Fruitwise apple tree grafting guide, rind grafting

The rind graft is a useful technique for grafting over a sound but unwanted apple tree to one of a preferred variety. Same for pears. You may wish to do this after moving into a new home where there is an apple you don't like, or if you have been mis-sold an apple which was not the variety you wanted (this has happened to us twice) or if you just discover a variety which you much prefer to one that is growing in your garden or orchard.

With all kinds of grafting, the principles are the same. Cut the scion (preferred variety) wood in late winter, store somewhere cool and not too dry (in a polythene bag in the fridge is ideal) then carry out grafting operation in early spring when the new leaves are beginning to come out. Cambium to cambium contact is key.

Before attempting any sort of grafting, practice the technique with a small very sharp knife (I favour the Opinel number 6 stainless) on waste wood until you become reasonably good at shaping the pieces to fit together well. Good timing, clean cuts that fit, cleanliness, and correct wound sealing are key.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• fruitwise
• apple
• tree
• grafting
• rind
• graft
• fruit
• orchard

[jonewer]

Looks like a good simple method - less tricky than other methods or is just the master making it look easy? ;)

[stephenhayesuk]

@jonewer I think it is simple, but like other 'simple' skills (mending a puncture in a bicycle tyre, tying a knot, doing up your showlaces) it needs to be done correctly

This particular tree is no longer with us, the grafts took but we had a change of plan for the area concerned. I have some successful rind grafts from this spring's grafting. I have modified my technique to site the scion centrally rather than to one side, and it seems to work better, I'll put up a video to show this

[firstbasmen12]

stephen growing an apple orchard looks like a bit of fun. but i live in the apple capital of the united states...so my question is what other purpose is there besides selling the apples in an orchard?

[stephenhayesuk]

@firstbasmen12 Other reasons to grow an orchard besides selling apples......

preservation of rare varieties, enjoying them yourself, having some space where you can do what you like (bonfire party, art studio, mini music festival, sleep overs) hedge laying, watching trees you planted grow

A benefit I never anticipated when I began the orchard in 1992 was the internet. These YouTubes seem to have attracted a virtual community of folks who share some common interests. Skill sharing is a joy.

[MATERNIDADLAPIEDAD]

is this technique applied to pecans?

[stephenhayesuk]

@MATERNIDADLAPIEDAD Probably, but I have never grown pecans so I cannot say. The principles of grafting are fairly universal, and these techniques work equally well for pears, apples, quince, plum, peach and other trees I know, so why not?

I believe pecans are similar to walnuts. I just looked up walnuts in my R J Garner grafters handbook and the techniques appear similar. Timing, good clean cuts that fit well, the right stock, the right scion, and good sealing and tying in are key.

[Fourhundredplus20]

I like the time of your video!

[vaughano2]

@stephenhayesuk This is an old comment, but I thought I'd emphasise your point on waiting to graft until the rootstock starts to become active. I've been taking my scions in July (Australia), storing in fridge and grafting in mid-late August. I too have a very high success rate with this approach, and I think this timing of both harvesting scions and grafting is a key thing for success, possibly more important than precise technique.

Good job, love your videos.

[jonewer]

@binashraf I had a similar thing. There were a lot of aphids on it which didnt help. I was worried it would die but its come back to life now.

[letsplaydoctorplease]

do you train your branches to grow up like that?