To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Grafting-where did I go wrong
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 07:30:41 -0600
I would say forget the wax and paint. In my experience they are not
necessary.
I haven't grafted apples but have grafted pears which are just as easy.
Apples don't do well in my area near Houston, TX. Get some vinyl grafting
tape($1.50 a roll) and parafilm($3 a roll).
Get dormant scions and store in the refrigerator in damp paper towels in a
zip lock bag. Graft when buds start to push.
On pears I have never had a graft fail, t-bud, cleft, whip, or whip/tongue,
even on my first attempt. Wrap the graft with the vinyl tape and the scion
with the parafilm to prevent it drying out. I completely cover the t-buds
with the vinyl tape. Leave the graft wrapped for 6 weeks and then cut the
vinyl tape while leaving the parafilm on as the buds will break through
parafilm. Some of my grafts were pushing leaves after only a week. Even
better would be to find someone who can show you personally how to do it. I
haven't attempted grafting without this step.