How to Graft Almonds

Select the rootstock and scion. Both should be healthy and the same size. The ideal rootstock and scion diameter for whip grafting is between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. When grafting almonds, the rootstock can be another almond tree or peach, nectarine or certain types of Japanese plum trees. The scion should be taken from year-old wood with ample spaces between buds and few bud clusters.

Cut the scion wood from the desired parent tree. Choose a scion from a straight portion of year-old, healthy wood. The cut to remove the scion wood should be clean, but it does not need to be a certain shape, as the scion will be cut again at the time of grafting.

Store the scion wood properly if the graft will not be performed immediately. The scion should remain moist and cool so it remains dormant and does not dry out. Cover scions with moist sawdust, place them in a plastic bag, and keep them refrigerated until they will be grafted.

Cut the rootstock where the scion will be grafted. Make a diagonal cut about 1 1/2 inches long using one clean motion.

Cut the scion to match the diagonal cut on the rootstock.

Fit the rootstock and scion together. The cambium, or the layer immediately under the bark, of the scion and rootstock should align. Make any cuts necessary to allow the rootstock and scion to fit together snugly.

Wrap the grafted area tightly to prevent drying. Use electrical tape, a rubber budding strip, grafting tape or another type of watertight wrap to hold the union together.

Cover the wrapped area with grafting wax for additional protection from drying.

Protect the graft union from direct sunlight and extreme weather until the union heals and the scion exhibits new growth.

Cut the wax and tape off the specimen if the tape will not break down on its own. Remove the tape once the scion exhibits new growth to prevent girdling.