Collecting and Storing Scion Wood

By G. Wells and D. Jackson

One of the keys to being successful with the grafting process is care in collecting healthy and viable wood from the current year’s growth. The time of year is February or early March and pay close attention to the weather forecast so that scions are gathered just after the temperature stays above freezing for seventy-two (72) hours. Be sure to discard any wood that has brown or dead areas.

The amount of moisture that is placed with the scions is also critical. When dampening a paper towel squeeze most of the water out, leaving only a damp condition. Place towel around scions and wrap with newspaper. Use just enough paper to contain the scion and paper towel. Several wraps of paper may cause the scions to dry out. After wrapping in paper, place in plastic bag (such as bread bag or newspaper container) then keep refrigerated just above freezing but near or below 40%. Also - very important do not allow any apple or cabbage family products in the fridge with scion wood.

Check your scions weekly to be sure they aren’t getting too dry. Another suggestion to avoid mold -- some growers put a tablespoon of Clorox with a gallon of water, using the solution to wet the paper towel. Some advice from an experienced grafter - heartnut and butternut scions tend to mold quicker than other scions.