Tomorrow I'll show you how I do a cleft graft. Below is a cleft graft I did with a lemon.

I'll be tuning in tomorrow! Thanks, Laaz.

A couple of questions: The scion you used, was it from the last growth flush? I ask because it seemed very angular. And if it was, how long after the flush would this budding be possible? I believe there is another thread where David explained about his method when using angular budwood, and if memory serves, he uses a deeper cut that 2nd of 3rd flush. I am wondering if your picture represents what he was talking about when he said a "deeper cut". Barbara

Hi Barb. Yes this was from the last flush. As long as the flush is hardened off you can use it. It is a little more difficult to use the angular wood, but I get the same results. The reason I used this budwood is that the older wood all has blooms on it.

I never cut deeper than the bark.

Good demo Lazz.

Ned

Nice step-by-step instructions. What kind of tape did you use? It looks like regular scotch tape, but it seems like that would trap moisture and encourage rot.

Thanks guys. The tape I use is Parafilm grafting tape.

http://www.orchardvalleysupply.com/ovsstore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=278

Great illustration, Laaz.

I can not wait to see the cleft graft!

Ok, this is my method of cleft grafting. Some people like to cleft graft using a plastic bag over the graft, but I find it is much easier to use parafilm. The buds will push right through the parafilm when they start to flush.

Start with selecting a budstick you want to use. In this case I'm using a Key lime.



I like to use the large nail clippers to remove the thorns and leaves, as it makes a clean cut without tearing the budwood like a knife can do.

Clip all the thorns and leaves off, then cut the budstick down to 4 or 5 buds.



Now your going to cut the bottom of the stick on both sides to a sharp V.

Now your going to wrap the budstick from the bottom up, leaving the V exposed.



You can leave some of the buds exposed, but make sure you wrap evenly to keep the budstick from drying out. Once you get to the top go a little past and twist the parafilm tight at the top to keep water from getting in.

Now cut the rootstock where you want it.



Next make a clean cut down the center of the rootstock.

You only want to cut down about the same distance as the V you cut on the budstick. Use the knife to gently twist the cut in the rootstock open so you can slide the budstick in.



Now insert the budstick into the cut and push it down to make sure it is making good contact. The budstick does not have to be as large as the rootstock, but you must make sure one side of the budstick cambium is matched to the cambium of the rootstock.

Now wrap the union tightly with parafilm making sure to make a water tight seal.



Completed cleft graft. Again put this in partial shade for about 3 - 4 weeks and if you have done this correctly you will see new growth pushing out through the parafilm.

This is a lemon I cleft grafted a month and a half ago.

On the rootstock, I turn the cutter and cut in V shape. The welding will be all along the cut, not only at the bottom.
The graft will be much more resistant to the wind.