I have a bunch of rootstock I grafted last year that either died this year or were eaten by a rabbit. The rootstock is still healthy. Can I wait for it to go dormant and graft onto them in the field? They are about a pencil thin! TYIA
2 Likes
You can graft them, Stool them to make more.
4 Likes
That is my standard response to a failed graft: wait until next year and graft again. That way I began using different types of grafts, cleft being the most often useful when the stock gets thick.
As @dannytoro1 has said, learning to stool your own root stock is the cheapest way to ensure you have stock in future and is easy. Its most important ingredient is a bit of patience while filling up the cage with more wood chips or shavings to promote roots.
Also, summer chip bud can work within months of the spring graft if it fails and there is room to put the bud. It’s too late in the season for chip buds in most of the States right now, but worth trying in years to come.
And then there is dormant chip budding in late spring for stone fruit…
3 Likes
I’ve done the stooling route 3 years ago and this year had pushed out alot of new growth. The roots look a little weak. Next year I will stack more medium to promote root growth.
My biggest question with the failed grafts, can I wait for mid March (located in Hudson Valley NY) and keep the dormant rootstock in the ground and do w W & T graft with a scion directly onto the rootstock?
Wait till spring and then dig to bench graft or leave in ground and field graft in place, which ever you prefer. I find bench grafting much more comfortable.
1 Like
Apple is extremely forgiving and wants to live. Unless the graft died of a disease you cannot save the rootstock from, it will almost certainly want to try again.
I’ve had branches get broken by the inconsiderate wildlife in my parts, cut out the break, and regraft it to itself with mostly success if it is not super hot. They’d probably survive the heat too if I provided any after care or protection, but I’m more of a “sink or swim” kind of gardener.
2 Likes
Yes you can wait till March and then do a field graft onto your planted rootstock.
I have done this on purpose. (Planted rootstock spring year 1, grafted in field in spring year two).
Also, I would recommend trying fall chip budding if you were a bit further south. I’m still doing some in VA- but it’s getting a bit late in the season.
2 Likes
You will do better if the budwood is dormant and the stock actively growing. If root stock buds are swelling or a leaf already unfurling, you have cambium “slipping,” a concept I still have trouble understanding. The indication is that growth is on the way & that’s the time to start grafting apples and pears.
I’m considering bud grafting now… it’s probably crazy at least here in Zone 5b.
You can wait until spring to great onto them, but if they have no leaves left, you could even do something to save them now if they’re valuable to you.