Hobby gardeners and experts expand the delicious properties of plums by refining them. We offer an overview of the main advantages and procedure of a method. Get a handy guide.
How do you graft a plum tree?
The method of copulation is suitable for refining a plum tree. The same size, finger-thick scions and rootstocks are connected together in late winter. After around three weeks, the parts have grown together and the finishing is complete.
Three golden advantages
When refining, the combination of different varieties brings significant advantages:
- Increase yield
- Making trees more resilient
- faster growth
In addition, new plum variations are created during this process. These also change essential properties of the fruit.
Various methods:
- Goatsfoot refinement
- copulation
- Oculation
- refine behind the bark
Copulation: Refining easily and safely
This popular method takes place during the vegetation break in late winter. However, it is only used if the scion and the base are of a similar size: at least finger-thick. Furthermore, both should be botanically related.
Important:
You need a sharp copulating knife for this purpose. Regular regrinding is recommended. A long blade is also considered advantageous.
Scion rice:
- 10 to 15 centimeters long
- approximate pencil thickness
- annual shoot
Procedure:
- use fresh scion rice from the treetop
- remove all leaves (leave petioles)
- Root and scion: cut four to six centimeters (pulling)
- Cut: diagonal or straight
- each keep an eye on the interface
In the next step, connect both pieces “bark to bark”. The use of PE film or raffia is recommended.
Attention risk of infection:
Avoid touching the interface as this can cause the tree to become diseased.
The finishing is completed after about three weeks. Both parts have grown together. The dried leaf stem simply comes off. You remove the connecting tape.
Note:
If leaves or side shoots grow on the base after grafting, these must be removed immediately. If the petiole does not fall off, this may be an indication that copulation was unsuccessful.
Tips & Tricks
Specialist retailers offer refined varieties. These delight with a rich harvest in the first year. Only unprocessed plums are suitable for propagation.