Resources

When grafting a scion or a bud onto a rootstock or onto an existing tree (to have more varieties on one tree), There must be a close genetic relationship between the scion and its intended host. So, Citrus onto Citrus, Apple onto Apple and so-on.

There seems to be many exceptions to this rule, such as some pears can be grafted onto quince, as can Medlars and loquats. Despite appearances, there is a shared genetic relationship between these for fruits that allows some graft compatibility, but that doesn’t extend to most pear varieties and certainly not to other plants in the same family, such as Hawthorns, Blackberries and Roses.  Even some apparently successful grafts can be rejected and die a year or two later.

It is also worth noting that, as you become a more experienced grafter, you can learn tricks to bend compatibility differences to your needs. For example, grafting Pears or Loquats onto quince rootstock produces a dwarfed tree. You could also graft a short scion of Beurre hardy pear onto quince rootstock and then graft a Pear or Nashi which is not quince-compatible onto that. This is called an ‘Interstem’ graft. You can also graft an Interstem of an apple variety called ‘Winter banana’ and then graft other apples onto that. There are many other examples but remember that both grafts must be successful or all you have is a stick.

All plums are divided into two separate groups: Japanese and European varieties. There are very few compatibilities between these two groups, just as they will also not pollinate each other.

There are many ways to graft and the reasons for choosing a particular method are just as numerous. The choice is often based just on habit, custom, or the preferences of the person teaching you. However, the choice can also be based on whether your scion and rootstock are actively growing or dormant, scarcity of grafting material, tools and resources available and, in a commercial situation, labor costs vs success rates.

Selected scion is available online at various times. It ranges from a few dollars, up to hundreds of dollars for rare specimens. Expected to receive your scion/budwood Bagged, Tagged and with the cut ends Wax-sealed. Properly prepared material should remain viable for a couple of months, or longer, if kept in the crisper. Remember: If you enjoy some fruit from a friend’s tree, a piece of that tree will do nicely.

Scion should be clean and free of disease, thin (chopstick, up to pencil thickness), and covered in smooth light brown bark; not soft and green or gnarly old wood (citrus is an exception to this and is usually used green). Buds should be firm and plump, ideally with a single bud at each node rather than doubles, triples or clusters.