Grafting methods
by Wally Ganmor, hibiscusworld.com




Side Graft


At one time the side-veneer graft was a popular technique for grafting varieties of camellias and rhododendrons that are difficult to root. Currently, it is the most popular way to graft conifers, especially those having a compact or dwarf form. Side-veneer grafting is usually done on potted rootstock. 2

This is the easiest technique for many. For a rooted cutting, it is necessary to pull upwards with the left hand while applying downward pressure with the cutting blade at the right angle. Otherwise the pressure will break the roots off.

Make sure the angle stays constant with only a firm pressure
Use a rocking forward-back motion, not a hard shove
Try not to "scoop" - no curved cuts!
Try to cut the scion with a "flat" cut without scooping
Practice on scrap cuttings for you will need lots of practice
Un-rooted cuttings from pencil to finger thickness will do
Remember, tough tape can pull "soft" wood in to close gaps!!!

Here is a picture sequence which may help give the idea. 1

Practice the angle
Practice the angle
Now apply pressure
Now apply pressure
Rock forward
Rock forward
Then back
Then back
Forward again
Forward again
Back again
Back again
Test the cut depth
Test the cut depth
Insert the scion
Insert the scion
Down she goes!
Down she goes!
The fit's OK
The fit's OK
It's a wrap!!
It's a wrap!!
Sequence side graft

Preparing the Stock: Rootstock is grown in pots the season before grafting, allowed to go dormant, and then stored as with other container nursery stock. After exposure to cold weather for at least six weeks, the rootstock is brought into a cool greenhouse for a few days before grafting takes place to encourage renewed root growth. The plant should not be watered at this time.
Make a shallow downward cut about 3/4 inch to 1 inch long at the base of the stem on the potted rootstock to expose a flap of bark with some wood still attached. Make an inward cut at the base so that the flap of bark and wood can be removed from the rootstock. Preparing the Scion: Choose a scion with a diameter the same as or slightly smaller than the rootstock. Make a sloping cut 3/4 to 1 inch long at the base of the scion. Inserting the Scion: Insert the cut surface of the scion against the cut surface of the rootstock. Be certain that the cambia contact each other. Securing the Graft: Hold the scion in place using a rubber grafting strip, tape, or grafting twine. Seal the entire graft area with warm grafting wax or grafting paint. Remove the rubber or twine shortly after the union has healed. Never allow the binding material to girdle the stem. 2



Back to
Grafting Techiques Page



Bibliography

1 Ganmor, Wally. "Side graft." hibiscusworld.com. N.d. Web. 17 May 2014.
2 "Grafting and Budding Nursery Crop Plants." ces.ncsu.edu. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and life Sciences. N.d. Web. 17 May 2014.

Photographs

Ganmor, Wally. N.d. Sequence Side Grafthibiscusworld.com. Web. 17 May 2014.

Published 17 May 2014 LR
Please help us do more!

© 2013 - Growables, Inc.
A not-for-profit, tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
about credits disclaimer sitemap friends