Grafting at Lime Cross Nursery - The How's and Why's - Part 1

Grafting is an ancient technique that has been practiced for thousands of years, initially by the Chinese before 2000 BC. Today grafting is carried out on a commercial basis, for scientific purposes and by enthusiasts.

Grafted conifers in the humidity tent

Here at Lime Cross Nursery we have been grating conifers, trees and shrubs since the 1980s.  Jonathan Tate was a former member of the International Plant Propagators Society, but learnt the art of grafting from fellow plantsmen in Holland. As well as Jonathan, David, who has been at the nursery since the 1980’s is an expert grafter and he now heads up the grafting, along with Mark who has been at the nursery since 1977.

The process sounds simple but it takes precision and expertise to achieve good results!

Potted grafts

Vicky Tate cutting the scion

A wedge is sliced from the stem of the host plant (rootstock) using a sharpened and disinfected penknife.  A matching slice is cut into the stem of the plant to be grafted (scion) revealing the cambium layers.  These layers are placed together and bound tightly to secure.

The grafts are then transferred to a humidity tent where they are kept shaded and humid for several months.  Following this, the grafts are then re-potted and allowed to grow on, under Mark and David's watchful eye.

The grafted plants will go through various stages before they are finally ready to be sold on the nursery!