Which Trees Can Peach Trees Be Grafted Onto? A Detailed Guide to Timing and Methods

Peaches are one of the common fruits of summer, tolerant of poor soil and cold, with stable yields, but they have a relatively short lifespan, so grafting is needed during propagation to improve the quality of the fruit tree.So which trees can peach trees be grafted onto? Do you know the timing and methods?

1. Which trees can peach trees be grafted onto?

Peach trees are generally grafted onto tree species of the same genus, such as wild peach and mountain peach, and can also be grafted onto apricot, plum, Nanking cherry and other plants.

2. When should peach trees be grafted?

Peach trees are generally grafted in spring and summer, as the survival rate is higher then. However, if the technique and management are appropriate, it can actually also be done in autumn and winter.

1. Spring grafting

For spring grafting, choose the cut-grafting method, preferably from mid-February to the end of April.

2. Summer grafting

From mid-May to early August, when sap flow is vigorous, peach trees are sprouting and unfolding leaves, and the new buds are not yet full, this is a good period for bud grafting.

3. Autumn grafting

For autumn grafting of peach trees, bud grafting is suitable from late July to late September.

4. Winter grafting

Winter grafting requires good insulation and cold protection, with timely mulching, and is best done from early November to the end of January the following year.

3. Do you know the grafting methods for peach trees?

1. Grafting preparation

First prepare the required rootstock and scion. The scion is best taken from one-year-old, robust, pest- and disease-free, highly resistant branches of a superior peach variety. After preparation, continue treating the cut surfaces of the rootstock and scion and keep them moist. At the same time, the film, scissors and other tools used for grafting should be kept clean and disinfected.

2. Grafting methods

Peach trees can be grafted using the bud-grafting method or the branch-grafting method. Among these, bud grafting includes the T-shaped bud grafting method and the chip budding method, while branch grafting includes the cleft grafting method and the side grafting method.

For peach bud grafting, the square patch budding method can be used. Before grafting, trim the rootstock, then gently place the bud into the cut on the rootstock, and finally quickly tie it with tape.

For branch grafting, the commonly used cleft grafting method can be used. Insert the slightly thicker side of the scion facing outward into the cleft of the rootstock so that the cambium layers of the rootstock and scion align with each other, then tie and fasten it with plastic strips.

3. Post-grafting management

About 15 days after successful grafting, new buds will grow. Once the grafted seedling has fully taken, appropriate watering, fertilizing and pest and disease control work will be needed.

Grafting peach trees is not difficult, but the choice of tree species for grafting, as well as the timing and methods, must be correct so that the survival rate will be higher.