How to Graft Rootstocks
Grafting root stocks is basically a method for combining two different types of like plants. In other words, you can combine the rootstock of a fruit tree with upper portions of other fruit trees. A tomato that does well in a certain soil can have its roots grafted to an upper portion of a tomato that yields large fruits but cannot handle that particular soil type.
The roots also will determine how large a plant may become. This is often done for grafting full-size trees onto a dwarf type rootstock. The resulting tree may stand only eight feet tall at maturity, while a standard tree could grow to 30 feet or more at maturity.
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Things You'll Need
- Rootstock (¼- to ½-inch diameter)
- Plant cutting to be grafted "scion" (¼- to ½-inch diameter)
- Sharp knife
- Root hormone (optional)
- Grafters tape
Instructions
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Graft the plants while the rootstock is still in a pot. This will allow for close monitoring of the graft and the ability to feed the plant extra nutrients if needed. The scion, the part to be grafted, can be freshly cut from any plant that is still in the ground. The scion should be the same diameter as the rootstock.
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Using the knife, cut the scion into a point. The point should have equal sides of freshly exposed cambium material. In other words, cut the end of the grafted plant in the shape of an arrow point. The point should be equally centered to expose as much of the interior plant material. The overall length of the point can range from ¾ to 1¼ inches.
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Cut the end of the rootstock into the shape of a deep grooved "V". The "V" will accept the arrow-shaped scion or grafted plant. Cut the slit as closely as possible to resemble the negative image of the arrow cut on the scion. The more tightly the rootstock and scion fit the better for future growth.
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Apply root hormone to both cuts. This is not necessary, but the hormone will aid in growth production, which will heal the cut.
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Insert the scion into the rootstock slit. Hold the plants between your fingers and apply a number of tight rounds of the grafters tape. The tape serves two functions: It holds the pieces together until the wound heals and it prevents bugs from attacking the graft.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the plant well-watered and fertilized.
Follow the resource below for other techniques and fertilization charts.
