Refining is a good way to obtain varietal offspring of stone fruit trees. This form of propagation requires some finesse. But the effort is worth it, because grafted trees flower better and don't need a second pollinating plant nearby.

What is needed for finishing

For finishing you need a base. This can be the shoot of a quince, cherry, pear or other stone fruit tree. Which rootstock you use for grafting depends on the type of stone fruit.

You also need scions from the stone fruit tree that you want to propagate or whose positive properties you want to promote.

Cut scions

Scions are annual shoots that you cut in winter, depending on the type of fruit. They must be at least 20 to 30 centimeters long.

The buds are wrapped in moist sand over the winter and kept in a frost-free room.

The finishing methods

The most important processing methods for stone fruit are:

  • oculation
  • goatsfoot finishing
  • bark plug

oculation

The base and scion should be of the same thickness. They are cut diagonally several centimeters long. The cut must be made very evenly so that both scions fit together perfectly. There must be an eye on the outside of each scion. Then wrap the finishing point with raffia.

goatsfoot finishing

For this purpose, a wedge is cut out of the thicker base. The thinner scion is cut to a point and driven into the wedge. Both parts must be as close together as possible. Here, too, the finishing point is wrapped with raffia.

bark plug

This finishing method can only be used if the bark of the rootstock can be easily loosened. This can be the case from April to summer. The bark of the rootstock is cut open from top to bottom and slightly bent apart. The Edelreisende is pushed in so deep that at least one eye is covered by the bark. Bast is also used for attachment.

How you can tell that the refinement was successful

The grafting of the stone fruit is successful when new branches or roots have formed at the grafting point. This usually lasts until next year.

tips and tricks

As a beginner, you should initially limit yourself to grafting, as this type of grafting is the easiest. As you gain more experience, try the advanced grafting methods.

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Category:

Trees