obtained from the healthy one-year-old shoots, which are connected to the rootstock in April/May. The base and the scion of the same thickness are connected directly with the superimposed interfaces (cut diagonally). If the base is thicker than the scion, you put it in the incision in the bark.
tips and tricks
For most hobby gardeners, self-refining is probably out of the question. Nevertheless, everyone can create their own individual tree. Tree nurseries can be found on the Internet that have specialized in order processing (see e.g. manufactum.de).