Grape grafting terms
The tastiest grape varieties are usually the weakest and prone to many diseases. This problem can be solved by grafting such varieties to stronger ones. Grafting of grapes is a complicated procedure, it must be carried out in accordance with all the rules.
It is necessary to vaccinate at the time of active sap flow. In grapes, this process is called “sap”. The optimal time for vaccination is before the beginning of the swelling of the kidneys, that is, in the spring. Choose a quiet, cloudy day for this. It is important that the newly grafted plant does not shine in the sun and dry out the wind.
Grape grafting should be done in spring or summer.
You can vaccinate in June. The temperature should not be below 15 ° C and above 35 ° C. Before the summer grafting, you need to slow down the sap flow in the cuttings. To do this, put it in a jar of water, put it in the refrigerator after a couple of days, then again in a jar of water, and so on several times. The difference in the speed of sap flow will help the scion to take root faster.
In the fall, you need to prepare cuttings for grafting grapes. Cut them so that there are at least 3 buds on each cutting. Retreat 4-5 cm from the kidney. Form a sharp blade, it should be curved, not concave. Wrap the handle in a wet rag and cellophane. Store it in a cellar or refrigerator.
In the fall, you need to prepare a bush for the stock. Cut off all the excess from it, and wrap the remaining vine well for the winter so that it does not freeze. Carry out the vaccination procedure as follows:
- Find the last bud on the rootstock and step 4-5 cm away from it. Make a deep cut with a sharp knife. In length, it should coincide with the blade of the cutting.
- Renew the cut location on the handle. Press the wedge firmly into the prepared incision. Please note: both the rootstock and the scion have buds. They must look in different directions.
- Wrap the joint with an elastic bandage or electrical tape. If you are planting grapes in summer, wrap a damp cloth around the joint.
- Cover the top of the vine with a bag and tie it under the graft site. Wrap the structure with paper on top. This is to prevent the sun’s rays from burning the vulnerable plant.
- When the first bud on the scion has blossomed, the cover can be removed.
Take care of the vaccination site after the procedure.
If you do everything right and the grafted cuttings take root, you will be able to harvest a stable harvest every year after that. Mildew and other diseases will no longer bother your vineyard.