How to Graft Grape Cuttings

When horticulturalists want to reproduce a particular grape plant, as with most fruit plants, they do so using a technique called grafting. When grafting grapes, horticulturalists splice a cutting -- called the scion -- taken from a desirable grapevine onto the root system of another plant, called the rootstock. The scion grows into a plant identical to that from which it was taken, allowing grape growers to grow multiple copies of a particularly successful plant. Begin by taking two cuttings in January or February from a healthy, productive vine. Include two buds per cutting and mark the bottom of the cutting so that you remember which end is up. Cuttings should measure 5 to 8 inches long and about 1/2 inch in diameter.

Grape rootstock
Hand saw
Knife or chisel and hammer
String or tape (optional)
Grafting wax
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Saw off the rootstock plant 2 inches above the soil line.
- 2
  Form a split in the trunk using a large knife or a hammer and chisel.
- 3
  Make a single, smooth angled cut along the bottom of the scion. The cut should measure 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Make a similar cut on the other side of the scion so that the bottom of the scion reaches a blunt point. Angle the second cut so that one side of the scion is thicker than the other. Repeat this step for the second scion.
- 4
  Insert the scions into the split in the trunk, one at either end, with the thicker side facing the outside. In order for the tissues of the scion and rootstock to grow together, the layer of tissue beneath the bark -- called the cambium -- must align between the scion and rootstock. Adjust the positioning of the scions to ensure maximum cambial contact.
- 5
  Tie or tape the trunk to hold the split closed if it does not close on its own. Remove any tape or string after the graft begins to grow to prevent the string or tape from cutting into the trunk and killing the vine.
- 6
  Cover the graft and all cut surfaces, including the tips of the scions, with grafting wax. Check the wax periodically and reseal any cracks that form.

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