Topic: Any grafting experts?

[Kea]

I grafted my Mother-in-law's apple onto rootstock a couple of months ago and the rootstock has burst bud but not much else has happened except maybe a slight hint of green on the grafted apples top most bud. Should I remove any leaves off the root stock to direct the sap upwards?

[jennym]

Answer is yes, but I think it may be best to leave it until about July/Aug, as taking the growth from the rootstock now may encourage more growth to come at this time of year, whereas this doesn't tend to happen when you do it late summer.
You might want to try You tube for some videos on grafting and aftercare, theres some interesting stuff on there, I reckon the UK ones are more relevant to us though.

[goodlife]

Yes..I rub all the growth off bellow craft. If you find later on that the craft haven't taken, you can then let some growth come through..just to keep the rootstock fed and alive and use it again next spring for new craft.