Can pomegranate trees be grafted? How to graft pomegranate trees with a high survival rate?

Pomegranate trees are very common in our daily life. They are considered auspicious fruits because they symbolize fertility, prosperity and success. So can pomegranate trees be grafted? How can pomegranate trees be grafted to achieve a high survival rate? The following editor will explain them one by one, hoping to help you.

Can pomegranate trees be grafted?

Most pomegranate trees are propagated by cuttings, but they can also be propagated by grafting. Whether it is cuttings or grafting, you need to master the steps and operation methods of grafting to improve the survival rate.

How to graft pomegranate trees to achieve a high survival rate

1. Mother tree selection and scion processing

During the dormant period before the pomegranate sprouts in winter, select pomegranate trees with good resistance, high yield, excellent quality and no diseases and pests as the grafting mother trees, cut one or two year old branches with short branches, many buds and full development as grafting strips, then bury them in semi-moist sand in a cool place for storage, and take them out when grafting in spring.

2. Pruning of grafted trees

Before grafting, patiently prune the pomegranate tree to be grafted into shape.

3. Grafting strip processing

Before grafting, take out the grafted branch from the sand, cut it into 2-3 sections of 4-5 cm long, and cut the grafting end into a wedge shape with a knife, then soak it in water to keep it fresh to prevent oxidation and water loss due to long-term storage. Note that the cut end of the scion should be smooth and flat without burrs.

4. Surface treatment

Use a cleaving knife or scissors to pry open the split in the middle of the grafted tree, but be careful not to damage the bark.

5. Insert the scion

Insert 1-2 scions into the split and adjust the cambium between the scion and the rootstock to align. This step directly determines whether the graft can survive. Note: The grafting process should be fast to avoid oxidation of the wound and affect the survival rate.

6. Interface processing

Use the plastic film prepared in advance to wrap the grafting point and scion tightly, leaving 1-2 cm of the bud exposed.

When is the best time to graft a pomegranate tree?

The best time to graft a pomegranate tree is from March to April. There are three grafting methods for pomegranate trees: cleft grafting, cut grafting and subcutaneous grafting. The most commonly used grafting method is cleft grafting. Cleft grafting method: first shave the cross section of the rootstock, then split the rootstock with a chopper to a depth of 4-5 cm, cut the lower end of the selected cuttings into a wedge shape, insert the cut cuttings into the split rootstock, and tie them up with plastic film. If the rootstock is too thick, cut the rootstock into a cross shape and insert 3-4 cuttings. Cleft grafting is the grafting method with the highest survival rate, with a survival rate of more than 90%.