How to Graft Mango Plants

If you have a particularly healthy young mango tree in your garden, you can transfer its attributes to another plant through a propagation method known as grafting. This process removes a small piece, which is called a scion, of the original plant and surgically attaching it to a sapling, which is called rootstock. Graft during the spring months when the trees come out of their dormant states and start exhibiting new growth.

Knife
Garden shears
Rubbing alcohol
Bleach
Paper towel
Grafting compound
Grafting tape

Instructions

- 1
  Sterilize your cutting tool. Whether using a knife or garden shears, always sterilize them with either rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Sterilize the cutting tool between every cut and allow it to dry.
- 2
  Cut a scion from a young, healthy mango tree. The scion should be between about 4 and 7 inches in length, 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and six months old. Viable scions need at least three buds on them. Wrap the scion's cut end scion with a wet paper towel or leave it in a cup of water while preparing the rootstock.
- 3
  Cut a V-shaped notch into the rootstock between 2 and 5 inches from the soil. Make the notch about 1/2 to 1 inch deep.
- 4
  Trim the scion's end so it fits into the V-shaped notch in the rootstock. Spread grafting compound over the scion's cut end and rootstock's notch. Be generous with the compound.
- 5
  Slide the scion into the rootstock and wrap grafting tape around the graft union. The scion should fit snugly into the rootstock and not wobble once you stop holding it in place. Make any adjustments with your cutting tools and reapply grafting compound if recutting the scion is necessary. Spread grafting compound over the grafting tape.
- 6
  Check the grafted scion for the next couple of weeks. If you notice new growth, the graft was successful. Remove the grafting tape once you notice new growth on the scion.

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