Patrick and Donna were kind enough to send me some Pride of Hankins cuttings and a good rootstock plant, along with cuttings of Cherry Cola and Stuffed Jalapeno....Here is my first attempt at grafting, with the Stuffed Jalapeno cutting. I used teflon tape to wrap the graft, then wrapped a thick rubber band around it super tight. Here's hoping! Thanks again Patrick and Donna!
Good luck Karen, Make sure you cover it with a plastic bag or a soda can to keep it humid.
Oops, didn't know that...thanks Kristen! It's in the house, sun or shaded area? It was in the sun and I notice the leaves are drooping badly this morning. How long to keep it covered?
I would keep it out of the sun, if you have a fluorescent light, put it under that, keep them pretty close to it, 6-8". Keep it warm!!, and I think you keep it covered for 4-6 weeks. You can use a plastic bag, or a clear soda bottle. If I am wrong about that, someone feel free to correct me. I just did 4 more grafts myself. They don't look so good because the leaves I left on them are turning yellow and falling off, but it is also chilly in CT so that may not help. Spring is the best time to do grafts. I do have them on a heat mat...
I do have one graft I did, (my first one ever) of Silver Memories in August. It still looks the same as the day I did it, green and healthy. I thought there should be new growth by now but there is not. I don't know what that means. We need to keep each other posted! Good luck!
What plants are considered "good rootstock plants"?
Pride of Hankins is supposedly the best. You can also use White Wings and Albo. Basically anything that is a strong grower with a good root system I think.
Thank you.
Just curious... Did the graft take? I am looking for less expensive alternatives for graft clips.
All 5 of my attempts did not. The first, Silver Memories was killed by my husband who unnoticeably cracked the seal. I was bummed. But it hadn't grown in all the months I had it, although it stayed green. So I am thinking that it was not an ideal graft. I guess practice makes perfect. Most people that are good at it have done many. This spring, I am getting a garden variety and having a go at grafting to that. Just going to graft everything to it!
