University of Florida

Malus coronaria

Common name(s): Sweet Crab Apple, American Crab Apple, Wild Sweet Crab, Wild Crab

Plant type: deciduous small tree
Primary method of propagation: cutting
Alternate propagation method(s): seed, grafting/budding

Propagation by Cuttings

Cutting type: stem tip
Time of year to take cuttings: late Summer
Cutting maturity: softwood
Rooting hormone: IBA TALC 8000 PPM
Rooting environment: intermittent mist
Soil temperature for best rooting: 75-80 degrees F
Time to rooting: 8-10 weeks

Propagation by Seed

Time of year to collect seed: Autumn
Time of year to sow seed: Summer
Seed treatment: stratify 40 degrees F 2-3 months.
Time required for germination: 4-8 weeks
Comment: The germination environment temperature is 86 degrees F during the day and 68 degrees F at night. Weekly fungicide application to control powdery mildew.

Propagation by Grafting

Time of year to graft: late Summer
Type of graft: 'T'
Comment: Stake buds from the time they are 12 to 24 inches high.