Rare and old fruit tree varieties often do not grow properly or hardly produce any fruit. Various refinement techniques have proven to be helpful for the preservation of these breeds. One of them is the Geißfuss refinement.

Older fruit trees can be rejuvenated by grafting

When and how to cut?

You need a scion of the variety you want to cultivate on a fruit tree. These shoots, which are 30 to 40 centimeters long and as thick as a pencil, are cut on a frost-free day during hibernation. It is important that the branches are at least one year old and free of diseases. Cut off the young shoots directly in the crown area, ideally from the south side, and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until grafting. April is the latest time to cut scions.

Geißfuss finishing

This method is suitable for cases where the cut branch does not have the same circumference as the base. Refining takes place on the side of a trunk or branch. The eye of the shoot points outwards and the cut surface lies against the wood, so that the young shoot gets important nutrients. The ideal time for grafting fruit trees is just before the start of the new growing season.

method

Choose a suitable branch onto which the scion will later be grafted. Saw this from both sides so that the bark does not peel off when breaking off. Unclean breaks can be corrected with a saw or knife. Then select the spot where you want the new variety to grow. Prepare the young shoot by cutting it diagonally to a length of three to four centimeters just below one eye. Make sure the cut is smooth and don't touch the wound.

graft scions:

  • Score the grafting area to create a two inch slit
  • Carefully lift the rind with the handle of a teaspoon
  • Push the bevelled end of the scions under the bark of the pad
  • Shorten the branch to two or three eyes

aftercare

Tie the young branch tightly to the base with a grafting ribbon. A watered natural bast has the same function. Seal the interface on the tree with an ecological wound protection to protect it from invading bacteria and fungi.

Category:

Trees