ENN: Environmental News Network [[ ENN Garden Tutorials ]]
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What you need:
In whip and tongue grafting, fruit tree scions are grafted in the dormant season on rootstock whips of similar diameter that have been growing at least one season. Collect scions about 9 in. long and – in. in diameter in midwinter from the previous year’s growth. Store in a plastic bag and refrigerate until needed. |
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| Prepare the rootstock just before bud break. Use hand pruners to trim the rootstock to within 10″ of the ground, cutting at a slight angle. |
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| Starting 1 ” below the original cut, make a shallow, upward-sloping cut that penetrates the cambium layer, a very thin, colorless layer between the bark and the wood. |
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| Next make a downward slit in the exposed cambium. This creates a “tongue” into which you will insert the scion. |
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| Now prepare the scion. Remove the soft growing tip of the scion, leaving 3-4 buds. |
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| Treat the scion just as you did the rootstock; make a matching tongue that fits into the tongue on the rootstock. Avoid touching the cut surface. |
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| Carefully fit the scion and the rootstock together, lining up the cambium layers. It’s essential that they remain in contact with one another. |
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| The cambium layer is a very thin, colorless layer between the bark and the wood. It’s essential that the cambium of the scion and the understock come in contact with one another. |
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| Wrap the graft with grafting tape or plastic wrap. After the cut surfaces have healed, remove the tape. If the graft takes, the scion will start growing during spring. |