Tehama Country Real Estate

HOW TO p lants can be propagated in various ways, including graing. Graing involves slicing off a piece from one plant and connecting it to another to create a new plant. Graing can be an interesting hobby, and even novice gardeners can become skilled at graing. Graing is actually botanical surgery. e graed parts eventually grow together to form a single gra- ed plant, which will produce leaves, a stem, flowers or fruit on top known as a scion. e bottom part of the gra is known as the rootstock. Production of graed plants requires time, and gra- ing involves more than just propagating plants from seeds or cuttings. But the benefits of graing include the propensity for graed plants to flower or bear fruit more quickly than traditional plants. Graing also can help a plant thrive, by selecting a root system adapted to a particular climate. Graing is particular- ly advantageous when one wants to produce a plant that is an exact duplicate of the parent plant. Planting from seeds can produce inconsistent results. If graing seems like something you want to try, con- sider the following tips. • Seek help from experienced graers. Many gra- ers work at nurseries or in the research field. If they're too busy to work with you, you can likely find a video online that can show you the proper techniques. • Invest in a quality, sharp knife. According to hor- ticulture expert and teacher Dr. Malcolm Manners, graing requires very sharp cuts. e knife needs to be razor sharp for it to be effective. Dull knives and cuts can sabotage your graing efforts. • Do test cuts first. Before you decide to work on a plant, select a trial stem to practice on. is can give you a better feel for making smooth, precise cuts. • Purchase high-quality rootstock plants. e root- stock plant is the plant that provides a root system and base. Rootstock is bred to have certain qualities, whether it's to put more plant energy into producing flowers or fruit or to be more durable. • Choose compatible plants. Not every scion can be graed on every rootstock. You likely will need a related species or genus for success. Speak with a hor- ticulturist if you need assistance. • Work quickly so that gras do not dry out. As you become more experienced, this will be easier to do. Graing is a technique that can produce true plants and may help generate new but similar species. Plant lovers may want to give it a try and see if graing is for them. gra a favorite plant

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