How to Graft Chrysanthemums? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Grafting Methods
People who generally do not grow flowers do not know that chrysanthemums can be grafted, and chrysanthemum grafting has many benefits. Besides being more beautiful, it can also change the plant height of chrysanthemums, making shaping easier; some rootstock plants are tough and not prone to lodging. Some also produce more flowers after grafting, increasing flower quantity. So people have started grafting chrysanthemums. How exactly to graft chrysanthemums will be explained next.
1. Grafting Preparation
You can choose Artemisia annua as the rootstock, or you can choose other chrysanthemum varieties, plants of the same family and genus. The scion is the chrysanthemum variety you want to graft. Before grafting, both the rootstock and scion plants must be watered to ensure water content and promote growth. Also prepare a soaked clean plastic bag, as bagging is needed. Before grafting, spray water to maintain moisture; once the water dries, you can graft. Sterilize the grafting knife.
2. Grafting Operation
Use the cleft grafting method. Choose a scion 4 to 6 cm long from the top shoot; it must have 2 leaves, and the lower leaves should all be removed. Then make a slanted cut at the lower end of the scion, and another cut on the back side, cutting about 1.5 cm long, with both sides consistent. Then place the scion on your lips and hold it there, without touching saliva. Avoid contact with air. Then cut off the top of the rootstock, make a split in the middle of the cut surface, with a depth 2 cm longer than the scion, insert the scion, and ensure that none of the cut surfaces are exposed. Then bind it tightly with plastic strips; none of the wounds may be exposed. Then put on a plastic bag and tie it tightly.
3. Later Management
Whether it survives after grafting is not guaranteed; even the most skilled grower would not dare guarantee a 100% survival rate. So later management and care are very important. For example, moisture retention and shading work after grafting: after grafting, promptly set up a shade net or other object for shade. Some potted plants can be placed indoors near a window after grafting. Then water frequently to maintain moisture; it must not dry out. After one week, you can gradually remove the shade net. Spray water every day to maintain moisture. Also gradually give the plastic bag ventilation, and finally remove it completely.
4. Precautions
Pay attention to checking survival. After the scion dies, you can re-graft; if the scion is dark green and growing normally, you can remove the protective cover. Re-grafting cannot be done in the same position, as it is not easy to survive. The scion should be chosen from robust branches with relatively low lignification, as they are easier to survive. The rootstock should also not be corkified, as this will not survive. Move quickly, solve it with one cut, and ensure the cut surface is smooth.
Chrysanthemum grafting is actually not difficult. Before the young branches become woody, they are very easy to survive, so you must choose the right timing. Survival after grafting also depends on later management. Grafting requires attention to some details. Grafting emphasizes flat, steady, and fast.