I started with outdoor trees in mid November, which is late spring.
Spring 2023 had plenty of rain but summer was dryer than average.
Scions were collected a few days before from an excellent specimen growing in Woodend and fresh wood from a grafted 'Golden Orb' tree here at blockhill.
In most cases I was able to match the diameter of the scion and rootstock trunk or branch.
Before shaping the tip of the scion the entire length is wrapped in a thin layer of stretched buddy tape, leaving just the growing tip uncovered.
In previous (failed) attempts I had used whip and tongue method to form the join. I prefer to use this technique where possible as it produces a very tidy union. However, the cleft graft has several advantages, one of which seems to be that, for me, it is more reliable for loquat.
After shaping the pointed tip on the scion and splitting across the middle of the host graft point with the secateur blade, the scion is wedged in place.
All exposed wood and split is bound in buddy tape and a final layer of electrical tape. This allows for a very tight wrap and the eye catching colour makes follow up care more likely in my busy and chaotic garden.
Prune away competing growth from around graft area, especially growth above the graft height.
On several of the host trees, that I hoped were sheltered from strong winds, I enclosed the entire scion and union in an old plastic bread bag with the hope that it would help maintain humidity and reduce sun intensity.
From time to time I peek through the bag and try to see if leaves are emerging.
6 - 7 weeks later the plastic bag is removed.
By mid April, 4 and a half months from grafting, the electrical tape has been removed, the union is healing well and there are plenty of lush healthy new leaves.
The buddy tape is breaking down and shedding like old skin.
Further pruning will be required in coming years to help promote growth in this branch and help guide the tree to a more balanced structure where this branch represents 20% of the overall tree.
The same process is applied to young trees in pots kept in a plastic house.
The entire top of the plant is removed about 3-5cm above the ground.
In this case there is no need for a plastic bag covering.
This graft was done in mid November and the photo shows the results mid April