The Technique of Grafting and Budding

Gardening techniques to maintain a rate of growth and increase variety are many. However, it is important for the green thumb to identify the amount of sensitivity of the plant to traditional methods of reproduction. Budding is just another form of  bud grafting. Ideally, all those plants, shrubs and trees that can be grafted can also be budded. The best time to carry out budding is between June and mid-August.

In the case of indoor and outdoor gardens designed to beautify the place, rose plants can be increased in number by this method. It is very important though to choose the appropriate stock.

The plant is meant to be ‘budded’ onto the common briar. When purchasing the stocks for this method of gardening, you need to identify a reliable and reputed nursery. The plant should be rooted in well-prepared ground. The plants need to be spaced at least three feet apart in rows. They should be allowed to thrive in the environment until the next budding season.

The buds should be ones at the base of the leaf stalks. When selecting them you need to ensure that they are healthy, plump ones. The buds should be contained on a young shoot. Prior to commencing the application, you should remove a complete shoot from the plant and snip the soft tip.

This is mainly due to the proven fact that buds in this area of the plant are not suitable for the process. The result is the identification of a good ‘bud stick’. You need to remove the leaves from the bud stick, maintaining about an inch of the leaf stalk.

The bud stick should be placed in a bucket of water to retain moisture. Budding is done only when the bark of the stock can be ‘lifted’ easily with a budding knife. If the process is planned during the dry months, the stocks have to be watered for two or three days before budding. You have to ensure the use of a proper budding knife, with a ‘hat’ end to the handle. Once the stocks are re potted, in a matter of days the fresh, new sprouts appear. The preparation and careful application of the technique results in the growth of healthy show plants.