How to propagate Magnolia grandiflora by grafting

Preparation before grafting Magnolia grandiflora

Grafting time

It can be anywhere from early to mid-March to early April, and you should choose a mild climate with cloudy but no rainy days.

Choice of rootstock

Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia lilacinum, Magnolia officinalis, etc. can all be used as rootstock seedlings for grafting Magnolia grandiflora.

Selection of scion

You can use Magnolia grandiflora branches that have grown relatively thick and have full buds in the previous year or the current year as scion, and it is best to graft them immediately after harvesting. After cutting off the leaves of the scion, only a little petiole needs to be left, and 2-3 buds should be retained. To prevent the scion from drying out, cover it with a wet towel or straw.

Specific operations

When grafting, cut the rootstock 4-5 cm above the rhizome, cut the cut into an oblique angle, and use a grafting knife to cut the lower cut of the scion into a 45-degree angle. After cutting the rootstock and scion, insert the scion into the cut part of the rootstock, align the cambium of the two, and tie the scion and rootstock with plastic sheeting or bamboo strips. After completing the grafting, cover it with fine soil and press the bottom tightly.

Management of Magnolia grandiflora after grafting

1. Check whether the grafting has survived 15 days after grafting. If the scion is withered and the cortex is dry, wrinkled and shrunk, it means that the scion is dead and needs to be regrafted quickly; if the scion is fresh and the cortex has sufficient moisture, it indicates that the scion is alive.

2. The grafting wound will heal in about 20-25 days. When the sprout grows to 2-3 leaves, weeding should be done in time, and the mother seedlings should be removed to avoid collision with the scion. In the later stage, weeding, fertilizing and watering should be done frequently, and Bordeaux liquid should be sprayed to prevent diseases and pests.

3. After the scion sprouts, remove the plastic strips and bags in time.