Growing pawpaw trees from cuttings can be a bit challenging, but it is possible with the right techniques and conditions. I have personally attempted propagating pawpaw trees through cuttings, and while the success rate may not be very high, it’s definitely worth a try if you’re up for the challenge.
To start, you’ll want to take softwood cuttings of about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) in length. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season’s growth, which is still flexible and not fully matured. It’s best to take these cuttings in late summer when the tree has finished its main growth period.
Before taking the cuttings, make sure to sterilize your pruners or shears to prevent the spread of any diseases. You want to make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this is where the roots are most likely to develop.
Once you have your cuttings, it’s important to dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone. Rooting hormones contain plant hormones that encourage root development and increase the chances of success. Follow the instructions on the product for the correct application.
Next, prepare a suitable growing medium for your cuttings. Pawpaw trees prefer rich, moist soil, so it’s important to mimic these conditions. You can use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a well-draining yet moisture-retaining medium. Fill a container or tray with this medium and water it thoroughly before inserting the cuttings.
Using a pencil or similar tool, create holes in the growing medium for the cuttings. Make sure the holes are deep enough to securely hold the cuttings. Space them out adequately to allow air circulation and prevent crowding.
Gently insert the cuttings into the prepared holes, making sure the hormone-treated ends are fully covered by the growing medium. Lightly press the medium around the cuttings to ensure good contact and stability.
To create a suitable environment for rooting, cover the container or tray with a plastic bag or use a propagating dome to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps to maintain high humidity levels around the cuttings, which is crucial for root development. Place the container in a warm location with indirect light.
Throughout the rooting process, it’s important to keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture levels regularly and water as needed to prevent the cuttings from drying out.
After a few weeks, you can gently tug on the cuttings to see if they have developed roots. If there is resistance or you feel some root resistance when pulling, it’s a good sign that rooting has occurred. However, if the cuttings easily come out without any significant resistance, it may indicate a lack of root development.
Once the cuttings have developed roots, you can gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and reducing the humidity levels. Transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground, ensuring they are planted in a well-draining and fertile soil.
It’s important to note that even with the best techniques, the success rate of growing pawpaw trees from cuttings can be relatively low. This is because pawpaw trees have a natural preference for seed propagation. However, with patience and persistence, you may still be able to achieve success and enjoy the rewards of growing pawpaw trees from cuttings.
