- Semiripe cuttings, also referred to as semihardwood cuttings, are stem section from the current year's growth that is not fully mature. The recommended time to take semiripe cuttings is during the summer and fall after the plant's active growth period ends. The wood of semihard cutting is partially firm but not as hard or woody as the fully mature hardwood stems.
- The rooting medium is the material where the cutting is planted. It physically supports the cuttings and provides water and oxygen. A variety of rooting media is used, such as equal amounts of sand, peat and perlite, or very fine gravel. Fill a small-sized pot with the rooting medium before taking cuttings.
- Select a healthy fruit tree for taking the cutting. Using sharp, clean scissors, cut 4 to 8 inch long section of stems from semiripe growth. Measure the stems from the tips. Remove all the leaves from the lower half of each cutting but leave a couple of leaves at the top. These leaves continue producing a chemical that encourages root production. Use a pencil to create two to three, 2 inch deep planting holes in the rooting medium.
- Dip each cutting's base in a rooting hormone and plant them immediately in individual planting holes. Firm the soil around cuttings and water them well. Place the pot in large, clear plastic bag. Sticking a chopstick in the pot helps keep the bag. Close the top and place the pot in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight. Open the bag every two to three days and add enough water to keep medium moist. It usually takes several weeks for the cuttings to the root.
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