How to Regrow a Tangerine Tree Branch for Your Backyard
Do you have an old tangerine tree in your family that produces lots of fruit? Have you ever thought about taking a branch off that tree and growing it in your own backyard? Grafting is the key to achieving this goal. In this detailed guide, we will explore different grafting techniques and which trees work best for tangerine propagation. Read on to learn how to successfully regrow a tangerine tree branch.
Understanding Grafting Techniques
Grafting is the process of joining a piece of one plant (known as the scion) to a piece of another plant (known as the rootstock). This technique allows you to grow a tree with the desired fruit characteristics. There are various grafting methods, but the most common ones are cleft grafting, whip grafting, and air layering.
Cleft Grafting
Cleft grafting is a straightforward method that involves making a cut in a dormant branch and inserting a small piece of scion. This technique is well-suited for tangerine branch propagation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Find a healthy branch from the tangerine tree with buds that are just beginning to grow. Cut the branch into several segments (1-2 inches long each).
On a branch of a compatible citrus tree (such as Flying dragon), make a V-cut about 1-2 inches deep. Insert the cut end of a tangerine segment into the V-cut.
Tie the segments together with grafting tape until the cut heals.
With proper care, the graft will take, and you can eventually remove the grafting tape.
Air Layering
Air layering is another popular grafting technique that enables you to grow a new tree directly from a branch. This approach is particularly useful when you want to reproduce multiple branches from a single tree. Here’s how to do it:
Select a healthy tangerine branch with good buds. Make two parallel cuts about 1-2 inches apart, leaving a flap of bark in the middle.
Apply rooting hormone to the cut areas and wrap the branches with a moistened bag or wrapper so the roots can form.
Wait for about 9 months, then cut the branch below the roots and plant it in soil.
The new tangerine tree will grow from the roots, and you can transplant it to your desired location.
Compatibility Considerations
When grafting tangerine branches, it's essential to choose the right rootstock to ensure compatibility. While citrus trees are commonly used, other compatible species can also work, such as avocado. However, you must consider the host's resistance to diseases like root rot. Avocado trees, though strong, are susceptible to root rot, which can hinder your grafting efforts.
Alternative Methods
If you prefer a simpler method or lack the necessary tools and skills for grafting, you can still propagate tangerine trees using other techniques:
Seeds
Planting seeds is a basic method, but keep in mind that the resulting tree may not bear fruit identical to the parent tree. To increase your chances, you can collect seeds from multiple fruits and plant them to get a diverse genetic pool. However, as mentioned, moving and not tracking the growth of such plants can be challenging. Here’s a simple guide:
Harvest ripe tangerine fruits and remove the seeds.
Plunge the seeds into warm water for a few minutes to break their dormancy.
Plant the seeds in a seedling tray with well-draining potting soil. Water regularly and keep the seeds in a warm, sunny location.
Transplant each seedling carefully when it reaches about 2 feet in height.
Conclusion
Regrowing a tangerine tree branch requires careful planning and execution, but it is achievable with the right technique and patience. Whether you choose grafting or air layering, the key factors are selecting a healthy branch and a compatible rootstock. Use the tips provided and consult online tutorials or local gardening experts to ensure success. Happy grafting!