Although fruit trees can also be propagated by cuttings, sticks or seeds, grafting is the quickest way to produce a fruit-bearing tree. This method can also be used to transfer certain properties (such as growth strength and height, necessary soil properties). Refining is not a difficult technique to learn, it was used successfully by our ancestors thousands of years ago.

When refining, different varieties are brought together

What is Refining?

The grafting of plants describes a form of vegetative propagation in which two (or more) different varieties or compatible species are combined. Here, a scion - i. H. young shoots of the desired type of fruit - grafted onto a base. This is the rootstock of a different type or variety of fruit, but with the desired characteristics. Refining is primarily used for faster growth of fruit trees, but also for pure cultivation. The latter would not be possible otherwise with many varieties.

The best time for grafting

Basically, grafting is possible at any time of the year. You just have to choose the right technology. During the vegetation dormancy in winter, you can carry out a so-called scion grafting. On the rootstock, the rootstock, you place parts of scions - these are the shoots of the noble variety - by copulation. If grafted in summer, only one eye - this is a bud freed from the leaf and petiole - is inserted into the previously opened bark of the rootstock. The process is called okulation and is very popular when grafting fruit trees and roses.

You need this for grafting fruit trees

In addition to one or more scions (you can also graft several types of fruit on one rootstock) and a rootstock, you also need the following tools and materials:

  • garden shears (no anvil shears!)
  • depending on whether it is a copulating or a budding knife
  • Raffia or a finishing ribbon made of rubber or plastic
  • tree wax

scions

Cut scions from the fruit tree whose variety you want to grow again. You can buy such a trip in a tree nursery or cut it yourself. One-year-old scions that are about pencil-thick and not yet branched are best suited for this. So-called water shooters are also suitable, although the buds should not be too far apart. The latter often indicates that the shoots grew in a poorly exposed area of the tree. The scions cut during the hibernation can either be grafted immediately or stored in a cool and earth-moist place first, so that they do not drift and are available at the desired time. Sprouts for summer grafting by budding, on the other hand, are cut shortly before the due date and the leaves removed with scissors or a knife.

documents

The term "stocks" refers to the rootstocks on which the noble varieties are planted. These bases ultimately determine the growth behavior and, depending on the variety, are to be used for certain soils. Saplings that shoot up next to the fruit tree can be dug up in winter and used as rootstock. However, later they also form offshoots that are actually not desired. Varieties of the same species can be grafted onto self-grown seedlings. They are usually vigorous.

The best methods for finishing - including instructions

In addition to the two methods presented here, there are other methods of finishing. These include, for example, staking, split grafting, goat's foot grafting, grafting behind the bark and chipping. However, those who have little or no experience with grafting are best served with copulation or budding - these grafting processes are considered to be particularly simple.

Copulate

The best season for copulation is winter. That's how it works:

  • The bare-root substrate is cut about ten centimeters above the root collar with a diagonal cut about three centimeters long.
  • The beginning of the cut should be made opposite an outward-facing bud.
  • The scion of the same strength is also cut opposite a bud with a cut of the same length.
  • Then the scion is shortened to about three buds.
  • Now place the cut surfaces exactly on top of each other.
  • The finishing area is then tightly wrapped with a suitable ribbon.
  • Now the entire area is covered with tree wax (12.96€).
  • This is to prevent harmful organisms from entering.

It is best to plant the finished graft in a planter with a volume of approx. three to five liters so that the plant can grow and sprout.

budding

When budding, you first cut a pocket into the bark of the rootstock, into which the cut-out scion eye is then inserted. This procedure is carried out in the summer - mainly between July and August - whereby the grafting base can remain in the garden soil - you just graft a new variety onto an existing trunk, so to speak.

tips

If you are unsure about finishing, you can attend a corresponding course and learn the various techniques there. Refining courses are mainly offered by tree nurseries in the winter months.

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Trees