How to Graph Citrus Trees

Citrus trees can be easily grafted.

"Budding" is a specific form of grafting used for the propagation of citrus trees. A bud graft uses a bud and some bark (budwood) from a citrus tree (or scion) and is inserted beneath the bark of the host tree, or rootstock. For the inexperienced gardener, the "T" method of grafting is best suited. Any healthy citrus tree, such as a lemon tree, can be used to graft a lime or orange tree if you have graft buds of lime and orange, making grafting a way to have multiple types of citrus trees on your property.

Things You'll Need

• Budwood
• Knife
• Polyethylene bag
• Rootstock
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a healthy citrus tree.

   Choose a healthy citrus tree for propagation. Collect budwood during the tree's growth period, which stretches from April though November, as bark is easily separated from the wood during this time. Look for rounded budded twigs that have begun to harden. Make sure there are at least three buds on each twig used.

2. Use collected budwood as soon as possible for best results. If budwood must be stored, use a polyethylene bag and place budwood in the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator. Use budwood within three months and always check for mold or moisture build-up.

3. 

   Use a sharp knife to make cuts.

   Choose a young citrus tree to use as rootstock. Use a sharp knife to make a 1-inch vertical cut through the bark of rootstock and make sure the rootstock is about 6 inches from the ground. Make a horizontal cut at the bottom of this vertical cut followed by two more cuts resulting in an upside down "T."

4. Use the knife on the budwood to remove a bud attached to a 1-inch sliver of wood and bark. Gently insert this sliver under the flaps of the "T" shape you previously created in the rootstock. Make sure the bud sliver is completely enveloped by the "T" flap.

5. Wrap budding tape around the graft two to three times above and below the bud. Remove wraps no later than 30 days after you have created the graft.

6. 

   Remove buds as soon as they develop to make healthy citrus trees.

   Force growth by cutting two-thirds of the way through the rootstock and 1 1/2 inch above the bud, then pushing the rootstock over to lie on the ground. When the bud has grown 3 or 4 inches, cut off the top of the rootstock about 1 inch above the top of the bud. Buds should be removed from rootstock as soon as they develop.

Tips & Warnings

• When grafting citrus trees be aware that some states do not allow importation of some forms of budwood because of potential disease issues. Check with state and local authorities.

• Use older twigs for propagation and refrain from using young buds from the current year's growth.

• Always use caution when using sharp gardening tools. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.

References

• Gardening Know How: Lime Tree Grafting
• YouTube: Growing Citrus Fruits: How To Graft Orange Trees

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish