Grafting for dummies

[Lafiggy]

I just did 10 grafts today using a cleft grafting tool purchased from Amazon. It makes such nice cuts and is ideal for similar sized scion and rootstock branches. Really satisfying to see a good match as shown below. These are easy for any beginner to start with. 10 grafts took a couple hours in my inexperienced hands. Last year I had a 90 percent success rate doing grafts with this tool.
I highly encourage beginners (like me) who haven’t tried grafting to dip their feet in the pool and try a grafting tool like this or similar.

 

[Poplee]

I have plans to my first graft soon. Getting some Limbertwig apple scion to graft to crabapple tree. Unfortunately will be grafting to larger limbs so will cut into cambium layer to attach. Hopefully something takes.

 

[Motherwise]

I just purchased a very similar grafting tool which was recommended by another member. I wasn’t confident enough to ‘free-hand’ cutting it. Hoping this tool makes it simple and easy. Excited to try it!

 

[Drew351]

Hi, my name is Andrew, and I am a grafting dummy. I do need to start grafting.

 

[FamilyPhishFigs]

I was looking at the same tool. Is the handle part plastic or metal?

 

[Lafiggy]

It’s all metal

 

[Lafiggy]

I have plans to my first graft soon. Getting some Limbertwig apple scion to graft to crabapple tree. Unfortunately will be grafting to larger limbs so will cut into cambium layer to attach. Hopefully something takes.

Try a modified cleft graft like sacadura demonstrates in the YouTube video

 

[TorontoJoe]

I've been grafting recently.... some by hand and some I did with a slightly different tool. I expected "meh", but if the scion and rootstock are of compatible size, it works very well. It cuts very cleanly... much better than I expected.

I also like the little omega shaped cut

Amazon.com

I found the tape and other accessories that came with it essentially useless... but the tool is pretty decent.

 

[Lafiggy]

@TorontoJoe , the tool you are using…
Is it only for very skinny scions (like pencil thick) or did you find you were able to use it for thicker cuttings (like sharpie thick or even larger diameter)?

 

[TorontoJoe]

@TorontoJoe , the tool you are using…
Is it only for very skinny scions (like pencil thick) or did you find you were able to use it for thicker cuttings (like sharpie thick or even larger diameter)?

I didn't try larger, but it easily did up to 10mm (3/8")

.

 

[BucksCountyFigs]

I’m so excited to try grafting!

 

[TorontoJoe]

I’m so excited to try grafting!

I've been growing for so long and never did it until recently. I don't know why I waited so long. the entire process is pretty zen.

 

[CCFigster]

Did a dozen grafts in the last month . So far did cleft and bud grafts . Only one didn't take .On average it took 2 weeks to see if the graft union was successful with one showing results after 1 week. Most vigorous as been Figo Preto on Madeleines des 2 Saisons .

 

[Kompakfigs]

I've been growing for so long and never did it until recently. I don't know why I waited so long. the entire process is pretty zen.

I think it’s inevitable especially for older growers who can’t jeopardize their physical health to shuffle pots, make custom soil mixes, move bags here and there or just don’t have any room to add more potted trees.

 

[TorontoJoe]

I grafted this JAA scion about 5-6 weeks ago I think. I used the omega cut tool on it. The rootstock was a bit smaller but I got really good contact on at least 60% of the cambium. It hasn't grown at all but the scion still feels rock solid and the bud looks good. I want to peel the parfilm back so bad to take a look but I'm afraid I'll do damage if it hasn't healed over enough.

I'm really hoping someone here is going to say, "nah... you're totally fine to remove it"

 

[superdave336]

Nah.. you’re totally fine to remove it
.
.
.
.
Just don’t hold me responsible

 

[CCFigster]

I grafted this JAA scion about 5-6 weeks ago I think. I used the omega cut tool on it. The rootstock was a bit smaller but I got really good contact on at least 60% of the cambium. It hasn't grown at all but the scion still feels rock solid and the bud looks good. I want to peel the parfilm back so bad to take a look but I'm afraid I'll do damage if it hasn't healed over enough.

I'm really hoping someone here is going to say, "nah... you're totally fine to remove it"

View attachment 19437

When in doubt I would remove the Parafilm and inspect the union . I did on one of mine and sure enough it had started rotting . I was able to salvage the scion and re grafted and so far is successful.