C. J. Walke, landscape coordinator for MOFGA gave our March program on grafting fruit trees. MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association www.mofga.org). His depth of knowledge on the subject was not surpassed by the abundant patience he needed to direct this novice group of knife-packing women!In this session, Wolf River Apple (scion wood), whose branches were donated by Letha W was grafted onto a root stock (purchased from FEDCO www.fedcoseeds.com). Some members did bring a branch from their own garden to graft to the root stock.
The information on this blog is to give a summary of what was presented and not a "How-To!" Some of our presenters provide entertainment, but I think we were the entertainment for C.J.--read on!
The grafting method presented was the "whip and tongue" or taking a branch (scion wood) of the Wolf River and putting it on the root stock (Anatanovka).
The scion wood (the apple tree that is grafted) is cut above last years growth collar (see above). Last year's growth is redish-purple in color with no defects or dying.Just before the cutting began, we were informed that a first aid kit was required to be present during this grafting session. Fortunately, there was no blood drawn; however, next time maybe the Bagaduce Ambulance Corp should stand by!
Now this was a hands on session and we were instructed to bring a knife that is sharp on one side--who has one of those in their kitchen drawer or tool box! A proper knife is a must. C.J. had one and even brought some for sale! It's called a grafting knife. Making clean cuts of both the root stock and the scion wood even with a proper knife takes some practice, which meant that the re-tries were plentiful and the scion wood branches became scarce--especially the ones with diameters of the scion wood and root stock being the same. Did I mention this was a bit tedious?
Now that is a clean cut! The root stock was cut about 2 inches above the soil line and the scion wood was cut above last years growth ring between 2 buds --also see that the buds are going up. On both the scion wood and the root stock, the angle of the cuts should be the same. In the photo see the angle of the cut and note the cambium, which is the growth part of the tree. The cambium can be seen as a ring inward from the bark.
A slit of 1/8" to 1/4" (straight down the centers) of each piece makes the tongue. Interlock the "tongues" paying particular attention to the cambiums matching. 
When the sizes of the scion and root stock are not the same size (as was the case for a lot of us--remember there were numerous re-tries), place the scion wood to one side so the cambiums are touching.
Lastly, the graft is taped and the top (end) of the scion wood is coated with a special "goo" or tree coat.
Grafting is usually done in April, with the root stock slightly "waking-up" or sweated and the scion wood dormant, which means the scion wood has to be cold (refrigerated). This combo promotes good healing.
It will take 7 to 10 days for the graft to callus and start the "healing" process.
- store a cool (40-45 degrees) in a dark place until planted
- plant in April
- make a large hole for the roots, at least 2 feet x 2 feet
- if blooms or fruit occur in the first couple of years, pinch off and do not allow to mature
- root stock determines the size of the tree: dwarf root stock produces dwarf trees.
- remove suckers that might come up from the root stock
- grafting is a great way to perpetuate a favorite apple if you have trees that have blown over
- Usually, you need 2 other varieties of apples with in 1/4 of a mile for pollination.
See the fun we had!
