How to Graft a Fruitwise Apple Tree with a Saddle Graft

Grafting trees is an effective way to repair damage and encourage growth. Fruitwise apple trees can be grafted to encourage growth of another variety or to join two varieties together. Apple trees are not propagated by seed but, rather, by grafting, to produce the best fruit possible. Apple trees grown from seed do not produce the same species as the parent plant, nor do they produce as well as grafted varieties. Saddle grafting is performed on Fruitwise apple trees in mid- to late winter when the scion, or new growth, and the rootstock are both dormant. Both pieces should have the same diameter (no more than 1 inch) to perform the best graft possible.

Things You'll Need

• Grafting knife
• Grafting tape

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut the rootstock with a grafting knife down the side, 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. Repeat on the other side of the rootstock to form an inverted “V” shape.

   • 2

     Cut the scion with the grafting knife, slicing down the side into the middle to form a “V.” Cut it the same angle and size as the cuts made on the rootstock. The exposed sections of wood are known as cambium.

   • 3

     Position the scion over the rootstock, joining the “V” onto the saddle of the rootstock. Adjust the pieces to ensure that the cambium is joined on each side.

   • 4

     Wrap the graft joint in grafting tape to secure it in place. Take potted specimens indoors for the winter.