How to Graft a Satsuma Tree

Satsuma mandarin oranges

Satsuma mandarin oranges are a cold-hardy variety that grows well when grafted onto tough, trifoliate orange tree rootstock. These trees produce best when planted in subtropical climates, where they will have some exposure to cold, but not extreme heat and humidity. While there are several methods of grafting citrus trees, the best technique for satsuma is budding.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Orange tree rootstock
• Satsuma branch cuttings
• Electrical tape
• Wet paper towels

Instructions

1. Cut 6- to 9-inch bud sticks from last year's wood on a satsuma orange tree. Do not cut from the current year's wood, which is green and delicate. Make sure to choose bud sticks that have plenty of buds and branching growth. Pinch off the leaves immediately, and wrap in wet paper towels.

2. Choose a branch on the orange tree rootstock that is between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in diameter. Any thicker, and the bark of the branch will be too brittle to be cut properly.

3. Make a T-shaped cut in the top layer of bark, 15 inches from the trunk with a sharp knife. Cut the bottom of the "T" about an inch long, without cutting deeply into the cambium layers underneath the bark. You may have to try this several times to do this correctly.

4. Gently peel back the corners of the T-shaped cut with the point of the knife to expose the cambium. The bark should be pliable enough that you can do this easily.

5. Remove a bud stick from the wet paper towel. Cut one bud away from the stick, along with an inch-long sliver of wood that contains part of the bud stick's cambium.

6. Match the exposed cambium of the bud sliver to the cambium of the T-shaped cut in the rootstock branch. Press firmly to ensure contact. Wrap the graft securely with a piece of electrical tape making sure not to cover the bud. Repeat Steps 2 through 6, adding more buds in an even pattern to the rootstock.

7. Unwrap the electrical tape from the satsuma grafts after two weeks. If you see a hard, whitish callus, you'll know the cambium layers have healed together and the graft is successful.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to remove the electrical tape after two weeks. It will stretch slightly, but leaving it too long will constrict the branch and kill the graft.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Cold Hardy Citrus
• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Recommended Rootstocks
• University of Arizona: Plant Propagation--Asexual Propagation

Resources

• Cornell University: Reasons for Grafting and Budding