handling of rootstocks.

[Mahindra3016]

My previous bench grafting has been with potted seedlings, both apple and pear, i grafted them when i started to see green in the buds, I have m111 rootstocks coming this year, do i graft them dormant when i get them? or do I wait untill I see signs of life? I also saw on some old threads where people would have all the grafted rootstocks in a bucket together to heal, is this step a must, or can i graft and directly plant them in my raised bed nursery the same day?

 

[greyphase]

I graft the end of March through the 1st part of April on dormant rootstock. I put 10-15 per 5 gallon bucket and sit them in the basement in a dark corner for several weeks until they start to push their buds open. Then I plant outside. I believe they are suppose to "heal" better in a dark environment. I'd be worried about frost and direct sunlight on just grafted trees planted outside. Just my thoughts.

 

[H20fwler]

I am still a novice with the rootstock grafting, last spring was my first big project with it I did the bucket deal leaving bucket in garage. Garage isn’t heated and no windows, knock on wood all mine took.

 

[DrDirtNap]

I did the mine the same as H2Ofwler. Even with abnormally warm temps, I had good success. I have more rootstock in order for another round in March


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[chickenlittle]

I try to graft in early April, about a month before my last frost date. Then everything gets sorted into buckets with moist sand, sawdust, potting soil, or whatever. They sit in my basement at 65F to 70F until planted out. If I had a good cool spot, I'd keep them warm for 2 weeks for the grafts to heal and then at 35-40F until planted out. They get planted in the nursery when I think i can avoid a hard frost.

I trim the roots back to an inch or two long before I graft - a tip I picked up from a few in the nursery industry. That helps keep them from getting tangled and they are easier/faster to plant.

Another thing that is hard to do but be careful handling the scion after grafting. Always grab below the graft. It is trying to heal and you don't want to disturb it. Even with all the handling from grafting through planting, I think they do pretty good anyway but it is something to think about.

 

[Mahindra3016]

Thank you for the replies, one more question, say my root stocks come on Monday, and i don't have time to graft until Saturday should i store the root stocks in the refrigerator with my scions?

 

[greyphase]

I'd put them in damp sawdust in a 5 gal bucket and keep them in a cool spot in the basement.

 

[Mahindra3016]

Thanks Rick!