How to Graft a Fuyu Persimmon Tree

Grafting is a preferred method of propagating Fuyu persimmon trees.

Persimmon trees come in a variety of cultivars. The Fuyu persimmon belongs to the Ebenaceae family of plants. The fruits of this tree are less astringent than some other varieties of persimmons. Grafting is a common manner of propagating this type of fruit tree. Whip-grafting along the rootstock is the preferred method of grafting persimmon trees, according to the University of Hawaii Extension. Grafting is an inexpensive way of increasing the number of Fuyu trees in your persimmon orchard. Does this Spark an idea?

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Shovel
Pruning shears
Burlap
Plastic bag
Sharp knife
Grafting tape
Grafting compound
Pot
Loamy potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  
  Select healthy rootstock from Diospyros Iotus trees during the dormant season. These are the preferred rootstocks for grafting various types of persimmons, including Fuyu persimmon trees. Use rootstocks with stems that measure at least 3/8 inch in diameter. Remove the rootstocks from the soil and wrap them in damp burlap.
- 2
  
  Prune off scions from the donor Fuyu tree. Scions are the outer growth of the branches that contain the previous season’s growth. Select scions that are about equal in diameter to the stems on your rootstock and contain between two and four buds. Place the cut scions in a plastic bag to retain humidity while you prepare the rootstock for grafting.
- 3
  
  Cut the rootstock stem down to a height no taller than 12 inches. Make a sharply slanted cut that exposes at least 1.5 inches of the inner stem. Cut the bottom portion of the scion stem in the same manner. Match up the two cut portions, pressing the open wounds together. Holding the two stems together, tightly wrap the union with grafting tape. Spread grafting compound over the tape and union, following the instructions on the product label.
- 4
  
  Plant the roots in a pot of loamy soil that has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5., leaving the graft union above the surface of the soil. Avoid touching or soiling the grafted area of the persimmon tree. Water the soil to help settle the roots and remove air pockets from the container. Keep the soil around the rootstock slightly moist at all times. Place the grafted Fuyu tree in a protected, sunny location while the two sections begin to grow together.
- 5
  
  Remove the grafting tape as soon new leaf buds begin appearing on the Fuyu tree. New leaves are a sign of grafting success. Peel the grafting tape and compound off carefully to avoid disturbing the graft union.

Tips & Warnings

Don’t leave the grafting tape on any longer than necessary. Tape left in place may cause girdling of the trunk, a condition that can cause the top of the tree to wither and die.

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