I grafted my scions to rootstock. I parafilmed and then waxed the graft union. I put some moist peat moss around the roots and wrapped them in a plastic bag. I’ve attached a picture. It’s being Store in my garage, avg temp is around 40-50 degrees. Does this look ok or should I cover the top portion as well as it’s creating a callouse?
4 Likes
When do you plan to put them in the ground? I wouldn’t leave them like that very long. I would think you’d want the rootstock to start growing.
Looks like you have not covered the scions in parafilm or put some wax or sealer on the cut top end of the scions. Both of those help quite a bit with moisture loss.
I did something similar to this last year (and again this year with the one bench graft I did), putting the grafts in my cold cellar for 1 month. Main diff was I had covered the scions in parafilm, and an outer plastic bag covered the scions too. I’d be concerned that the scions might dry out too much exposed in your garage, especially if it is getting into the 50’s there…
I’m brand new to grafting. I thought from what I’ve seen that you want to give the graft union a chance to callouse before planting. I live near Watertown, NY, we still have some colder temps, even tho it’s gradually starting to feel like spring.
How long have they been in your garage? We keep our bench grafts in the “callousing room” for 2-3 weeks before planting. Store them even longer than that back in cold storage if the threat of a killing frost is still probable. We just wrap our root stock portion in wet newspaper ( usually 10 to a bundle) then stack in a rubber maid tote with a piece of plastic sheeting over the top to help conserve some moisture.
1 Like
They need to be planted in a row, not all on top of each other. Those roots will all grow together and they will not only be real hard to separate, but you will loose most of your roots separating later. You could also pot them up all in there own pots. Seal top of scion with something as well, (wax, graft sealer pruning sealer) but don’t try to parafilm them anymore as you will most likely damage graft union. I know nothing about storing in garage but I would think it would be better a little warmer than 50 degrees. Good luck!
I’ve only bench grafted one time and potted them up immediately. I left them in pots all summer and planted them in the fall. Worked well for me.
1 Like
Thanks, I’ll try potting them and planting in the fall. Thanks for the help
I dipped in wax after parafilming the graft union. The wax is a clearer color. Should that be enough or should I cover
Since you’re in Zone 4 it seems good to cover the whole lot of them with a plastic sack, or use a covered container/storage bin, etc., while they callus…maybe give them a light spray first. A dab of wax on the end of each one is an excellent idea, too. The cooler temps outside mean lower water content in the air, especially when the air then warms up in a building.