How To Graft Tree Peonies？

How to graft tree peonies？

  Tree peony grafting is an important means of rapidly propagating excellent varieties and improving plants, mainly divided into three methods: root grafting, branch grafting, and bud grafting. The following are detailed steps and precautions:

  1.Preparation before grafting

  Rootstock selection

  Preferred root system: Select tree peony or peony roots that are 2-3 years old and have a diameter of 1-1.5cm, with a length of about 20cm. The survival rate of peony root grafting is high, and the operation of peony root is simple, but the root development is slightly poor.

  Handling rootstock: Before grafting, air dry the rootstock for 1 day until the roots become soft, or disinfect it with potassium permanganate to avoid breakage or infection during grafting.

  Scion selection

  Healthy branches: Select healthy branches that are born in the current year and free of pests and diseases, retain 1-2 full bud points, and have a length of 5-10cm.

  Preservation treatment: The scions can be harvested and used immediately. If storage is required, wrap them with a damp cloth or bury them in wet sand to keep them moist.

grafting time

  Best time: Late August to early October in autumn (from white dew to frost), when the ground temperature is 18-23 ℃, which is conducive to wound healing. Early onset is prone to "autumn hair", while late onset reduces survival rate.

2.Grafting operation steps

  1.Root connection method (commonly used)

  Rootstock treatment: Flatten the upper part of the rootstock, and vertically cut a 2-2.5cm long and 0.6-0.8cm deep incision from the cross-sectional radius.

  Scion processing: Cut the lower buds into wedge-shaped shapes on both sides (thick on one side and thin on the other), with a length of 1.5-2cm.

  Grafting: Insert the scion into the incision of the rootstock, ensure that the cambium is aligned, wrap it tightly with hemp rope or grafting tape, and seal it with mud.

  2.Splitting method (applicable to peony roots)

  Rootstock processing: Split the rootstock dome to a depth that matches the scion section.

Scion processing: Cut into a wedge-shaped shape with a thick upper part and a thin lower part, insert vertically into the opening of the rootstock, wrap tightly and fix.

  3. Sprout grafting method (performed in spring)

Rootstock treatment: Cut off the inclined incision at the grafting site and peel off the axillary buds.

Sprout taking: Take the bud block with buds from the scion, align it with the rootstock incision, and tie it tightly with grafting tape.

 3.Post grafting management

  Sand Healing

  Place the grafted seedlings in river sand with a humidity of 70-80% for 40-50 days to promote wound healing.

  Transplanting and planting

  Time: Late October to early November.

  Method: Planting in a ditch with a depth of 30cm, a spacing of 15cm × 40cm between plants, and a depth of 2-3cm below the ground surface. Cover the soil with ridges to keep it moist.

Key points of maintenance

  Avoid rain: Within one month after grafting or during sand storage, prevent water from entering the interface.

  Water and fertilizer management: The healing period is 20-30 days after transplantation, and watering should be avoided; After sprouting in the spring of the following year, loosen the soil, weed, and apply fertilizer (supplement fertilizer in late autumn and early winter).

  Cold prevention measures: In winter, seal the soil embankment or cover it with film for insulation, and in the following spring, peel off some of the soil to help the sprouts emerge.

4.Precautions

Tool disinfection: Disinfect the grafting knife before use to avoid infection.

Alignment of cambium: Ensure close contact between the rootstock and scion cambium to improve survival rate.

Rootstock aging: After 2-3 years of grafting, if the rootstock is aging, it is necessary to cut it short to stimulate the growth of self generated roots, or cut off part of the rootstock roots when transplanting.

summarize

Peony grafting requires strict control over the quality of rootstock and scion, grafting time, operation methods, and later maintenance is also crucial. Through scientific grafting, excellent varieties of peony seedlings can be quickly obtained, suitable for ornamental cultivation and large-scale production.