Cleft Grafting, Top-Wedge Graft or V-Graft - Part 2

(This is the continuation from Part 1)

Procedure

How to Do Cleft Grafting on the Cape Honeysuckle

  1. If the scion plants and stock plants are in containers or seedling bags, pre-soak them in a tray or shallow bin of water. This ensures the plants are well hydrated. Scions that dry up is a common problem. Soak them for 20 minutes or so.


  2. Clean all cutting tools. You can do this while soaking the plants. Put a little rubbing alcohol on a piece of paper towel or clean rag. Wipe the blades of cutting tools to disinfect them. The blades don't have to become nice and shiny - just clean enough.


  3. Find a scion with a thickness that is similar to the stock's. You may simply feel the diameter or thickness of the scion with your fingers and compare it with that of the stock as shown below.


  4. Cut the scion as flat and as cleanly as possible with a pair of sharp pruning shears.


  5. The cut part of the scion should reveal the greenish cambium just below the bark. This indicates healthy living plant tissues.


  6. Choose a scion that is already a bit woody with the brownish bark. This, in my opinion, is much easier to work with a cutter or knife than a fresh, greener scion that may be too soft or easily bent.


  7. Remove leaves and twigs along the scion. You could simply pluck them off or use the sharp blade of a knife or cutter to trim them off. Removing these would reduce the need for energy and transpiration of water.




    This, in turn, will help the scion develop new buds. What should be left is really just a brown stick. Do note which are the top and the bottom ends of the scion.


  8. Take the bottom end of the scion. With a sharp knife or cutter, slice off slivers of the branch. Cut these off away from you as shown below. Form a wedge that is 1/2" to 3/4" in length.


    I find it so much easier to cut off slivers and create a wedge if the bottom end of the scion is clear of branch nodes.

  9. The cut should be at its thinnest at the apex of the wedge. You will notice that the innermost part of the cut is white (almost clear) in color.


  10. Here's the side view of the wedge of the scion. Note how thin it is at the apex.


    Put the scion aside for now to prepare the stock.

(See Part 3 for the continuation of this article)



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