I also added 3 more scions but instead of adding (medium strength) scions in spring I used (stronger scions) at the end of October. All 3 look like they have taken
End of October 2020:
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Today:
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The reason for the failures the prev year? maybe the I needed to use stronger scions as the branch I was grafting to was mature? maybe the time of year (Autumn may be a better time to graft in my region)? Maybe i left the tree in the greenhouse and cooked the prev scions? maybe I just got lucky/better who knows...
Some observations from my experience to add for consideration.
1.When you are grafting lower down on more mature branches or the trunk always choose stronger scions from apical areas on the tree.
A good guideline is to match scion strength for position and age of grafting site. medium strength scion works better in a stronger, younger growing site.
2.A better choice for grafting scions choice is the past years new growth from spring decandling!
This necessitates planning ahead and specifically decandling sites on the same tree for the specific purpose of creating young healthy grafting scions for the coming winter grafting season.
3. If using the buddy style grafting film, the success rate improves if the film is carefully stretched to almost clear translucency before applying! It is more subject to desiccation and sunburn then the traditional bag method so important to provide some sun shade to the scion sites. For this reason I find the traditional bag method gives superior results. It is easy to maintain moisture levels with a syringe and apply a piece of masking tape to prevent sunburn.
4. When determining the best time, the key consideration is the tree is becoming active and the scion is less active. For my climate I choose end of January to the middle of February. Moving the tree inside for a few days and placing in the green house after grafting for a month or two. The tree is basically dormant outside, it begins to wake up after a few days inside but the candles are not pushing yet. Perform the grafts and place in greenhouse. The tree continues to become active and the candles begin to push immediately after the grafting giving a higher probability of cambium joining.
5. When placing the graft, remember to place at a slight angle to the cut so the cambium cross, Much easier to ensure cambium contact then trying to place directly in line if size is imperfect.