How to propagate kapok by grafting

Kapok grafting time

The most suitable time is February to March and June to July, because the temperature starts to rise in February and March, the kapok sprouts, and the survival rate of grafting is relatively high. However, the temperature in April and May is relatively high, which can easily cause the grafted branches to dry up and be difficult to survive.

Selection of Kapok Scion

Choose a kapok mother tree that has already bloomed, and take two-year-old flowering branches at the end of the year that have full and robust buds, are healthy and disease-free as scion. Then cut off the leaves immediately to retain moisture and prevent it from being lost, then wrap the branches with a wet towel and place them in a cool place. If you want to store it for a few days, you can seal both ends with paraffin wax and cover it with a 4-6cm layer of sand. Pay attention to ventilation and moisture retention.

Kapok grafting method

It is best to use single bud grafting, which will not inhibit the germination of other buds. When grafting, first select a full bud on the scion, then cut out a flat surface without wood and about 1.5 cm in length 0.15 cm from the lower part of the reverse side, and cut the other side into a 45° slope and cut it off 1 cm from the upper end of the bud. In this way, the scion is cut to a length of 4 cm. Cut the rootstock 15 cm from the ground, make a longitudinal cut on the smooth surface, about 1.5 cm, then insert the scion into the grafting port, align the cambium on both sides and keep them in close contact, the upper end of the scion should be exposed white, then tie it with plastic film, only covering the bud eye with one layer.

Kapok grafting management

You can check the survival status half a month after grafting. If the scion turns brown and soft, it means that the grafting has failed and needs to be re-grafted immediately. If the grafting succeeds, the buds of the scion will automatically break through the film. When the sprouting buds turn completely from pink to green and flatten out, the plastic film can be removed. In addition, the buds on the rootstock cannot be left and must be removed. Usually, you should water and fertilize properly, and pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests.