While grafting a rose may seem like a task reserved for professionals, the truth is that anyone can successfully perform this process with a few simple steps, especially when combining different varieties.
Grafting a rose may initially seem complex, but with a clear understanding of the necessary steps, it becomes a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to witness the blooming of flowers from various varieties. This natural creation eliminates the need to purchase additional types of roses and saves time.
Here’s a guide on how to graft a rose with other varieties:
- Select the Rootstock: It is crucial to choose an appropriate rootstock for the grafting process. Experienced nurserymen recommend using a dog rose as the rootstock, paired with a multiflora rose, especially for beginners. The dog rose boasts robust roots and adapts well to various soil types, making it an ideal rootstock. Multiflora roses have shallow roots, perfectly suited for this type of grafting.
- Prepare the Rootstock: Obtain the rootstock by planting seeds from the two varieties or creating cuttings. During winter, take two branches measuring about twenty centimeters in length. Plant these branches in the summer to grow your rootstock.
- Tools and Conditions: Before starting the graft, gather the necessary tools, including disinfected scissors and ligature materials. Ensure the outdoor temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius for optimal conditions.
- Grafting Process:
- Make a perpendicular cut on the selected cutting, ensuring it is not too clean.
- Remove leaves and thorns from the cutting for better workability.
- Attach the detached part to the rootstock.
- Secure the connection with raffia or other lightweight materials, covering the cut made earlier.
- Monitoring and Maintenance:
- After a month, remove the ligature to inspect the rooting status.
- In February, perform the most critical operation by cutting the rootstock at the graft point.
- During spring, monitor the growth, and when the shoot reaches fifteen centimeters, trim it.
- Eliminate any wild shoots around the structure.
- Seek Professional Advice: Always seek advice from a professional nurseryman, as not all rose varieties are suitable for grafting operations.
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