Citrus grafting is a fundamental technique for propagating and improving the quality of citrus plants, such as lemons, oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits. This procedure allows for the production of more resistant, productive, and adaptable plants to environmental conditions.
In this guide we will explore the essential steps to perform an effective graft . We will explain what the main types of grafting are for citrus trees , what materials are needed to carry out the graft, what is the best period and how to ensure that the graft develops successfully .
Types of grafting for citrus fruits
The main types of grafting for citrus fruits (lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, …) are the following, with relative advantages and disadvantages.
Bud grafting (or eye grafting)
This technique uses a bud taken from the branch of a mother plant ( scion ) and inserted into a slit made in the rootstock.
Advantages:
- It requires few materials and tools.
- High probability of rooting in young plants.
- Ideal for breeding specific varieties with precision.
- Suitable for spring or late summer.
Disadvantages:
- It requires a certain amount of manual skill and attention.
- It works best during periods of good vegetative activity.
Cleft grafting
It consists of dividing the rootstock and inserting one or more scions with active buds.
Advantages:
- Very versatile, suitable for rootstocks of different diameters.
- It allows you to recover damaged plants or rejuvenate them.
- Also effective with adult plants.
Disadvantages:
- More invasive, therefore greater risk of infection or failure.
- It requires care to seal the grafted area well.
Crown graft
It is done by inserting several scions between the bark and the wood of the rootstock.
Advantages:
- Perfect for renovating old trees or changing varieties.
- It allows multiple grafting (multiple scions on a single rootstock).
Disadvantages:
- Applicable only in spring when the bark comes off easily.
- Requires sturdy plants to support the scions.
English double cleft graft
A particularly precise type of grafting that involves two complementary cuts on the rootstock and scion for a perfect fit.
Advantages:
- Excellent adhesion and stability between scion and rootstock.
- Greater chance of success.
- Ideal for rootstocks and scions of similar diameter.
Disadvantages:
- It requires precision and technical expertise.
- Slow compared to other techniques.
Bridge graft
Used to repair trees with damaged bark, it uses healthy branches from the same plant or scions.
Advantages:
- Ideal for saving plants damaged by animals, frost or pathogens.
- It promotes recovery without having to replace the shaft.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for production purposes, but only for repairs.
- More difficult to perform.
When to graft citrus trees
The best times to graft citrus fruits depend on the technique chosen and the weather conditions, since citrus fruits require mild temperatures and good vegetative activity to ensure successful rooting. Here is a detailed overview:
Spring (March – May)
Spring is the ideal time for most grafts, thanks to the vegetative recovery of the plants.
Why choose spring:
- The flow of lymph is abundant, promoting healing and rooting.
- Mild temperatures (between 15°C and 25°C) avoid thermal stress for the plant.
- The buds of the rootstock and scion are active and ready to develop.
Recommended techniques in spring:
- Vegetative bud grafting: takes advantage of the strong spring growth to take root quickly.
- Cleft or crown grafting: the bark comes off easily, making it easier to insert the scions.
Late summer – early autumn (August – September)
Another favorable moment, when temperatures are still warm, but without the summer excesses.
Why choose late summer:
- The plant is still in vegetative activity after the summer break.
- The more stable climate avoids temperature changes and water stress.
- The graft will have time to establish itself before winter.
Recommended techniques at the end of summer:
- Dormant bud grafting: the bud remains inactive until the following spring, ensuring a better result.
Periods to avoid
Carrying out grafting during less favourable periods reduces the chances of success.
Winter (December – February):
- The plant is in vegetative rest, so the sap flow is reduced.
- Low temperatures slow down or stop the healing process.
Full summer (June – July):
- Excessive heat can quickly dry out the scion and hinder healing.
- High risk of dehydration of the plant and grafted parts.
General advice for choosing the ideal period
- Monitor the plant: Make sure the rootstock is healthy and in vegetative activity.
- Check the temperatures: Ideally between 15°C and 25°C, avoiding frosts or heat spikes.
- Consider your local climate: In warmer areas, spring grafting can be done earlier; in colder areas, it can be done later.
Tools and materials for successful citrus grafting
To graft citrus trees effectively, it is essential to use the right tools and materials. Here is a detailed list of what you need, with advice for precise and professional work:
Essential Tools
- Grafting knife
- Features: Sharp and thin blade, specifically designed for clean and precise cuts.
- Tips: Choose a sturdy knife and sharpen it regularly to avoid fraying of the plant tissue.
- Pruning shears
- Features: Sturdy blades for cutting branches and preparing rootstock and scion.
- Tips: Opt for ergonomic scissors with stainless steel blades for comfortable work.
- Pruning saw (optional)
- Use: Necessary for larger branches, such as in a crown graft on mature trees.
- Bark spatula (optional)
- Use: To gently lift the bark without damaging it during crown grafting.
- Elastic bands or grafting clamps
- Features: They are used to fix the scion to the rootstock and ensure its stability.
- Tips: Rubber bands are ideal for their elasticity, while clamps are more practical for grafting on large branches.
Essential materials
- Grafting tape (parafilm)
- Use: To wrap the grafted area, protecting it from infection and dehydration.
- Features: It must be flexible and biodegradable, like parafilm, to encourage growth.
- Healing mastic
- Use: Seals cuts, preventing the entry of parasites , fungi or bacteria.
- Advice: Choose a specific product for grafting, resistant to bad weather.
- Quality Scions
- Description: Branches or buds taken from a healthy, vigorous mother plant.
- Tips: Use fresh cuttings, with well-developed buds and no signs of disease.
- Alcohol or tool disinfectant
- Use: Disinfect knives, scissors and other tools to prevent disease transmission.
- Tips: Use an alcohol-based disinfectant or diluted bleach.
Other useful materials
- Gardening gloves
- They protect the hands from possible cuts or irritation, but must not compromise sensitivity during the operation.
- Marker or labels
- To mark grafted varieties and monitor their growth.
- Natural raffia
- An eco-friendly alternative to grafting tape, useful for tying the scion.
Preparation of tools and workstation
- Sharpen your tools: A sharp knife and scissors ensure clean cuts and reduce stress on the plant.
- Disinfect thoroughly: Each tool must be sterilized before use to avoid contamination.
- Organize your workstation: Keep all your materials within reach to work in an orderly and uninterrupted manner.
The most used type of grafting for citrus fruits: the bud graft
The most commonly used type of grafting for citrus is the bud graft (or eye graft) , particularly the dormant bud variant. This method is preferred due to its simplicity , high probability of success and the possibility of performing the graft in different seasons, such as spring and late summer.
Why is bud grafting the most used for citrus fruits?
- Adaptability to the plant
Citrus fruits have an easily separable bark, an ideal characteristic for inserting the bud taken from the mother plant. - High probability of rooting
Bud grafting requires minimal cutting, reducing the risk of infection or stress to the plant. - Seasonal Versatility
It can be done at two key times:- Spring: when the plant is in full vegetative activity (vegetating bud).
- Late summer: when preparing material for spring re-shooting (dormant bud).
- Saving material
Each bud used allows you to graft a new plant or branch, making the method economical and practical.
How to perform a bud graft for citrus trees
Bud grafting on citrus is a process that requires precision and care. The first step consists in preparing the rootstock , which must be healthy and in an active vegetative phase. A “T”-shaped cut is made in the bark of the rootstock , taking care not to damage the wood underneath. The bark is gently lifted using the tip of the grafting knife or a spatula to create a small pocket ready to accommodate the bud.
Next, we move on to removing the bud from the mother plant . We select a healthy and vigorous branch and remove a mature bud, complete with a small shield of bark and, if necessary, a thin portion of wood. This step is crucial: the bud must be intact and free of signs of disease to ensure optimal rooting.
Once the bud is prepared, it is inserted into the “T” cut on the rootstock, sliding it delicately under the raised bark. It is important that the bud adheres perfectly to the wood of the rootstock to facilitate the union between the two plant tissues.
Finally, the graft is secured using a grafting tape , such as parafilm , or natural raffia. The tie should be tight but not excessively tight, to allow the bud to breathe and grow. It is essential that the bud remains uncovered during this process. After about 2-3 weeks, if the graft has been successful, the bud should begin to swell, a sign that it has integrated correctly with the rootstock.
Post-grafting maintenance tips
After completing the citrus grafting , it is essential to take care of the plant to ensure its success and vigorous growth. The first step is to keep the grafted area well protected: the tape used for tying must remain in place for several weeks, preventing the area from drying out or being exposed to pests. During this time, regularly check that the bud remains healthy and does not show signs of infection or deterioration.
Another crucial aspect is the management of the rootstock . It is important to remove any regrowth that may develop below the graft, as these take energy away from the bud and compromise its development. Removal must be timely and accurate, to prevent the rootstock from regaining the upper hand.
Watering plays a key role: the plant must receive a sufficient amount of water, but without stagnation. Balanced hydration promotes healing and bud growth. At the same time, make sure that the soil is well drained and, if necessary, enriched with nutrients to provide all the elements the plant needs.
As the bud begins to develop, it is helpful to monitor the grafting site to ensure that the tie does not become too tight, especially if the tissue thickens with growth. If necessary, remove or loosen the tape to avoid damage.
Finally, protect the plant from bad weather and pests, especially in the early stages. A light cover can be useful to protect the graft from strong winds or excessive direct sunlight. With these precautions, your citrus plant will have all the conditions to thrive, giving you healthy and abundant growth.
