Approach Grafting

At first I didn’t see the need for approach grafting. Bud and cleft grafting were adequate. Then I was looking at my Australian citrus seedlings. I wanted to graft them on a trifoliate rootstock but they were way too small.
Also, I did want to jeopardize my only Sydney Hybrid. Approach grafting would be a safe approach.
This is my first time doing approach grafting. I’m thinking that eventually the two should grow together even if I did do the beat job.
If for some reason it doesn’t work my Sydney Hybrid should only have minor scaring. And I can wait till it’s big enough to bud or cleft graft.
Terry
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Terry, that's both 'cool' and safe. Let me know how it turns out. CJ

That looks neat!! Let us know how it goes..
Good luck!!
Gina *BabyBlue*

Here’s an update on my approach graft
Sydney Hybrid Approach Graft.
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Took off tape
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Now I have 2 Sydney Hybrids.
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This is great. My first approach graft
Terry

I'm going to have to try that!! Thanks for sharing. I assume the stems need to be pretty close to the same size? Any special precautions?

That is very cool Terry!!! I think I am going to put this on my list of need to learns!

Gina *BabyBlue*

Joe,
This is my take on this. I think it doesn’t matters so much about stem size. As in all grafting lining up the Cambium layer is important. But not as important as in other grafting. In bud or cleft grafting you are in a race to get the rootstock to grow and integrate with the bud or Scion before it dies.
With approach grafting even if it take months, nothing is going to dry out or die. To me it looks like it will eventually grow together if given enough time. Even if you didn’t do a great job lining it up.
After I took off the tape if it wasn't set I would have re-taped it and waited longer.

Terry