Grafting Trees and Plants in the Home Garden

To graft a tree or plant, a scion (shoot from original plant) is cut and attached to another plant, the rootstock. The rootstock provides the roots for the scion to grow, forming a new plant. The new plant is a clone of the original scion. This method of grafting is known as vegetative propagation. Grafting is generally more successful when the scion and rootstock are of the same species or the plants are closely related. Home gardeners are also able to graft several varieties onto one rootstock.

Grafting in the Home Garden

There are only a few simple steps to graft a plant, which can been done with basic equipment which gardeners use at home. Simply select a plant which will serve as the rootstock and remove any buds which may be forming. Using sharp secateurs, select a scion; this may be a small branch of a fruit tree or a flowering plant. The stem size and thickness of the scion should nearly equal that of the rootstock.

Grafting cuts on both the rootstock and scion are best to be smooth and flat to ensure they fit together with maximum contact. Simply position the scion on top of the rootstock in such a way that they lie together evenly, with no gaps. The scion may be attached on top of the rootstock or onto the side. Bind the two together using a suitable material for grafting. Simple string, a rubber band or commercial grafting tape may be used. Commercial plant wound sealant is then applied as per the directions of the manufacturer.

Caring for the Graft

It is wise to remove any new growth which appears on the rootstock to ensure the scion has the best possible growing conditions. Apply water and nutrients suitable for the type of plant which has been grafted. Loosen the binding as the graft grows and remove after the scion appears to be growing strongly.

Scion to Use for Grafting

A scion can either be green or dormant for grafting and should be taken approximately 30cm from recent growth. Scions may be stored before using as a graft, although using a scion with new fresh growth, around spring for most varieties, is the optimum time for success.

Grafting Trees and Plant Species

Many types of trees and plants can be successfully grafted including roses, conifers, ornamental trees and citrus fruits, to name a few. Multi-grafting is also a technique which can be popular in the smaller home garden. Multiple scions are grafted to the one rootstock. These grafted plants are generally made up of the same species, i.e. two types of apples grafted onto one rootstock. This allows gardeners to grow different varieties on one tree, therefore taking up much less space in the garden.

References:

• Lewis, W,J and Alexander, D, Mec, Grafting and Budding, Landlinks Press, 2008