grafting scion from CCCP

[jtnguyen333]

Yesterday I received the scion from CCCP.  I ordered Xie Shan, USDA 88-2, and Boukhobza.  I used mostly T-bud on my Carizzo rootstock in a pot.  Very easy to lift the bark this time of the year.   I did a couple of cleft grafts but the budwood is too small so I don't think they will take.  So after budding and wrapped with buddy tape, do I need to cover the graft union with alumninum foil and keep it under shade?

[Bomand]

In CA. You should not need foil if you ussd parafilm to wrap hour scion in. That should keep it from drying out. If anything I would cover my cleft graft with a plastic bag and create a greenhouse effect for it.

[Oolie]

If there is more than three buds on the scion, I would try to chip bud, or offset cleft graft to line up more cambium.

If the bark on the rootstock slips, I have had success bark grafting those angel hair twigs.

[Johnny Eat Fruit]

I also ordered some bud wood from CCPP in February 2020 and so far I have 100% takes using both cleft and bud grafts in my 6 X 8 Harbor Freight greenhouse with a small Patron heater (fast growth). The grafts I did outside in late winter on some existing citrus trees are mixed. We shall see but last year in 2019 my outdoor grafts this time of year has about a 50%-60% success rate (with much slower growth). My citrus grafts in September 2019 had a 30% success rate. Having a greenhouse with consistently warm temperatures made a huge difference for me. My mangos are growing like crazy in my greenhouse.  Just my experience.

Johnny

[EricSC]

I also ordered some bud wood from CCPP in February 2020 and so far I have 100% takes using both cleft and bud grafts in my 6 X 8 Harbor Freight greenhouse with a small Patron heater (fast growth). The grafts I did outside in late winter on some existing citrus trees are mixed. We shall see but last year in 2019 my outdoor grafts this time of year has about a 50%-60% success rate (with much slower growth). My citrus grafts in September 2019 had a 30% success rate. Having a greenhouse with consistently warm temperatures made a huge difference for me. My mangos are growing like crazy in my greenhouse.  Just my experience.

Johnny

Based on the your discussion above,  is Feb (100% takes) the best time to graft citrus in CA?   Sep-Oct only gets 30% so not a good time?