I have about thirty Acer palmatum seedling rootstocks ready for trying some summer grafting. The first problem I'm having, though, is that all the references I can find suggest different starting dates, anywhere from mid-June to late-July. Can anyone tell me when would be the best time to start? I am located Pine Mountain, GA, USA. Thanks, Fred
Hi Fred, not sure, but you may find some information searching { "Search this Forum'' box} for "summer grafting" to bring up previous threads.
Hi Fred, I have had success as early as May 15th. Most of my grafting has been done from early June until late July. I have found greatest success if I can get a flush of new growth before dormancy. If I graft after early August, I usually don't get new growth before fall. You could graft before mid May, but the scions haven't hardened off well enough until then. I leave the two terminal leaves on the scion and they usually make it without dropping off while the graft union mends. Good luck, Dale B.
Thanks Chimera and Dale, Guess I can get started as soon as I have the free time then. I really appreciate your responses. Fred
To update: Before I had a chance to get started with summer grafting, I noticed that most all my rootstock plants were starting to decline. The leaves were crinkling and drying out. I feared verticillium but, after doing some research, mostly on this forum, I found out that too much fertilizer can cause this. I had put controlled release fertilizer on top of the potting mix and I guess too much released during the hot weather we were having. I used a leaf blower to remove most of the fertilizer and some of the plants seem to be recovering to some extent. Maybe next year...
