In order to obtain pure offspring of stone fruit trees, grafting is recommended. This form of propagation requires a lot of sensitivity. But the effort is worth it, because grafted trees bloom better and don't need a second pollinator plant nearby.
How can you refine stone fruit?
To refine stone fruit, you need a suitable rootstock (e.g. quince, cherry, pear) and scions of the desired variety. Common grafting methods include inoculation, goat's foot grafting and bark grafting. The successful refinement is reflected in new branches or root formation.
What is needed for refining
You need a base for finishing. This can be the shoot of a quince, a cherry, a pear or another stone fruit tree. Which base you use for grafting depends on the type of stone fruit.
You will also need scions from the stone fruit tree that you want to propagate or whose positive properties you want to promote.
Cutting scions
Scions are annual shoots that you cut in winter depending on the type of fruit. They must be at least 20 to 30 centimeters long.
The scions are wrapped in moist sand over the winter and stored in a frost-free room.
The finishing methods
The most important processing methods for stone fruit are:
- Oculation
- Goatsfoot refinement
- bark plugs
Oculation
The base and scion rice should be the same thickness. They are cut diagonally several centimeters long. The cut must be carried out very evenly so that both scions fit together perfectly. There must be an eye on the outside of each scion. Then wrap the finishing area with raffia.
Goatsfoot refinement
To do this, a wedge is cut out of the thicker base. The thinner scion is cut to a point and driven into the wedge. Both parts must be as close to each other as possible. Here too, the finishing area is wrapped with raffia.
bark plugs
This finishing method can only be used if the bark of the base can be loosened without any problems. This can be the case from April to summer. The bark of the base is cut open from top to bottom and slightly bent apart. The noble traveler is pushed in so deep that at least one eye is covered by the bark. Raffia is also used for fastening.
How you can tell that the refinement has been successful
The grafting of the stone fruit is successful when new branches or roots have formed at the grafting point. This usually lasts until next year.
Tips & Tricks
As a beginner, you should initially limit yourself to grafting, as this type of grafting is the easiest. As you gain more experience, try advanced finishing methods.
