A Detailed Guide to the Best Time and Methods for Grafting Apple Trees

Apples are mostly grafted in March-April or June-August. Grafting methods include bud grafting, branch grafting, cut grafting, bark grafting, cleft grafting, side grafting, whip-and-tongue grafting and many others. Among them, branch grafting is done from late March to early-to-mid April, and bud grafting from mid-to-late June to early September. For bud grafting done before mid-June, the grafted buds can sprout in the same year; for grafting done after August, they do not sprout that year.

Apple Tree Grafting Techniques:

1. Selection of rootstock. Choose a plant that grows vigorously, has a well-developed root system, is free of pests and diseases, and is compatible with the scion.

2. Selection of scion. Choose a sun-facing, one-year-old branch with short internodes and full, well-developed growth.

3. Treatment of the scion. The scion should be 5—10cm long and bear more than two leaf buds. Then, using a grafting knife, start the cut on the bud-free side of the scion base and whittle a smooth long slant about 2.5cm long; generally do not cut away the pith, and it is better to include a little wood. On the opposite side, cut a short slant less than 1cm long, so that the lower end of the scion forms a flat wedge shape.

4. Treatment of the rootstock. For the rootstock, it is best to choose a seedling 1—2cm thick. Cut the rootstock off at 5—8cm above the ground, trim the rootstock smooth, then, according to the thickness of the scion, on the smoother side of the rootstock, use a grafting knife to cut vertically down slightly into the wood, with the cut surface about 2.5cm long.

5. Grafting operation. Insert the long cut surface of the prepared scion inward into the cut in the rootstock, and align the cambium layers on both sides. The upper end of the scion's cut surface should be exposed by about 0.2cm, that is, “white exposed”, to facilitate healing and growth between the rootstock and scion.

6. Tying. After joining, bind the union with a plastic strip 0.5cm wide, and apply grafting wax to prevent drying. When tying, do not move the aligned position of the rootstock and scion cambium layers; keep the tightness moderate, neither damaging the tissues nor failing to hold firmly.

The above is the relevant introduction to the time and methods for grafting apple trees. We hope it is helpful to everyone.