Grafting apple trees is a traditional horticultural practice that allows you to grow a desired apple variety on hardy rootstock. By following a few careful steps, you can create a strong, resilient tree that combines the best traits of both plants involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the grafting process we used to grow Black Oxford apples, a treasured variety.
- Choosing and Preparing the Rootstock
We began with a discussion on why grafting is essential—it allows us to blend the desirable qualities of the scion wood (the desired variety) with the resilience of a rootstock. In this case, we used Antonovka rootstock, a sturdy and disease-resistant variety, which had been nurtured in a community pot. To begin grafting, we removed individual rootstock plants from the pot, carefully loosening the soil around each one.
Once isolated, each rootstock was trimmed to a specific height to create the base for the new grafted tree.
- Making the Incision
After clipping the rootstock, we made a single, straight cut down the center. This incision will serve as the space where the scion wood will be inserted.
- Preparing the Scion Wood
The scion wood, ideally harvested from a healthy Black Oxford apple tree, was then shaped into a wedge. Picture the process like whittling an arrow—carving a long, shallow wedge, roughly half an inch long. This shape allows the scion to fit snugly into the cleft of the rootstock.
- Connecting the Cambium Layers
The real “magic” in grafting occurs when the cambium layers of the rootstock and the scion connect. Cambium is the living tissue that allows the two parts to grow together, so ensuring they align properly is crucial. To achieve this, we made the scion flush with one side of the rootstock’s cleft, ensuring maximum cambium contact.
- Securing with Grafting Tape
With the cambium layers aligned, we wrapped grafting tape tightly around the union to hold everything in place. Grafting tape, a waxy, biodegradable material, keeps the union moist and secure without needing removal over time. Wrapping it firmly from the base up and then back down seals the graft and prevents it from drying out.
- Trimming and Sealing the Scion
To balance the energy flow, we trimmed a few buds above the graft union. This helps the rootstock focus its energy on growing the scion instead of supporting excess buds. We applied a grafting wax or sealant to the top of the scion cut, preserving moisture and protecting the scion from dehydration.
- Rehydrating and Planting
After preparing the graft, we rehydrated the rootstock’s roots, which had been out of soil, and then planted the grafted trees in Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil. This soil offers the right nutrients for the trees to take root and thrive. Using biodegradable pots minimized transplant shock, allowing us to plant them directly in the ground when ready without disturbing the roots.
- Ongoing Care and Monitoring
Each person involved in the grafting process is responsible for monitoring their grafted tree. Any buds that sprout below the graft union need to be pruned immediately, as they can divert energy away from the scion. By directing all the tree's energy into the scion, we can ensure that the Black Oxford variety grows strong and true.
Through patience and attention to detail, grafting transforms rootstock and scion into a single, productive apple tree. This age-old technique combines resilience with quality, making it an essential skill for any dedicated orchardist. Enjoy the rewards of your hard work as you watch your grafted tree grow and, eventually, bear fruit.
