Choosing a Cutting
Weeping cherry trees are popular for their showy pendulous blooms and their striking look. Growing one from a cutting can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit daunting. To have the best chance of success, you must choose a cutting carefully.
When selecting a cutting, look for one that is healthy and has plenty of new growth. If possible, try to find something that has already produced flower buds or a small flush of leaves, as it is more likely to root well and produce a healthy new weeping chery tree. If a cutting is not available when you are ready to grow your tree, you can purchase a ready-to-go cutting from a nursery.
Preparing the Cutting
Once you have selected a cutting, you will need to prepare it. To do this, you will need to make a clean, straight cut at least 6 inches down the stem, just above a node (the point where the side branches emerge). Make sure your cut is clean and even, as this will ensure a good root formation.
Once you have made the cut, apply a rooting hormone to the exposed section. This will encourage the cutting to take root and produce new growth. There are various rooting hormones available, but a dilution of seaweed extract is probably the safest and most effective option.
Creating a Nursery Pot
Now that you have prepared your cutting, you will need to create a suitable nursery pot. This will provide the cutting with the correct environment for it to be able to take root. The pot you use should be deep enough to accommodate the length of the cutting, with at least 2 inches of soil at the bottom of the pot.
Fill the pot with a light, well-draining compost, mist it with water and plant the cutting so that the node is just below the surface of the soil. Make sure the cutting is firmly packed in the compost with the roots spread out.
Establishing a Greenhouse Environment
Creating and maintaining the correct environment for your cutting to root and thrive is crucial. A humid environment is best, as it will encourage root formation, which is essential for the development of a healthy weeping cherry tree. To create this kind of environment, you can use a humidity dome or greenhouse. Fill the dome with moisture and place it over the pot so that it is completely shrouded.
Keep the temperature of the environment at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure that the soil is kept moderately moist. Place an oscillating fan in the dome to create a gentle breeze and circulate the moisture.
Providing Adequate Light and Nutrition
Weeping cherry trees need plenty of light and nutrition to grow and flourish, so it is important to ensure that your cutting gets an adequate supply of these two essential elements, particularly during the early stages of growth when the cutting is taking root.
To provide your cutting with the optimum levels of light, you can use a grow light that emits a full spectrum of wavelengths. Alternatively, you can place the pot by a window that receives full sun for several hours per day.
For nutrition, you can feed the cutting every two weeks with a dilution of seaweed extract, as this will provide it with the nutrients it needs to develop strong, healthy roots.
Identifying the Root System
You will know that your cutting is taking root and developing a healthy root system when a web of fine, white roots appears on the surface of the soil in the pot. Once the root system is established, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the ground, where it will continue to grow and thrive.
Protecting the Tree
When transplanting the cutting into a pot or into the ground, it is important to remember that weeping cherry trees are fragile, so they need to be protected from strong winds, heavy rains and extreme temperatures.
To protect the tree, you can cover it with a light cloth or horticultural fleece when necessary. This will help keep the tree warm and protect it from damage caused by harsh weather.
Watering Techniques
Weeping cherry trees require a careful balance of water, so it is important to ensure that you are providing your tree with an adequate but not excessive amount of water. Ideally, the soil should be kept moderately moist, but never sodden.
To achieve this balance, make sure that you are providing your tree with enough water to keep the soil damp, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. It is also important to avoid watering the tree in the evening, as this can encourage fungal growth.
Pruning Techniques
Weeping cherry trees need to be pruned in order to ensure that they retain their pendulous shape and remain healthy. Once your tree is established, you can prune it every year in early spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning should be done with a sharp pair of secateurs, and you should focus on removing any damaged, diseased or dead branches. Make sure that you avoid pruning excessively and don’t remove more than a third of the branches on the tree in one session.
Fertilizing Techniques
Fertilizing your weeping cherry tree is essential for promoting healthy growth and maintaining its showy blossoms for years to come. To do this, you can use a liquid fertilizer that is specifically designed for flowering trees, and you should apply it every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Obtain soil tests from reputable nurseries and experiment with light feedings of several different fertilizer products in order to determine which one works best for your tree.
Pests and Disease Prevention
The best way to minimize the risk of pests and disease is to make sure that your weeping cherry tree is healthy from the outset. Ensure that your tree receives the right amount of light, nutrition and water and that it is planted in well-draining soil.
If you do notice any signs of pests or disease, there are various treatments available that are specifically designed for weeping cherry trees. However, it is always best to consult with an expert before using any kind of treatment, as incorrect use could cause more harm than good.
