Bougainvillea Bud Grafting Method and Process Illustrated

Bougainvillea has many varieties and very rich flower colors. If we can get multiple bougainvillea varieties to bloom on a single plant, it will not only bring a very magical effect, but the ornamental value will also be better than the flowering effect of a single variety. Let potted bougainvillea bloom with bright flowers of various colors, and the ornamental effect is naturally self-evident. But do you all know how to achieve this?

In fact, this can definitely be achieved, and quite a few gardening friends have already tried it successfully. This method uses grafting, and as long as the climate and environment are suitable and the grafting method is correct, the survival rate is quite high. Previously, the editor shared with you how bougainvillea can achieve this growth effect through cleft grafting. Today, the editor will illustrate the method and process of grafting bougainvillea using the bud grafting method.

I. Cultivating the Scion

To make it easier for us to obtain the scion needed in the bud grafting process, we can cultivate the scion by taking cuttings, and bougainvillea roots very easily from cuttings. However, during cultivation it is usually necessary to keep the potting soil slightly on the dry side, mainly to control the growth rate of the cuttings by controlling water. Otherwise, if the cuttings grow too fast, the branches will inevitably have fewer nutrients and more water, which will have a certain impact on the survival of the graft.

About 3 weeks after cutting, we can see the bougainvillea cuttings sprouting. When the buds have opened 3-4 leaves, which is also about 35 days of cultivation, we can cut off the entire upper part of the cutting together with the buds to use as the scion in the bud grafting process.

II. Treating the Scion

After cutting off the buds from the upper part of the cutting to use as the scion, we need to make a ring cut on the cut-off part. Then use a grafting knife to properly trim the cut surface of the scion so that its width is roughly similar to that of the rootstock, and at the same time let the cut surface just expose the cambium. This is done to create the conditions for the two to fit more tightly when grafted.

III. Preparing the Rootstock

For the rootstock, it is suitable to choose a branch that has been growing for about 3 months. Usually around the Spring Festival, the branch is cut short to let the main trunk produce young shoots. Then cut off the top of the branch selected as the rootstock, and the cut length should preferably remain at one third of the branch. This cut point will serve as the incision site for our bud grafting.

Next, cut off the leaves and thorns at the grafting site, but keep the buds at this site, as shown in operation ①. Then remove the part on the rootstock between the position where the incision is to be made and above the next bud with two cuts, as shown in operation ②.

IV. Grafting Process

After the preparatory work is ready, insert the prepared scion bud into the incision on the rootstock so that the cambium layers of the two are fully in contact, and gently press with a little force. At the same time, pay attention to aligning the two as neatly as possible and making the fit as precise as possible. If the two are not aligned neatly enough, adjust and trim appropriately; if the cambium layers are aligned very neatly, then cut the upper part of the rootstock and the upper part of the scion flat with the grafting knife.

V. Binding the Graft

After the scion and rootstock are fully in contact and aligned neatly, use plastic film to wrap only the grafting site, and secure the tail end of the film. However, when wrapping and covering, both the buds of the scion and the buds of the rootstock should be left exposed and not covered by the film. The other parts should be wrapped completely and tightly.

VI. Grafting Completed

At this point, the bud grafting process for bougainvillea is fully complete, and the work afterward is to do a good job in daily care and management. At the same time, note that if new buds grow from the top of the rootstock, they should be cut off in time. If after 2 weeks the scion buds are growing and developing well, we can remove the wrapped plastic film.