How to Graft Grape Budwood to Rootstock

Grapes can grow from rooted cuttings which are identical copies of the parent plant or they may be grafted. Grafting allows the grower to produce a plant with the benefits of the root stock, or bottom of the plant, and the attributes of the scion, or top of the plant. In grape vine grafting the scion is also called the bud wood and continues to grow the variety of grape from which it comes. The rootstock chosen will increase vigor, production and yield. The best method of creating a union between the two plants is called budding. In grape production the most frequent type of budding is T budding, which is done in summer.

Sharp knife
Alcohol
Budstock
Rootstock
Grafting tape

Instructions

- 1
  Chose a vigorous and healthy vine from which to take your budstock. Do this in July or August. Chose a terminal piece of wood with a secondary shoot that is green and budded. Clean the knife with alcohol before cutting to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- 2
  Take a curved slice out of the main stem that includes the secondary shoot. Cut using an arced slicing motion from 1/2 inch under the shoot to 1/2 inch above it. The cut should go halfway through the wood at the middle of the excision.
- 3
  Slice a T into the rootstock. Make a vertical cut into the cambium and then cross it with a horizontal cut at the top. Fillet the bark around the cut to open the center of the T. You are exposing a pocket where the bud shoot can be placed.
- 4
  Slip the bud wood into the pocket you make. The shoot is facing outside the cut. Trim the bud wood if necessary so it fits, but make certain to leave the bud and at least some of the parent wood intact.
- 5
  Use grafting tape to bind the bud wood into the root stock cut. Wrap it several times with the tape. Wait until spring and remove the tape. Cut the top portion of the root stock off to encourage the bud to grow.

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