Peach trees can be propagated in several ways. Propagation via cuttings is quite easy, but growing from the seeds can also be successful. Most often, however, peaches are propagated through grafting.
How do you graft a peach tree?
To graft a peach tree, the inoculation process is recommended. This consists of cutting off an eye from the scion, carving a T-cut into the base and inserting the eye there. The connection point is then sealed with raffia and finishing wax.
What is a refinement?
When refining, a so-called scion - i.e. H. a young shoot – taken from a perennial tree and grafted onto another shoot. The lower shoot is called the “rootstock” and is only intended to form roots and trunk. The actual tree, which also produces the fruits, arises from the scion. However, rootstocks and scions cannot be combined in any way, but should preferably belong to the same or a related species.
Why is it refined?
There are many reasons for refining. In the case of peaches, however, this measure is intended to achieve greater resistance to cold, unfavorable soils and locations, and diseases. Refined peaches can e.g. For example, they can also thrive on heavy soils as long as their rootstock (in this case a plum) prefers such soils. Another reason is the increase in yield, as refined wood produces more fruit.
Get scion rice at the right time
Scions are usually harvested during the winter break or in midsummer. Annual, he althy and mature shoots that are at least as thick as a pencil are taken.
Spring refinement
Remove the scions in December or January and store them in a cold, damp cloth until further use. The grafting then takes place in spring.
Summer refinement
Cut fully mature shoots including the flower buds from the tree and graft them directly onto the rootstock.
The type of finishing
The main types of finishing are:
- Oculation
- bark plugs
- Chip refinement
- copulation
- Goatfoot
The Occulation
The inoculation process is particularly suitable for refining peaches. The oculation, i.e. the eye refinement, is carried out between the end of July and the end of August. Proceed as follows:
- Cut off the leaves except for one petiole.
- Remove the small additional leaves.
- Now make a cut about five centimeters long as flat as possible under the eye.
- Do not touch the eye.
- You cut the eye “off the trunk” so to speak.
- Now cut a deep T-cut into the (delimbed) base.
- This must no longer have any eyes.
- Press the cut out precious eye into the cut.
- Connect the area with raffia and finishing wax (€12.00 on Amazon).
In addition to grafting, the bark grafting method is also ideal for grafting a peach tree.
Tips & Tricks
Work with hands that are as clean as possible and tools that are germ-free. The use of disposable gloves is appropriate. Otherwise, a fungal infection can occur and the grafted tree can die.
