The choice of rootstock
It must first be remembered that, for fruit trees, grafting can only be done on trees of the same species. Thus, the cherry tree can be grafted on a cherry tree, but also on a cherry tree, which is a variety of wild cherry tree.
In principle, it is better implant a vigorous scion on a less vivacious rootstock, and vice versa. If the tree concerned is a cherry tree with low branches, it will be necessary to choose a rootstock with limited growth.
If you want to grow palmette cherry trees, by leaning them against a wall and giving them various decorative shapes, it will be better to choose a rootstock that is not very vigorous. On the other hand, if the tree must have tall stems and stand up in the open air, it is advisable to take a more vigorous rootstock.
Another point should still attract your attention. In effect, the rootstock must be healthyso as not to transmit diseases to the grafts.
Must also take into account the nature of the ground. Thus, the rootstock will be different depending on whether the soil is clayey or calcareous, for example. The weather conditions usually prevailing in the region are also to be taken into consideration.
You will find the rootstock that suits you, but also cherry tree scions, in garden centers and nurseries, but also on specialized sites. The sale between individuals has also developed.
The different techniques for grafting a cherry tree
The cleft graft
Slit grafting is done on a fairly young rootstock, of small diameter. The transplant is done in spring. To begin with, the scion must be rid of its leaves and branches.
Keep one though, which will cause the sap to rise. The second step is to split the trunk of the rootstockto a height of 4 to 5cm. To keep this notch well apart, you can insert a wedge.
This done, it is time to prepare the grafts. It’s necessary bevel them, below an eye, a kind of bud, very tight against the branch. Now is the time to insert the graft into the cut, so that the bark of the rootstock and the graft are touching.
Bind it all with raffia, or an elastic bandand cover the wounds with grafting putty.
The inlay graft
This type of transplant can be performed in the spring, around April, or at the beginning of autumn, rather in September. This autumn graft is called “sleeping eye”, because, for lack of sufficient sap at this time, the eyes will develop later, in the spring.
The first step is to top the rootstock. With the grafter, a tool with a sharp blade, it is necessary make a cut on the trunk of the rootstock. It will be in the shape of a triangle, or a piece of cake, with the point facing down. Then remove the wood, so as to clear the notch.
It will then be necessary to prepare the branch serving as a graft. You will have chosen one with 3 buds, or 3 eyes. Previously bevelled, it will be inserted into the notch. The cut, performed below the last eye, must be made in such a way that the graft fits perfectly into the notch.
The cambiums (it is a thin layer located under the bark) of the rootstock and the scion) must be in contact.
Again, the assembly must be tied tightly with raffia, the wounds must be coated with mastic.
The crest graft
This type of transplant can also be performed “with a sleeping eye”, so in August or September. But she can also be done in June. The sap then rising in the trees, we will logically speak of a “growing eye” graft.
It is preferable to harvest the graft the same day of the transplant. This graft, which is also called an escutcheon, must have one eye and measure between 2 and 3 cm.
It will be implanted on a rootstock with a small diameter, of the order of about 3cm. At a height of about 10 cmit is necessary to make, on its trunk, a notch T-shaped. This notch should be larger than the graft.
With the grafter, we then gently remove the bark, on both sides of the notch. It remains to gently introduce the graft into the notch. It is in its middle that the eye must be located. If necessary, cut the part of the graft above the eye.
The English graft
The English graft, on the cherry tree, takes place in the spring. Before starting the operation, make sure that the rootstock and the scion have the same diameter. This method therefore works rather on young rootstocks.
The graft can be practiced in a nursery, or even in its garden shed. The chosen graft will have between 2 and 4 buds.
The scion and the rootstock must be bevel cut. The cut must be identical, so that the two plants come together perfectly. Likewise, it must be straight, without irregularities.
It remains to join the two elements, with raffia or rubber strips, specially designed for this purpose. This technique is called “simple English grafting”.
Indeed, there is another one, described as “complicated”. It consists of make a small slit in each of the two elements. It allows them to fit together better, thus promoting the success of the graft.
Finally, it should be remembered that crown grafting, another common method, is not suitable for cherry trees. Indeed, it cannot be practiced on stone fruit trees. It is therefore reserved for trees with pips, such as the apple tree.