Grafting is the basic method of apple propagation.Thanks to grafting, we can increase the frost resistance of sensitive varieties, such as Szampion or Jonagold, as well as give the tree the desired size, using appropriate rootstocks. Seehow to vaccinate apple trees , what is the best timeto vaccinateand how to adjust the rootstock to the scions. Here is a simpleapple grafting instruction step by step !
Vaccination of apple trees by an application made by one of our forumers. Green leaves are proof that amateur tree transplantation can be successful!
Fig. mikado, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Apple vaccinations date
Apple grafting is carried out in early spring- from mid-March to the end of April. You have to be in time before the vegetation starts. Earlier, you need to take the slips from well-fruiting trees and prepare the rootstocks on which we will graft them.Apple grafting procedurerequires practice. However, persistent training will soon make you breed your favorite apple varieties on your own!
Taking scions for apple grafting
As a result of grafting, we obtain a tree consisting of two parts: scion and rootstock.
Zrazy, i.e. shoots of the apple variety that we want to inoculate , are harvested in January or February, finally at the beginning of March. The sooner the better. For slips, we choose one-year-old shoots, with at least 10 eyes (buds), free from diseases and pests. A good scion should not be less than 8 mm thick and at least 30 cm long.
It is best to label the harvested slips with the name of the variety they come from and the date of their collection. Wrap the roulades described in this way with foil, leaving the lower part of the roulades uncovered, and lower them in a place sheltered from the wind. Preferably on the northern side of the gazebo allotment or in boxes in a cool basement.
Preparation of rootstocks for apple grafting
Apple grafting rootstocks, i.e. the part of the tree rooted in the ground, are purchased in nurseries. Depending on customer requirements, rootstocks are available, thanks to which we can obtain dwarf, semi-dwarf or strong-growing trees. Before grafting, the rootstock is shortened by 1/2 of its length, and the shoot by 15-20 cm. Some nurseries also offer slips for sale. It is worth asking the seller about them, especially if you are interested in a specific apple variety, and we have no place to support its scions.
Apple grafting step by step
"There are dozens of ways of grafting fruit trees.In practice, four types are most often used: by using, in a sheepskin coat, in a wedge (the so-called deer leg) and as an attachment. Definitelythe easiest way to vaccinateis vaccination by application. They are carried out in early spring, during frost-free weather. You have to be in time before the juices start to move, because awakened slips will not stick together.
Apple grafting by usingis performed when the thickness of the scion and rootstock are the same or very similar."
Step 1:
Using a hand pruner, cut the slips harvested in winter into smaller pieces. Each piece should have 3-5 stitches. The cut should always be made about 5 mm above the eyelet (fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Cutting scions for grafting
Step 2:
Short slips, obtained as a result of cutting a long shoot, are cut diagonally using a special knife-grafting knife.It is worth having such equipment, because ordinary kitchen knives are too soft and we will not be able to cut the twig. Make a 3 cm cut with one firm movement of the knife. Smooth the incision surface slightly (fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Preparation of scions for grafting
Good to know!Before you start cutting scions, practice it on readily available willow twigs.
Step 3:
Cut the upper part of the pad in the same way as the top (fig. 3). The surface of the cuts should not be touched with fingers to avoid any contamination of the wounds!
Fig. 3 Adjusting the notch on the ridge (a) and the washer (b)
Step 4:
Now we connect the scion and the washer, tightly touching the surfaces of the cuts (fig. 4). They should overlap well so that their bark and wood stick well to each other.
Fig. 4 Joining the washer with the tuck
Note!If the rootstock is slightly thicker than the scion, then we try to keep them tightly connected on at least one side.
Step 5:
The place of joining is tightly wrapped with an elastic band or foil strip (fig. 5). Apply garden ointment to the top part of the scion at the pruning point to reduce disease infections and prevent the scion from drying out.
Fig. 5 Securing the apple grafting site
Ourapple seedlings are readyNow, as long as the earth has thawed, we can plant them into the ground. If the weather conditions make it impossible to plant trees, place them in pots and cover the roots with moist soil.Pots with inoculated apple treesshould be placed in the cellar until planting.The planted trees are covered with agrotextile. The cover can be removed when warm.If cuttings take root, young shoots will start to develop on them in spring
How to facilitate the vaccination procedure?
When grafting trees and shrubsthe most difficult moment is to properly prepare the rootstock and scions so that they join wellIt is difficult to properly trim the grafting surfaces. This activity takes a lot of time and requires experience. Usuallyyou need to get multiple vaccinations before finally getting into practice
However, this taskbecomes much easier if we use a special secateurs for vaccinationThanks to its use, the incision on the scion and rootstock will fit together perfectly. The pruning is also done very quickly, like a regular pruning shears.A special blade in the grafting pruner is responsible for shaping the surface to be trimmed I highly recommend this device if you want to avoid plant grafting failures!
