How to Graft Blueberry Bushes

Use the highbush plant to harvest the buds. The buds on the center of a twig work best. Cut the budstick from the plant. Clip off the leaves but leave 1/2 inch of stem to act as a handle. Bud twig should be used right away or stored wrapped in a damp paper towel in a cool place.

Choose the rabbiteye plant as your rootstock. It should have vigorous, new growth. Select a branch-free stem on the rabbiteye plant. With a clean, sharp knife make a vertical cut about 1 1/2 inches long. Slice through the bark but not into the wood. (The bud will be placed in the center of this cut.)

Make a cross cut at the top of the vertical cut you just made. Now you have a T-cut.

Cut the bud from the budstick by starting the cut 1/2 inch below the base of the bud and slicing upward 1/2 inch above the bud. Keep your cut straight, do not curve into the wood (shield) as this could result in a poor contact. (The shield is the wood connecting the bud to the stem.)

Gently lift the bark where the two cuts joined and immediately place the bud in the center by sliding the base of the bud shield down into the vertical slit. The top of the bud shield should be even or below the horizontal cut.

Wrap the bud by starting below the cut and wrapping upward with the rubber wrap bands. This forces out air pockets. Make three or four wraps below and above the bud. Don't cover the bud itself.

Check to see if the union is forming after about 10 days. The bud and surrounding tissue should look fresh if the union has taken. The rubber wrap bands may be removed at this time. If the graft did not take you have time to try again.