How to Graft Multiple Fruit Trees
A fruit tree that produces five varieties of apple and a self-pollinating cherry tree, which has two cherry varieties grafted to one rootstock, can be very interesting. Multiple fruit tree varieties can be grafted to a single rootstock, but different kinds of fruit trees require different rootstocks. For example, cherry trees cannot be grafted successfully to apple tree rootstock. The exception is stone fruit. Apricots, plums, peaches and nectarines sometimes are induced to grow on the same tree. Budding is the most effective method to graft fruit trees with multiple varieties, and late summer is the best time for the budding method. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Budding knife
- Grafting knife
- Pruning shears
- Burlap, moss or paper
- Grafting tape, adhesive tape, electrical tape or rubber strips
- Fine-tooth saw
Instructions
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1
Obtain rootstock of the type of fruit tree you want to graft. It can be a seedling tree with several branches or an established tree growing in a yard or orchard. Because rootstock affects tree size and hardiness, choose a variety that is hardy in your area.
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Cut sections of the current year's growth (bud sticks) from branches of trees of the desired varieties. The sections must contain mature buds, which are slightly brownish. Remove the soft tip of the branches.
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Remove leaves from the bud sticks, leaving about 1/2 inch of the leafstalk as a handle. Keep the bud sticks wrapped in moist burlap, moss or paper to prevent them from drying out.
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4
Cut a T-shape through the bark on a branch of the rootstock that is at least 15 inches from the trunk. The branch should be from the size of a pencil to about 1/2 inch in diameter. Gently loosen the bark with the tip of a knife.
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Cut a bud from the bud stick with a thin sliver of wood attached. The wood makes the bud easier to handle but is not necessary for the budding process.
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Lift the corners of the bark on the rootstock, and slip the bud under the bark. Use the handle to pull it down to the base of the T shape.
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Wrap the graft with grafting tape, adhesive tape, electrical tape or rubber strips, being careful not to cover the bud. Wrap tightly, but do not stretch the tape too much because that leads to cracking before the bud takes hold.
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Cut the wrap before it binds too tightly, after about two to three weeks. The bud will remain dormant until the next growing season.
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Graft buds of other fruit varieties to different branches to create trees with multiple varieties.
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10
Cut off rootstock branches above the buds when the buds start growing. Do not allow shoot growth from the branches.
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Remove all growth from the rootstock that did not come from the grafted buds after the second year. Continue to control shoot growth from branches other than those growing from the buds.
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Tips & Warnings
Not all grafted buds grow. Grafting two to four buds of the same variety to a branch ensures better success.
Verify the bud stock and rootstock are healthy before starting the process.
Grafting and budding knives are sharp. It is very simple to cut yourself accidentally when you cut buds.
