GRAFTING TECHNIQUES Part 2

Approach grafting is an alternative method for citrus.
In part 1 of grafting techniques Margaret Mossakowska and I talked about how growing from a tree such as an orange or lemon from seed isn’t all that successful unless you graft it onto hardy rootstock.


In this segment, we refresh some of those points and take you onto more grafting techniques.
There are many types of grafting that are available to be used, some more complex or more exacting than others.
My Take On Grafting
Cleft grafting I find is quite straight forward and easy to get right. 
I've tried grafting Camellia reticulata scions onto Camellia sasanqua rootstock with a 100% success rate.  Camellia reticulata has huge flowers, a feature I wanted growing in my garden.
Camellia 'Red Crystal' is a cross between C.reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ and C. japonica ‘Wildfire,’ however, both are slow growing. and don't grow so fast in temperate Sydney.
I find this is a faster alternative, plus Camellia sasanquas are very hardy and less prone to root rot.

Camellia 'Red Crystal'
 
Grafting citrus is essential in Australia because the table citrus that we love to eat are not native to Australia, and so are prone to many diseases. 

The grafted union in most cases needs to be above the ground. There is one exception and that is with lilacs(Syringia vulgaris.). Lilacs tend to sucker if grown on their own rootstock so they are grafted onto privet rootstocks.
 
Things to Watch Out For.
Once you've successfully grafted your desired planted, whether it's a citrus or camellia or some other favourite, there's still room for failure.

At first the graft union may seem all fine and dandy, but  if you see shoots from below the graft union, you may have a problem Houston.
Shoots from below the graft union could signal failure of the graft and the rootstock is trying to take over.
Keep on rubbing off these shoots and hopefully it's only a minor abberration.
If this persists, you may find the top part or scion is slowly dying, so time to start all over.


Let’s find out more by listening to the podcast. I'm talking with Margaret Mossakowska of www.mosshouse.com.au
If you’ve never tried grafting, make sure you get the right tools before you start.You’ll also need the correct root stock.If you have any feedback email realworldgardener@gmail.com or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675