What is Grafting?

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated July 5, 2023)

When most people hear the word grafting, typically they think about tree farms and orchards, and some how fitting two separate trees together. The thing is that grafting has many uses besides just with trees. Grafting is an extremely common technique used in the gardening world. In fact, it is so common that some gardeners are using it without even realizing it. But what is grafting? Keep reading to find out more about this extremely helpful gardening technique.

  • What is it? Simply put, grafting is a method for fusing two separate plants into one new one. This can take many different forms, but most often it is done when a small portion of one plant (tree, flower, or some other similar item) is inserted into the living tissue of another plant. Typically the way that this is done is by opening up one plant, and inserting a freshly cut portion of another plant into that opening.
  • General advantages. There are several advantages to using the grafting technique, some of which are specific to the plant in question. However, there are a few generalized advantages that seem to cross all boundaries. The most common reason for grafting is to help in the propagation (or reproduction) of plants. Another common advantage of grafting plants is that, when successful, it can actually make the plant more hardy and sturdy.
  • Artificial. Artificial means of grafting are the ones that are most often employed in the gardening world. This is where the two separate plants are actually forced together, usually through cutting a small part of one plant, and then making another cut into a larger plant, and inserting the smaller one into the larger one. This type of grafting is called cleft grafting, but some of the other methods are called awl, veneer, four flap (a.k.a., banana), stub, whip, budding, and approach grafting.
  • Natural. Natural grafting is a method that takes a lot longer than artificial grafting to accomplish. Typically this type of grafting is seen when two or more trees, or branches, are close together and end up growing into one plant.
  • Scientific uses. Besides some of the reasons given already, there are a few scientific uses for grafting as well. For example, grafting can often lead to creating a new species of plant, studying how plant viruses get transmitted, in addition to how pests can affect plants as well.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Replacing a Fuel Pump

Many people think that replacing a fuel pump is an extremely challenging project. The reality is that it is only ...

Discover More

Turmeric

Turmeric is very similar in many ways to its cousin, saffron. Similar in color, texture, and taste, turmeric also has ...

Discover More

Homemade Ice Cream

For those who love ice cream, nothing can be better than making your own. By making homemade ice cream you are able to ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

How to Cut Down a Tree

No matter how well you take care of the trees around your yard, there will come a time when you find yourself needing to ...

Discover More

Using Mulch to Protect Trees

Mulch is a great way to protect your trees and make gardening a lot easier. When properly laid down, it not only shields ...

Discover More

Caring for Kwanzan Cherry Trees

Have you ever been to Washington, D.C., New York City's Central Park, or even to Japan? If so, then chances are you have ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)