Content
Preparing apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring, according to most gardeners, is considered a more successful procedure in comparison with the autumn preparation of planting material. The thing is that in winter it is preserved much better on a tree than in a cellar or other place. Because of this, preparing apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring significantly increases the likelihood of getting them healthy and viable. Although there are also gardeners who recommend carrying out this work in the fall, since this reduces the risk that during cold weather the shoots will freeze and will not be suitable as grafting material.
There is no consensus on when it is best to harvest sprouts for grafting
When are cuttings prepared for grafting apple trees?
The timing of harvesting apple tree cuttings for grafting may vary slightly in different growing regions.Usually, if this procedure is planned for the fall, it is started closer to the end of the season, and if it is planned for the spring, then, on the contrary, at the beginning. Before cold weather, harvesting of shoots occurs at the end of sap flow in the tree, and after winter, at the moment before its onset.
On average, autumn preparation of material is usually organized in the second half of November, and spring preparation - closer to the end of March, but always before the buds open. Although the timing may vary depending on how snowy the winter was, and on the region in which the fruit tree grows.
How to choose cuttings for grafting an apple tree
To prepare high-quality apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring, you need to know how to choose them correctly on the tree. A healthy scion will only be achieved if you adhere to a certain technology:
- Harvesting sprouts is carried out from a fruit-bearing tree until the age of ten.
- Cut the material from the south side or from the side that is better illuminated by the sun.
- Take annual sprouts located in the middle tier, with a thickness of 8 mm and a length of 30 cm.
- At the time of harvesting, cut off the branches with a section of wood of 1.5-2 cm.
- Use only healthy, insect-free specimens as a mother plant.
In addition, experienced summer residents advise cutting off excess material when preparing cuttings, so that later you can choose the best one from among it. It is also advisable not to store all the shoots in one place in order to increase the chances of obtaining live shoots.It is better not to use tops as grafting material, since, despite the fact that they take root quickly and well, they do not bear fruit soon.
Preparation of cuttings from frost-resistant varieties of apple trees is usually carried out in the spring
How to take apple tree cuttings for grafting
Preparing cuttings for grafting an apple tree correctly is just as important as choosing the right time and material for harvesting them. This process should be taken seriously and carried out in accordance with agrotechnical rules. Be sure to prepare the necessary tools before work: a knife or pruning shears. It is good to sharpen and disinfect them. Make the cuts obliquely, and immediately after that lubricate them with garden varnish to prevent infection.
After harvesting sprouts from one tree, it is recommended to tie them into a bundle, to which you need to attach a tag with the name of the variety and the date of harvest; this will help the gardener not to confuse the material. You need to write with waterproof markers or paint on cardboard.
How to save apple tree cuttings for grafting until spring
After harvesting and marking the tree shoots, they must be wrapped in film so that the lower part remains open. Then store the material in a place protected from the wind, the choice of which must be approached responsibly. It is especially important to pay attention to this if the work was carried out before winter.
The most resilient cuttings come from regularly pruned trees.
Outdoors (in the snow)
In the case where the region of residence is characterized by snowy winters, where the height of the snowdrifts reaches 50 cm or more, storing apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring can be organized outdoors. To do this, choose a place near the northern wall of the building that is protected from flooding. They dig a ditch there to a depth of 30 cm, at the bottom of which coniferous branches are laid out. Prepared cuttings are placed on top, which should first be protected from pests by wrapping them in a layer of nylon, covered with spruce branches, and covered with leaves.
On the street (in sawdust)
If the preparation of apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring is carried out in a region where there is a prolonged thaw, then they can be stored outside in sawdust. To do this, the shoots are laid on the ground so that they are between two layers of pre-moistened sawdust. After the first frost, another layer of material (40 cm) is placed on top and the pile is covered with plastic wrap.
Storing apple tree cuttings in the cellar
If apple tree cuttings were prepared for grafting in the spring, the easiest way is to store them in a cool basement or cellar. To do this, the shoots must be lowered cut side down into slightly damp sand, sawdust or sphagnum and the substrate must be kept moist throughout the entire storage period. At the same time, do not forget to control the temperature in the room, which should be from -2 to +3 °C.
The humidity level in the cellar with fruit cuttings should normally be 65-70%
Storing apple cuttings in the refrigerator
Before grafting, apple tree cuttings can be stored in the refrigerator. To do this, they are tied into a bundle, wrapped in damp burlap, then in paper, and on top in a bag. Place the material in the compartment for preparing vegetables, where the temperature rises to a maximum of +3 °C. At the same time, the cuttings are regularly inspected for the appearance of mold, ventilated, and the cloth is also moistened from time to time.
Other suitable places
In the absence of the opportunity to organize the storage of apple tree cuttings in the winter on the street or in the cellar, gardeners can leave the material on the balcony (loggia, veranda). To do this, it is insulated with a bag or placed in a plastic bottle and ventilated from time to time.
Valuable apple tree shoots can be inserted into a large potato, put in a bag and taken outside.
How many days are cuttings stored?
If the preparation of grafting material was carried out in compliance with agrotechnical rules, and optimal storage conditions were provided for the cuttings, then they should not deteriorate within 4-5 months. However, experienced gardeners advise storing them outside whenever possible, especially if harvested in the fall. You can get by with a refrigerator or cellar when pruning in spring, since apple tree cuttings for grafting will be stored there for several weeks without problems. However, periodically the material will need to be inspected, checked for integrity, and moisture added if necessary.If there are signs of mold, remove it with soft material, and then soak the cuttings for a quarter of an hour in a solution of potassium permanganate.
You cannot remove shoots from storage more than 24 hours before grafting.
Prevention of spoilage
If the rules for storing and preparing apple tree cuttings for spring grafting are not followed, they often become damaged. This often happens due to a shift in the recommended temperature regime. The branches may freeze, after which they will no longer form a rootstock. Either they will sprout, germinate prematurely, or become infected with bacteria.
Also, to prevent damage to the material, you need to monitor the humidity. Its excess will lead to the formation of mold on the cuttings, and its deficiency will kill the rootstock.
Quality check
Even if you store apple tree cuttings until spring correctly, so that the grafting is not in vain, before it is carried out, all material is checked for quality. Healthy sprouts are determined as follows:
- The bark of the cutting is smooth and has a fresh appearance.
- The buds sit tightly and have smooth scales.
- The cut is fresh, light green in color.
- A healthy shoot, when carefully bent, remains elastic, but a dead shoot breaks.
In the case where the branch is elastic but has wrinkled bark, it is refreshed by cutting a couple of cm above the old cut and soaking for three days in clean water.
If you need to check the sprout for frostbite, then make a new cut at its end and immerse it in water. If it does not change, everything is fine, but if the liquid turns brown or yellow, the workpiece is frozen.
Conclusion
Preparing apple tree cuttings for grafting in the spring is not a particularly complicated process that even gardeners with little experience can perform. If all actions are carried out according to technology and the material is stored correctly, then it will remain healthy until spring and is perfect for further use.
