@sharq
I prefer to start propagation of cuttings in the last month of winter. However, a half dozen cuttings from a persistent caprifig arrived a few days ago and so I had to “make do”.
Our outdoor weather this month in Vista CA is predicted to have daytime temperatures up to the low 70’s F and bottom out in the low 50’s F pre-dawn – and no rain. So I attempted two grafts which might adhere before cooler temperatures in next month. I don’t expect to know if they are successful until midsummer – the same is true if when I graft in the last month of winter.
Anyway, I used an inexpensive grafting tool to make the splice cuts. I then painstakingly wrapped the joined wood with 1.25" parafilm tape from about 2" below the graft all the way up around the top of the scion. It required multiple attempts on my part. Afterwards I applied a second wrapping of Scotch #2242 rubber tape for structural integrity. This is easier than the parafilm, although you’ll need scissors.
I cut the 5 remaining scions in half, leaving at least 2 nodes each. For these I prepared 10 4" rooting pots which I filled with coarse ground sphagnum moss. I then soaked these in a tray of water for about 10 minutes – topping off with ground moss as necessary. I then let them drain for a while. Next I wrapped the scions with parafilm from mid-length to the top – to protect them from drying out. I then pushed each scion into the middle of its eventual rooting pot but then pulled them out right away. This does two things: dampens the lower half of the scion, and creates a hole in the peat for placement. Now that the lower half of the scions are damp, I rub them with a tiny amount of rooting hormone (more is not better) and place them back in their holes.
Whew! Next I placed the rack of pots in a plant tray and place that on a standard plant heat mat for seedlings. Since this is near a window in our home I also made a cardboard shield to protect them from direct sunlight. I will check the moisture level about once per week by weighing the plants en mass. In the photo you’ll also see a plant light fixture above but its timer will remain off until the cuttings hopefully sprout. If not, I’ll try again in March.
