grafting conundrum - bud or saddle?

[hailtryfan]

Hello all,

Last year I bought several m26 and mm106 rootstocks with the plan of grafting them over and growing them on as espaliers and cordons in my allotment fruit garden. Disaster struck however when all my carefully sourced scion wood started growing in the fridge

As a result I wasn't able to graft the scion wood, and while I intended instead to bud graft the rootstocks during the summer, I didn't get around to it.

Now my rootstocks have grown considerably and I'm worried that they will be too thick to graft scion wood onto near ground level. I could still bud graft in the summer but that will sacrifice another years growth.

Can anyone suggest the best way for me to proceed? Is there another graft I could use that is suitable for thinner scion wood with thicker rootstock?

Thanks

Mike

[macmanmatty]

I would use either the cleft or a the rind (bark) graft.

[hailtryfan]

Thanks for the suggestion. After a bit more research I've decided to take your advice and cleft graft them.

[appledude]

Now my rootstocks have grown considerably and I'm worried that they will be too thick to graft scion wood onto near ground level. I could still bud graft in the summer but that will sacrifice another years growth

Hi Mike, you havent lost anything! Nothing is too thick to graft!

You can still whip and tongue graft those stocks, even if they are a little large when you get to them. As long as they have their roots in ground or dirt, you are miles ahead. Just make the wound on the stock exactly to fit the wound of your scion, match the two up and bind well. Check for any air gaps that could dry the union out and use kids modeling clay to seal up holes. Paint some glue over the clay when you are all finished to hold it all in place. Paint glue over your scion as well, the whole thing. Keeps it from drying out, more ensuring your success.

Good luck!