I have just unwrapped some Mars Sweet Orange buds on Trifoliate rootstock and fortunately they have taken to the rootstock. The rootstock is outdoors, in the ground. I probably have 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Do you think I should force the buds to sprout now, before the winter frost, or should I wait until spring? I usually t-bud in spring, so I am unfamiliar with budding this time of year outdoors. Any advice would be appreciated. Patrick

Force them in spring.

Patrick, I would normally wait until early spring to force fall buds. The problem you may encounter is that, on a vigorous rootstock, the rootstock may cover the bud. Here, that is not a problem at this date. I am not sure about Phoenix.

Ned

I T budded on stock that was already cut several inches up. I guess I goofed? On 2 others, when the buds sprouted leaves, I cut the tops on those too. Those 2 buds also dropped their leaves. Is this why? I thought you force when the buds don't leaf out, so you force them.
I got a lot to learn

Patty, you don't have to worry, because your trees are container trees, that can be taken indoors and kept warm all winer. I just forced 10 or 11 buds a week or so ago, as my trees are inside a warm greenhouse all winter. - Millet

Patty you may have cut too close to the bud. Unlike most people, once my buds take I cut the rootstock off about a inch above the bud. I don't bend the rootstock & wait for the bud to sprout. I haven't had a single failure this way...

Thanks guys. I cut 4 inches above bud on the 2 after they leafed out.
What I don't understand is, if Patrick doesn't force the bud now, won't the rootstock take energy from the bud? And, if the bud didn't sprout, how do you know it "took"? My 2 that budded out (& then the leaves fell off) are still wrapped. I budded them almost 7 weeks ago - buds are still green -am hoping they will put out more growth. Maybe I should unwrap them?
I guess I was assuming that a few weeks after T budding is time to force the bud to sprout.
The more I know, the behinder I get!

Patty I unwrap the buds anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Let them sit for a few days. The ones that are still green took. Then cut the rootstock off about 1 inch above the bud.

OK, I just unwrapped those 2 I budded 7 weeks ago & they are very green! YEAY I'm surprised that these of the rest are still green as the rootstock is only 1/8th & 3/16 inch diameter!! I did something right.
I also unwrapped 2 tavares budded 2 weeks ago - still green. Bent the branches down to force.