Why graft in the English way?
The English graft is first of all a plant propagation method used for species that reproduce with difficulty by other means of reproduction such as planting or sowing. It also allows toimprove the qualities of the plant increasing his resistance and its vigor, its productivity Where her beauty. This transplant combines the desired qualities rootstock and scion in the same plant which is then better adapted to the soil or climate, more resistant to pests and diseases and more fruitful.
English grafting technique
English grafting is practiced during the phases of sap rise in plants and trees, that is to say In early spring, specifically in March and April. It can also be carried out when the rise of the sap slows down in September.
The English graft differs from other types of grafting (such as cleft, crest or crown grafting) by the fact that it requires a scion and a rootstock with the same diameter.
It exists three types of English grafting.
The simple graft
It consists of cut the scion and the rootstock in bevel over a length of three centimeters. When cutting, both parts should be given an angle of 30 degrees. The scion and the rootstock should be pruned at the same angle, but in opposite directions so that they can fit together. Then simply place the scion against the rootstock, ligate and seal with graft putty.
The complicated transplant
If we talk about complicated transplant, it is relative to the shape of the size of the rootstock. This one is, in fact, cut in the shape of a flute mouthpiece with, in its center, a large notch and a narrower one on the side.
The graft is, for its part, pruned so that its extremity perfectly matches the shape of the flute beak of the notch of the rootstock. This complexity is not an unnecessary extravagance, on the contrary, it serves to produce a solid hold of the graft on the rootstock. It is then necessary to bind with raffia and seal the wound with mastic.
Horse graft
For this graft, the rootstock is sharpened in pencil point. The size is made in double bevel on two sides and must be equal on both sides. The scion must then be split to form a V-shape, the inverted shape of the size of the rootstock which then fits perfectly into it. Then simply complete the graft by ligating and sealing with putty.
Follow-up of the plant after the transplant
As soon as the graft is performed, it is necessary water the plant and place it in the shade and sheltered from the weather. Rain and wind can cause the graft to fall or compromise its recovery.
Watch your plant and when you notice the scion coming back to life, partially loosen the ligature to better let the sap through, the rest of the raffia will fall off on its own as the plant begins to flourish and grow.