A Detailed Guide to Grape Seedling Grafting Methods and the Number of Years Until Fruiting

SummaryFirst cut the scion, keeping 1-2 buds on the scion, then below the lower bud of the scion, at a distance of 0.5-0.8cm from the bud, cut a 3cm-long slanted surface on both sides, the slanted surface should be smooth, forming a wedge-shaped cut surface, one side of the scion slightly thinner, the other side slightly thicker, then cut off the upper part of the bud 2-2.5cm, put it into clean water, and when inserting it into the cut slit of the rootstock, the thick side of the scion's cut surface faces outward, and the thin side faces inward. Generally, if grafted grape seedlings are managed properly, they will bear fruit in the 2nd year.

I. How to Graft Grape Seedlings

1. Generally, grape seedling grafting uses the cleft grafting method. First cut the scion, keeping 1-2 buds on the scion, then below the lower bud of the scion, at a distance of 0.5-0.8cm from the bud, cut a slanted surface about 3cm long on both sides, the slanted surface should be smooth, forming a wedge-shaped cut surface, one side of the scion slightly thinner, the other side slightly thicker, which helps the union fit tightly after insertion into the rootstock.

2. After the lower part of the scion is cut, the upper part of the bud needs to be cut off 2-2.5cm, then put into clean water or held in the mouth. When inserting it into the cut slit of the rootstock, the thick side of the scion's cut surface faces outward, and the thin side faces inward, which can promote a tight union between scion and rootstock. Also be careful to align the cambium of the rootstock and scion, and leave about 1-2mm slightly “exposed white”, which helps wound healing later.

3. After grafting, use a plastic strip 1cm wide, wind it upward from below the rootstock union, all the way to the upper cut of the scion. The end of the plastic strip should be tied in a loose knot at the lower side, to prevent water loss at the union and to protect the young shoots that sprout after survival from sunburn. Generally, leaves growing near the union on the rootstock can be used to cover the union.

II. Management After Grafting Grape Seedlings

1. After grafting grape seedlings, it is necessary to irrigate once with light water in time, which helps maintain sufficient soil moisture. After 7 days, check the survival rate. If the grafted bud is found to be fresh green or the petiole near the bud falls off at a touch, it indicates that the graft has survived. If the grafted bud is found to have turned brown and the petiole is dry and not easy to fall off, it indicates that the graft has not survived, and timely re-grafting is needed.

2. Generally, for plants that have survived, when the new shoots grow to 60-70cm, the 1st pinching is needed, and the plastic strip tied at the union should be removed in time, while tying them to the trellis, which helps promote robust growth of the new shoots. Later management is the same as ordinary seedling cultivation.

III. How Many Years Until Grafted Grape Seedlings Bear Fruit

Generally, grafted grape seedlings, if managed properly in the 1st year and with sufficient fertilizer and water, will form flower buds, and will bear fruit in the 2nd year. If poorly managed, fruiting may be delayed. At the same time, different varieties of grafted grape seedlings also differ in fruiting time.

IV. How Much Does a Grafted Grape Seedling Cost Per Plant

Chunguang grafted grape seedlings are about 4.2 yuan/plant, Jumeigui grafted grape seedlings are about 4.3 yuan/plant, Sweet Sapphire grafted grape seedlings are about 4.3 yuan/plant, Black Tip grafted grape seedlings are about 4.7 yuan/plant, Miguang grafted grape seedlings are about 4 yuan/plant, Crimson Seedless grafted grape seedlings are about 4.7 yuan/plant, Qingti grafted grape seedlings are about 4.6 yuan/plant.