An overview of apple grafting: searching for new varieties, preparing the trees, getting the tools ready.
by Chad Steiner
Grafting is a horticultural technique that has been around for centuries. I sometimes say “it’s 6,000-year-old technology”. It involves joining two plant parts together so they grow as one. In the world of apple cultivation, grafting is not just a technique; it’s an art form that opens doors to a world of diverse and exceptional apple varieties. Today, I’ll dive into how we prepare for grafting at our farm and spotlight some standout MAIA apple varieties that are captivating both farmers and consumers alike.
Preparation for Grafting: Laying the Foundation
Gathering Scion Wood: Along with scion choice (think apple variety with the word “scion”), rootstock is also a major variable. In this years scenario, the rootstocks is already in the orchard. Therefore, this winter we focused on variety choice (later in the article) and gathering scion wood. Scions are the young shoots or twigs harvested from donor trees, and are selected for the quality of the fruit they produce. For us, the focus is often on innovative varieties that promise exceptional taste and texture.
Tools and Materials: With our rootstocks in the ground and scions in hand, we gather our grafting tools and materials. A sharp grafting knife ensures clean cuts, essential for successful grafting. We also prepare grafting tape and wax to seal the graft, protecting it from pathogens and ensuring moisture retention. Stay tuned for updates as our expert grafters arrive to the farm to work their magic.
Creating the Ideal Environment: Grafting success is significantly influenced by environmental conditions. We aim for a period of active growth, typically in early spring, when the sap is flowing, and the plants are waking from their winter dormancy. This timing encourages the graft to ‘take,’ facilitating the union of scion and rootstock. Then, when the timing is right, we make a chain saw cut higher on the tree to prep for the grafter (local experts). Once the grafter arrives, they make a fresh cut to place the scion sticks into the existing tree. And, like magic, they start growing together.
Caption: click to see a short video of grafting on our farm.
What we’re bringing to the farm, a Spotlight on MAIA Varieties
In our quest to bring exceptional apples to all of you, we’ve embraced the MAIA (Midwest Apple Improvement Association) varieties. Each of these varieties brings something unique to the table, from flavor profiles to crispness that we know you’ll love. A crowd favorite this last fall was EverCrisp®.
Scruffy®: Aptly named for its rugged appearance, Scruffy boasts a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness, making it a favorite for fresh eating.
Sweet Maia®: As the name suggests, Sweet Maia delights with its intense sweetness, complemented by a floral aroma. It’s a variety that stands out for its dessert-quality flavor.
Ludacrisp®: Known for its exceptional crispness, Ludacrisp lives up to its playful name. Its juicy texture and balanced flavor make it a versatile apple for both eating fresh and culinary uses.
Maia-AM (trademark name pending): An early fall golden apple that ripens one week after Gala and has a long harvest window. It has a waxy smooth, russet-free, light-yellow skin. It is highly rated by consumers for being crispy and bursting with juiciness!
Summerset®: Rounding out our MAIA spotlight, Summerset captures the essence of summer with its sweet, refreshing taste and sun-kissed color. It’s an apple that promises to bring a taste of warmth to any dish or snack.
Caption: check out more detailed info on these exciting new varieties by clicking the image.
Conclusion
Grafting is more than just a technique; it’s a bridge that connects the past, present, and future of apple cultivation. By grafting these innovative MAIA varieties onto strong, resilient rootstocks, we not only bring you new, exciting and exceptional apples but also adapt to the everyone’s changing tastes and needs.
As we prepare for this grafting season and as I write this article, we’re reminded how fascinating this ancient practice is. It’s a testament to the creativity, patience, and skill that farming demands. We look forward to sharing the fruits (see our u-pick apple offerings here) of our labor – literal and metaphorical – with you.
Cheers,
