A Detailed Guide to Cherry Grafting Methods and Key Techniques

Many people like eating cherries, but few know that cherry trees need to be grafted. Cherries from ungrafted trees are small and sour, so what exactly are the cherry grafting methods?

1. Cherry grafting methods

1. Plate bud grafting method

Choose buds other than those at the base of the leaf scar and autumn shoot buds that are well developed as scion buds, then use rootstock with a thickness of 1 cm or more for grafting.

When grafting the bud, make the cut 1.5 cm or more below the bud on the twig, and the cut-off bud will be an oval bud plate about 2 cm thick and about 2.5 cm long.

Then graft it onto the rootstock at a point 1 cm above the ground, and also choose a smooth area for grafting.

Lightly shave off a layer of bark along the vertical direction to form a long oval cut surface about 25 cm long and 1-2 mm deep, then press the bud plate tightly against the cut surface of the rootstock, and tie it firmly with a plastic film strip.

2. Bud grafting method

The bud grafting method requires choosing a larger bud plate as the graft bud, as this can increase the survival rate.

After choosing the graft bud and rootstock seedling, grafting can be carried out. Make a cut about 1 cm long near the ground on the rootstock seedling, then insert the graft bud and tie it well, wrapping and binding it tightly with a polyethylene film strip; it usually heals in half a month.

2. Grafting precautions

1. For cherry grafting, pay attention to the grafting time; generally choose to graft from June to August, with the specific timing based on the local climate;

2. After grafting is completed, remember to loosen the binding in time to prevent rainwater from flowing into the cambium after rain and causing gum flow.

If it is your first time grafting cherries, it is best to have someone with grafting experience assist you, as this will lead to a higher survival rate.