The Best Time to Graft Citrus Trees

Seedless Citrus

Propagating a citrus tree can be done by grafting. The grafting procedure is also used to develop cultivars that produce different varieties of fruit on the same tree and new varieties that are resistant to environmental conditions.

Whip Grafting

Rootstock less than 1/2 inch is usually grafted using the whip graft technique. Angled cuts are made on both the stem and the rootstock. The matching angles are fit together and bound with grafting rubber. A coating of grafting wax will serve as a seal. Whip grafting should be done in the spring or fall.

Bark Grafting

Larger trees or branches are grafted by a technique called bark grafting. The trunk or branch is cut back and the stem cutting grafted on. Bark grafting should be started in the spring or fall. Fall grafts should be protected from frost.

Top Working

The variety of fruit of a mature citrus tree can be changed by the top working grafting technique. This simply involves grafting two varieties of citrus trees by the bark grafting method. Top working should be started in the spring or fall.

References

• University of California: Budding and Grafting Citrus and Avocado in the Home Garden