A Detailed Guide to the Right Time and Methods for Grafting Osmanthus Trees

In August the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air. The flowers of the osmanthus tree are widely loved in our country, small as they are, fresh and pleasant. They can be seen everywhere along roadsides, in parks, or in people's homes, and grafting is the most common method of propagating osmanthus trees. So do you know when is the right time to graft an osmanthus tree? What grafting methods are there? Today let us learn about them together.

Grafting time for osmanthus trees

It is best to graft osmanthus trees in early spring, as you can determine whether they have survived in the same year, which makes management easier. Osmanthus can also be grafted in autumn; for skilled grafters, the survival rate is relatively high.

Osmanthus includes varieties such as golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, red osmanthus, and four-season osmanthus. First, choose the osmanthus variety according to your preferences, needs, and available resources, then from the selected osmanthus tree choose 2-3-year-old branches of moderate size that are of excellent and pure quality, grow vigorously, are well developed and plump, free of pests and diseases, and of high ornamental or economic value, to serve as scions.

Grafting methods for osmanthus trees

Generally, side grafting and approach grafting are used.

1. Side grafting: For side grafting, the rootstock is trimmed before grafting. Cut off everything at 6—7 cm above the soil surface, then make a slanted cut near the root crown, taking care not to damage the pith. For the scion, use a 2—3-year-old branch (without leaves), about 10 cm long, preferably one with 2—3 nodes. Then cut the scion's graft end into an unequal-sided wedge shape and insert it into the cut on the rootstock so that they fit closely together. After tying it with plastic or hemp twine, mound soil up to the top of the scion.

2. Approach grafting: For approach grafting, first grow the rootstock in a pot. In the plum rain season of June—July, choose a two-year-old osmanthus seedling branch similar in thickness to the rootstock and approach-graft it while still in the pot, then cut it off before “White Dew” once it has survived. This gives a new plant that can bloom in the same year.

3. After the graft has survived, when the new shoot of the grafted plant reaches 10-15 cm, cut off all remaining rootstock shoots and suckers. Because the rootstock readily sprouts adventitious buds, they should be removed at any time. From June—August, carry out drought protection, apply supplementary fertilizer, and weed. For potted seedlings, when the new shoots reach about 15 cm, pinch out the growing tips to encourage side branch growth and form a shrubby shape.

4. After spring begins, start fertilizing when the nighttime temperature rises above 15°C, as the branches begin to grow at this time and need fertilizer. If using compound fertilizer, apply 4 grams each time (about one capful of a small mineral water bottle), poke four small holes around the pot soil or the plant, distribute the compound fertilizer evenly into them, then cover with soil (change the position next time you poke holes), and fertilize once every 10——15 days until you stop fertilizing after the nighttime temperature drops below 8°C in autumn. If using organic fertilizer such as cake fertilizer, use 1/3 of a rice bowl each time (no need to dilute with water). If using packaged flower fertilizer bought from a flower shop, just follow the package instructions; if there are no package instructions, ask clearly. When you see flower buds emerging, stop fertilizing, as excess nutrients will cause bud drop (except for four-season osmanthus).

Uses of osmanthus trees

1. It has high ornamental value and is truly an ideal tree species for beautifying courtyards.

2. The osmanthus tree has a certain resistance to harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen fluoride, and is also a good flowering tree for greening in industrial and mining areas.

3. Osmanthus can be used to extract aromatic oil and is a precious spice.

4. Osmanthus can be used to make pastries or brewed as tea.