Propagating apple thorn - instructions for cuttings and seeds

Apple thorn can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Our precise step-by-step instructions show you how to do this.

If you want to have several apple thorn trees in your garden, you can order small plants or simply propagate the small tree yourself. In this guide to the propagation of Crataegus lavallei, we reveal what you need to know and how best to proceed.

When propagating the apple thorn you have the choice between two basic forms:
» Shrub or bush
In this case the seeds can be buried or the seedling can be planted without any further action and it will automatically take on the sprawling bush shape.
» Small tree
If you want an apple thorn in the shape of a tree, however, you have to get out of the Choose the strongest shoot and pull a stem out of it. Alternatively, it can also be propagated by sowing. Additional information will follow in the next chapters of this guide.

Propagating apple thorn - this is important to note

When choosing the location, the expected size should be considered: The tree can be between five and ten meters high and about three to five meters wide - so sufficient space should be planned.
As the apple thorn grows 20 to a maximum of 40 cm per year, you can practically watch it thrive. However, anyone who initially decides to keep a bucket should always keep in mind that the ornamental shrub may soon become too big for the pot.
The place should be sunny, but the ornamental tree also forgives a partially shaded location.
The apple thorn on the ground is just as undemanding. A loamy, sandy and calcareous soil is ideal - but a classic garden soil is also no problem.
Propagating the Crataegus lavallei requires the fruits of the ornamental tree or suitable seeds. Since this is a so-called cold germ that needs strong cold, sowing should definitely be done in January.
Transplanting, on the other hand, should be done in autumn.

Propagating apple thorn by sowing - step by step instructions

Are there fruits orSeeds, planters and potting soil ready? Then it can start:

First, the small seeds are removed from the fruit. Alternatively, of course, you can also use seeds purchased from specialist retailers.
Now the seeds are placed in suitable planters that already contain moistened potting soil. It is best to do this in January, because the cold germs need strong cold to germinate due to their hard, thick shell.
The planters are then buried in beds. Alternatively, the planters can remain as they are or be buried in buckets. In this case, we recommend covering them with foil and placing the pots in as shady and cool a place as possible to create as low temperatures as possible. A temperature range of - 4° to + 4 °C is ideal. The foil should be aired regularly so that the whole thing doesn't get mouldy.
In order to create optimal conditions for germination, we also advise keeping the substrate evenly moist. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging.

Now it's time to wait. If the first cotyledons appear after five to six weeks, the propagation seems to have worked. Anyone who has decided to stay in the planters or tubs should then place the pots in a bright, frost-free place. A conservatory, greenhouse, cellar window or cold frame is best suited for this. When the little plants have reached a size of about ten centimetres, they can be transplanted to their final location.

If you want to let nature take its course or simply don't feel like all that effort, you can also bury the apple thorn fruits in a bed. With a bit of luck, they will germinate and the young plants will make their way into the daylight in early summer. These can then be easily dug up and transplanted. More on that later.

Propagating apple thorn with cuttings - step by step instructions

Alternatively, cuttings of one-year-old shoots of the apple thorn can also be used for propagation. Sticks that are already about 20 cm long and have a few leaves and a bud are best for this. Some gardeners also use cuttings that are five to 10 cm long. After these have been cut off, the procedure is as follows:

In the first step, the planter is prepared with a permeable substrate. Peat with about 20 percent expanded clay or gravel is ideal.
Then the cuttings or sticks become about oneTucked into third.
For an optimal climate, we recommend putting a foil bag over the cuttings. However, this should be aired regularly - to avoid gray mold.
The plant pot should ideally be in a frost-free, bright place.
This variant also means watering regularly. However, waterlogging should also be avoided.
As soon as new leaves form, rooting seems to have worked. Then the apple thorn can be planted in its new location or in a larger pot.

» Note: When cutting off the sticks, very soft shoots are less suitable. Sticks from the center of the ornamental tree are also unsuitable.

Transplant apple thorn

When the young plant is approx. 10 cm tall, it can be moved to its later location without hesitation:

First, the young plants are carefully dug up. Since the roots of the apple thorn tend to elongate rather than broaden, the hole should be sufficiently deep.
Now a sufficiently large planting hole is dug at the new location. The soil in it should be loosened so that the roots can establish themselves more easily. Instead of a bed, you can also transplant into a bucket. Its capacity should be at least 10 liters or more so that the apple thorn with its deep roots has enough space.
In both cases, the space around the young plant should be filled with a mixture of soil and compost or humus. In the case of a bucket, it is also important to ensure that there are holes in the bottom so that no waterlogging forms. Otherwise, mold may form.
Optional: If the apple thorn is to be cultivated, we recommend positioning two stakes in the ground next to it. When the stem is tied to them, the direction of growth is straight up. If you don't value this, you will be able to look forward to a large shrub or bush over time.
So that the little plant thrives, we recommend watering it regularly. If, on the other hand, the soil is too moist, it makes sense to lay a drainage.
If you keep the bucket, you should also fertilize.

For experts: grafting apple thorn

In general, the grafting of an apple thorn is the same as that of any fruit tree. In terms of the method, there is a choice between bark plugs, scion grafting and budding. While the latter only uses buds or eyes, the bark plug method uses shoots with three to four eyes, which are laterally behind therings to be grafted. Alternatively, shoots with three to four buds can be planted on top of an apple-leaved hawthorn plant. However, this should be he althy and strong so that nothing stands in the way of refinement.