When dealing with how to plant an almond tree from a branch, what we are doing is an activity known as cutting or staking. A modality that allows us to obtain a new tree starting from the base of the branch of another mature tree.
It is a procedure that requires a little time and patience, but it will give good results if you follow the steps that we are going to explain below. So take good note and prepare your gardening gloves to get to work.
How to plant an almond tree from one branch step by step
Propagating almond trees through cuttings is very common in the field, but you can also do it in your own orchard or even in your home garden.
There are varieties of plants and trees that have the incredible ability to become new specimens starting from just a small portion of the original plant or tree, through what is known as cutting. The almond tree, that magnificent tree that reaches several meters in height, can also "be born" like this, and we explain how to achieve it.
Selecting a branch
First we are going to look for the tree from which we will obtain our cutting. It has to be a almond tree already ripe and healthy. The ideal branch is one that is at least one centimeter thick and does not have any apparent damage. Preferably, choose one that has neither flowers nor fruits.
We make the cut just below the node, which is the point at which the leaves join the stem. To avoid causing damage to the tree, it is important to use pruning shears that are clean and disinfected.
Preparation of the cutting
An essential question when it comes to how to plant an almond tree from a branch is to prepare the cutting as soon as possible. We cannot cut the branch and have it for days and days without treating it, or it will die.
The sooner the better, use clean and disinfected pruning shears to remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Don't remove them all, leave some on top to reduce water loss through perspiration.
If the cutting is very long, you can cut it into several segments, taking care that each segment has its own node. If one does not have it, you can discard that one, since it will not take root.
Hormone treatment
In the next step we are going to dip the cutting or cuttings in rooting hormone, which will stimulate root growth. You can put it in a jar with water, following the product proportions indicated by the manufacturer.
Planting the cutting
After the time indicated by the manufacturer of the rooting hormone you are using, you can plant the cutting. To do this, use a small pot and fill it with a mixture of peat and perlite or soil and sand, because it is important that it have good drainage to prevent excess moisture.
With a pencil or toothpick make a small hole in the rooting medium and insert the end of the cutting, making sure you leave the node buried. Press gently to keep the branch in the correct position.
Protection
At this moment the cutting is still too weak and must be given extra protection. Can cover it with a transparent plastic bag that you will adjust to the pot with an elastic band. If necessary, use chopsticks or other items so that the bag is not in direct contact with the branch.
Another alternative is to cut up an empty plastic bottle and use it as a homemade greenhouse. In both cases, what we are looking for is create a humid and warm environment that stimulates rooting.
Location and monitoring
Place the pot with the cutting in a place where it receives indirect light. Keep in mind that it is covered with a plastic, if you expose it to direct sunlight what can happen is that it ends up burning.
Occasionally lift the plastic so that the accumulated humidity is not excessive, and Water gently when you see that the soil is dry.
Final transplant
After several weeks or months, you should notice that the cutting shows signs of growing. It will be bigger, and it may even have new leaves. This is a sign that the rooting has worked and it is time to transplant.
You can move your already rooted cutting to a larger pot with substrate for fruit trees and place it in a sunny place. Little by little you will notice that your almond tree is growing.
Care after transplant
At this point, the most critical phase has passed. Your cutting has taken root and is ready to become a strong and healthy tree. But for this, you will still have to pay a little more attention to it in its early stages of growth.
You must establish a Irrigation periodicity that prevents the substrate from becoming dry. But as we always recommend, do not flood the soil.
Furthermore, it is advisable that you contribute fertilization. It is advisable to use a specific fertilizer for fruit trees, since these have nutrient needs that are somewhat different from those of other non-fruit species.
As the almond tree grows, perform training pruning. With it you contribute to a healthier growth.
In a couple of years your tree will be ready to start producing almonds. At first its production will not be very abundant, but it will increase year by year.
Now that you know how to plant an almond tree from a branch, you have everything you need to get to work. It is time to start looking for a tree from which to obtain the cutting and take care of it as we have indicated. Remember that when it comes to obtaining new plants or trees through cuttings, patience is essential, because the results take time to become apparent. Have you managed to reproduce an almond tree or other fruit tree through a cutting? Tell us about your experience!