GRAFTING TAPE – ONE ROLL OF GRAFTING TAPE 4CM WIDE BY 200 METRES LONG. SUITABLE FOR ALL GRAFTING NEEDS. EASY TO HANDLE AND STRETCHY . COMES OFF THE ROLL WITH EASE.

Grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together. It’s commonly used to propagate plants, especially fruit trees and ornamental plants, to combine desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or superior fruit quality.

Basics Terms of Grafting

• Scion: The plant part you want to propagate, typically a twig or bud from the desired plant.
• Rootstock: The plant that provides the root system. It’s chosen for its compatibility, vigour, or resistance to certain soil conditions or pests.
• Union: The point where the scion and rootstock are joined.

Types of Grafting

• Whip and Tongue Grafting: Suitable for plants of similar diameter. The scion and rootstock are cut diagonally and fitted together, often with an additional tongue cut to increase surface contact.
• Cleft Grafting: Used for joining a small scion to a larger rootstock. A cut is made in the rootstock, and the scion is inserted into the split.
• Budding: A single bud from the desired plant is inserted under the bark of the rootstock. This is commonly used for roses and fruit trees.

Materials Needed

1. Scion and Rootstock: Healthy and compatible plant parts.
2. Grafting Knife: Sharp, for making clean cuts. A specialised grafting knife is ideal.
3. Grafting Tape: To hold the graft in place and prevent drying out.

Steps in Grafting

1. Preparation:
   • Select a healthy scion and rootstock. The scion should be dormant, and the rootstock should be actively growing.
   • Sterilise all tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Cutting and Joining:
   • Make precise cuts in both the scion and rootstock using the chosen grafting technique.
   • Join the scion and rootstock, ensuring that the cambium layers (the growing part of the plant just under the bark) align. This is crucial for successful grafting.
3. Securing the Graft:
   • Use grafting tape or rubber bands to hold the scion and rootstock together securely.
   • Apply grafting wax or sealant to the exposed areas to prevent moisture loss and infection.
4. Aftercare:
   • Keep the grafted plant in a humid environment, if possible, to encourage the union.
   • Monitor the graft for signs of growth. Once the scion starts to grow, remove the tape or bands gradually to avoid girdling the plant.
   • Water the plant regularly and ensure it is not stressed during the healing process.

Conditions for Success

• Temperature: Ideal grafting temperatures are between 20°C to 25°C.
• Humidity: High humidity is beneficial in the early stages to prevent the graft from drying out.
• Timing: Grafting is often done in late winter to early spring, just before the plant begins to grow actively.

Grafting is a precise technique that requires practice, but it allows gardeners to propagate plants with specific traits and create stronger, more resilient plants! Give it a go!