How to Grow Long Leaf Pines From Cuttings

Propagation

• 1

  Use the tip or heel cuttings from thinning of long leaf pine trees with crowns at least one-third to one-half the total tree height, as small-crowned or suppressed trees do not reproduce as successfully. Trim the cuttings to 4 to 8 inches.

• 2

  Snip off the bottom 1 or 2 inches of needles on each cutting. Note: the bottom side of the cutting is the side that was attached to the limb or base. These needles need to be removed so as not to interfere with rooting. Leave the remaining needles intact, as they produce nutrients that aid growth.

• 3

  Fill the bottom 12 inches of a propagation box with potting soil. This box will serve as the rooting medium, in which the cuttings will form a small root system before transfer to a pot.

• 4

  Dip the base of each cutting in auxin powder, which will help to revive wounded areas and promote growth in new soil. Poke a hole in the soil with a pencil. Insert the cutting into the hole.

• 5

  Repeat the last step to arrange five to six cuttings in a single planting. Space the cuttings approximately two inches apart. Water the plants so that soil sticks to the cuttings. Replace the lid of the box to trap moisture inside. Store the box indoors.

• 6

  Monitor the planting for a period of two to three months, during which the cuttings will gather into a root system at base. Gradually aerate the propagation box to reduce the moisture and acclimate the cuttings to thrive in a less moist environment. To do this, remove the lid after two or three weeks and place a perforated plastic film over the top. Poke a few more holes into the plastic each week.

Transfer to Pot and Ground

• 7

  After three months, test the cuttings to see if ready for transfer to pots. Gently tug a cutting to see if is sturdily anchored to a root system. If the cutting seems solidly anchored, transfer the entire plant system to a pot. Fill a tall pot with a drainage system with potting soil. Dig a hole about the size of a soccer ball and insert the root system inside the hall. Replace soil around the roots and water the plant.

• 8

  Place the pot in an unheated basement or shed to allow the plant to prepare for the direct sunlight and extreme temperatures of the outdoors. Wait two to three weeks to acclimate the plant to harsher conditions and then transfer to the ground.

• 9

  Plant the seedling in the ground. Dig a hole 8 to 10 inches deep in an open location, as the longleaf’s massive taproots spread up to 12 feet wide. Plant the pine at least 30 feet away from all competition, including trees of the same species. Longleaf pines do not thrive when competing for light, moisture and nutrients.

• 10

  Water the seedling only during periods of drought, 10 days or more of arid conditions without rainfall or snow. Once spring arrives, water more regularly, watering about once or twice a week, depending on the rainfall. Maintain regular watering throughout the summer and gradually taper off watering during the fall. After a year, the plant no longer requires additional watering.