Q.How to Graft a Rose Tree
How do you graft a rose tree?
Grafting is a process by which one makes a scion( a desirable rose variety) grow on top of a root stock. You need some root stock cuttings, preferably current year's growth, about a pencil thick and 9 to 12 inches long. Common root stocks uses in U.s. are Dr, Huey or Canadian Multiflora. In warmer weather areas such as Florida, you could also use the Fortuniana root -stock. Select a desirable rose variety and take acutting of a stem right after it has bloomed. You need only about four sets of leaves on the scion. Remove the bottom two sets of leaves and make cuts on two sides of the bottom to form a "V" shape, about an inch and a half long. Then make a slit on the tip of the root- stock about two inches long. Now insert the V shaped bottom of the scion into the slit of the root-stock and tie firmly by wrapping a 1 inch wide strip of light weight plastic bag. You can also use Para Film, a tape used in pathology labs. Once the grafting is done, the cutting of the root stock is potted in pure coarse sand and placed in a misting chamber for a period of 3 to six weeks. Once the top starts growing steadily, it can be re-potted in regular potting mix and gradually moved into full sun. After 3 to six months, your new plant is ready to be planted in a garden.
You can also do "budding" which is typically done on a root stock which is already rooted and growing. For this, you do not need a misting chamber.
