Gardening Class: How to Do Bud Grafting
Bud Grafting
This technique is normally referred to as building. It is a popular and reliable method for grafting bush roses. Budding takes place in summer, usually on roses that are growing in the ground or in containers. The difference between budding and grafting is in the material used. Whereas both whip-and-tongue and saddle grafting use two stems of the desired variety, with bud grafting a single growth bud is grafted onto a rootstock. An ordinary sharp knife can be used for making the cuts, but a budding knife is best. This has a flattened end to the handle for opening the rootstock.
1. Select a well-ripened stem of the current year’s growth, making sure that there are dormant buds at the leaf axils. Remove the stem and take off all the leaves. Prepare the bud before opening the rootstock. Cut a single bud from the selected stem with the minimum of wood. Remove the sliver of wood from under the bark using the point of the knife and discard. This leaves the bud and the cambium layer attached to the bark. Keep the bud moist while you prepare the rootstock i.e., the simplest method is to hold it between your lips. It will be difficult to talk and don’t chew on it!
2. Now prepare the rootstock to receive the bud. Make a horizontal cut 1-2 inches above ground level and discard the top growth. Clean the stem of the rootstock with a rag.
3. Once the neck of the rootstock is clear you are ready to bud.
Explanation of Bud Grafting
4. Make a T-shaped cut deep enough to expose the cambium layer below the bark. The stroke of the T should be less than 1/2 inch long; the upward cut 1 inch long.
5. Use the flattened end of the knife handle to open the two flaps of bark on the rootstock. Slip the prepared bud, pointing upward, under the flaps of bark, making sure that the two cambium layers are together. Trim any surplus bud bark level with the stroke of the T.
6. Secure the union with raffia above and below, avoiding the bud. Some gardeners prefer to use budding strips made of thin rubber. These may be stretched over the bud union and held with an open staple.
Once the bud starts to grow, you can remove the raffia (If you use a rubber strip, it will perish). In early spring, cut the rootstock above the new bud growth leaving it to flourish and flower that summer.