Winter grafting of apple trees: features and technique of the procedure

Tools
Grafting of fruit trees can be done at different times of the year. The optimal time for grafting apple trees is pears - spring. Many gardeners successfully perform this procedure in winter. The fusion of the rootstock and cuttings will be high if the grafting is performed correctly.
Content:

Features of vaccination in winter

Before you begin winter grafting of fruit trees, you should prepare grafting material. The vaccination is performed in comfortable conditions, indoors. The best time for the procedure is December-January. Winter grafting, unlike budding, has many advantages. The procedure is not performed on the street, but while sitting at home. When conducting a winter vaccinations The eyes take root very quickly, but the eyes can simply die from frost.
If you graft apple trees in winter, the period for growing seedlings is shortened. It is advisable to select rootstocks from cultivated and hardy varieties of apple trees. They have a more developed root system. Rootstocks should be dug up in late autumn. They need to be stored in a cold room where the temperature is no more than 2 degrees. For storage, the rootstocks should be wrapped in fresh sawdust.
Apple tree
The grafting material must be prepared in advance before the onset of frost. Taking cuttings later does not guarantee plant growth.Cuttings should be selected that are healthy and mature. Their thickness should, if possible, correspond to the diameter of the rootstock. The cuttings are stored in the same place as the rootstocks. Over-watering should be avoided.

Grafting tools

A gardener has many tools to work in the garden and care for plants. Each procedure requires specific tools. To perform the vaccination, you will need the following tools:
  • Sharp knife
  • Garden saw
  • For tying bag or tape
  • Garden var
  1. The scion is prepared from the beginning of winter, when tree will be at rest.
  2. You can take cuttings in early spring, before the buds swell.
  3. Branches should be chosen that are healthy and grow upward. Their length must be at least 30 cm. The branch must be cut at an oblique angle. Dwarf varieties of apple trees are better suited for winter grafting.

How to graft apple trees in winter

It is advisable to carry out grafting when the plant is at rest. Many gardeners vaccinate at the end of January. It depends on the region and weather conditions. If the winter is severe, then the procedure should be performed at the end of winter to avoid large losses. Using a sharp knife designed specifically for grafting, make oblique cuts on cuttings and the rootstock is about 3 cm long. Next, split the cut at a distance of 1/3 from the top with a knife. Then align the places of the cuts so that the tongue of the cut of the cutting fits into the open gap of the rootstock. It happens that the thickness of the rootstock is greater than the thickness of the cutting. In this case, after combining them, cut off the projection of the rootstock.
Then tie the junction of the grafting materials with synthetic tape with a width of about 10-12 mm. It is better to use polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene film. Next, cover all open areas with garden pitch.
This copulation method is called a tongue butt. Many gardeners graft behind the bark if the thickness of the rootstock is greater than the scion. To increase the yield of seedlings, waxing can be done. This procedure reduces the risk of bud sprouting and improves the fusion of grafts. After grafting, dip the cuttings in paraffin, preheating them to a temperature of 60-70 degrees. Then remove and place horizontally in prepared bags or a box with sawdust.

Storage of grafting and planting in the ground

Apple tree grafting

After the procedure, for good fusion of the grafting materials, they should be placed in a room where the temperature is about 19 degrees for 2 weeks. It is very important to endure this period, since survival and yield depend on it. seedlings. Vaccinations need to be checked regularly. After this period, keep the plant for 14 days at a temperature of 5-10 degrees, and before planting in the ground at a temperature of 2-3 degrees. Vaccinations are stored horizontally in a box. First, lay a film on the bottom and sprinkle the grafts with wet sawdust. To protect the vaccine from mice, place bait around the box.
Grafts are planted in the spring. The area where the vaccinations will be placed must be well prepared. The soil is fertilized with compost. The grafts are planted so that the junction is flush with the soil. If the graft is located deeper, it will be very difficult to remove the bandage. Then the grafted apple tree is covered with earth, while the top bud on the cutting must be left open.
After a month, open the vaccine and remove the bandage. Do not allow the harness to cut into the bole. Next, the usual activities for caring for the seedlings are carried out. Winter vaccination apple trees does not require a specific approach. The main thing is to follow all stages of work when performing the procedure. The success of cultivation depends on timely and accurate completion of work.
Video about winter tree grafting:
Apple treeApple tree grafting