Graft pruning?

[Apple Junkie]

Let me start by saying I am a true rookie at grafting scion to rootstock. However, in spite of my clumsy efforts, a few grafts seem to be showing signs of life. My question is, should I prune some offshoots below the graft to encourage more vigorous growth in the scion itself? (see attached examples) In both cases, the new scion growth (on right) is well behind the new rootstock growth (on left). I am open for any suggestions to increase the likelihood of success. - thanks -

 

[H20fwler]

I do.
I cut all the rootstock suckers off as soon as I get signs of life on the top graft scion, normally it's just leaf buds and I nock them off with my thumb I haven't let any get as vigorous as yours.

Congrats on the grafting success!

 

[Turkey Creek]

Congrats on the grafting success. Yes remove the suckers from the root stock once the scion is pushing growth. I sometimes leave a little root stock sucker if the graft is growing real slow or I think the graft is going to fail. I never allow a root stock sucker to surpass the top of the growth of the scion, pinch it back if you arent going to remove it right away.

 

[Apple Junkie]

Thanks very much for the advice guys, much appreciated. These little guys need all the help they can get.

 

[Neahawg]

I leave a nurse branch just in case from the rootstock. With that nurse branch I just pinch of the tip. Puts most my energy into the scion but still have a back up I can let grow if needed.

 

[Apple Junkie]

Got it Neahawg, will leave one for insurance. Thanks!

 

[yoderjac]

One more tip. If you are leaving a nurse branch, make sure it does not compete directly with your graft. Most of the energy will go to the highest growth. So, when I leave a nurse branch, I make sure it is not as tall as the graft. I will use clothes pins or something to weigh down the branch so it is more horizontal.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[chickenlittle]

Here is an example from my nursery. I thought this graft was not going to leaf out. You can see the B118 rootstock growth at the bottom left side with the darker, reddish leaves. I let it go to keep the rootstock alive and it grew taller than the scion. Then when the scion finally start to push some green growth, I pruned that B118 shoot back. After a few more weeks when I am sure the scion is a complete success, I'll remove the B118 shoot completely. I won't let it get any bigger though.

 

[Apple Junkie]

I see what you mean chicken... I'll follow your lead on this once I'm convinced the scion is well on it's way. Thanks.