Callery Pear Grafting

It looks like one.

You can do two different pears, and if they flower at the same time, they should pollinate each other. Good luck.
 
I did 3 in the fence row at home this year. All 3 took, so I went ahead and added the bracing early. As these grow I will add more duct tape up higher.

IMG_4015.jpeg
 
KSQ2 said:
Why duct tape instead of ribbon or something similar? Just curious. I’ll need to add some bracing soon too hopefully.
Click to expand...
I use duct tape because it is strong. I’ve seen these scions grow really long in the first year. When they grow long like that you also need to add more tape up higher. I’ve not seen any flagging ribbon that will keep them from breaking in a bad wind storm. I actually prefer gorilla tape over duct tape because of how much tougher it is.

PS - I turn the sticky part away from the scion.
 
Native Hunter said:
I use duct tape because it is strong. I’ve seen these scions grow really long in the first year. When they grow long like that you also need to add more tape up higher. I’ve not seen any flagging ribbon that will keep them from breaking in a bad wind storm. I actually prefer gorilla tape over duct tape because of how much tougher it is.

PS - I turn the sticky part away from the scion.
Click to expand...
Could you post another pic of your support method from a little more distance? I’m not sure where your pics are in here. A link would by fine too. Thanks!
 
KSQ2 said:
Could you post another pic of your support method from a little more distance? I’m not sure where your pics are in here. A link would by fine too. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I found this picture below that might help. It doesn't show the bottom, but I have the cane sticks tightly taped to the tree trunk in two or three different places down there. These cane sticks are around 5 feet long. Down on the trunk, I turn the sticky side toward the trunk, but where I tape up at the scions, I turn the sticky side away from the scions.

In the picture below, I am getting ready to add more tape up higher because of how much the scions have grown since I first taped them.
PS - If you need a better picture than this, let me know, and I will take some more for you.

bracing graft.jpg
 
KSQ2 said:
I don't have any cane readily available, would small dowel rods or pvc work ok? I'm assuming a little flex would be nice if possible?
Click to expand...
Yes, that should work as long as it doesn’t flex too much. Some flex up high is okay, but you want no flex close to the graft union.
 
Last edited:
I've been putting bamboo on potted grafts, like persimmon. In the field, I've used tree tubes, seemed easier. Anyone think of a downfall to this?
 
Our graft is really off and running, so I took Native’s advice and got it supported today.
Had to cut off a BUNCH of shoots. How long do you have to keep doing this on a callery graft? Indefinitely?
IMG_0056.jpeg
IMG_0069.jpeg
 
KSQ2 said:
When do you remove the electrical tape? And when do you remove the bracing? Sorry for being too lazy to look it up in another thread. :)
Click to expand...
I don’t remove the bracing until the next spring, and I usually do the same with the electrical tape.

If the scions grow rapidly I will sometimes remove the tape sooner if I think the tape is too tight. A few times in cases like that I have removed the tape and put on new tape and wax. I would only do this if I think the original tape was too tight and I still needed to seal out the water.
 
Last edited:
Native Hunter said:
I don’t remove the bracing until the next spring, and I usually do the same with the electrical tape.

If the scions grow rapidly I will sometimes remove the tape sooner if I think the tape is too tight. A few times in cases like that I have removed the tape and put on new tape and wax. I would only do this if I think the original tape was too tight and I still needed to seal out the water.
Click to expand...
If you look close at the above pic, you can see the graft joint is growing really fast. Do you think it might be time already to replace the electrical tape?
 
KSQ2 said:
If you look close at the above pic, you can see the graft joint is growing really fast. Do you think it might be time already to replace the electrical tape?
Click to expand...

I doubt it would be this early. You only need to replace it if you feel it is so tight that it is cutting into the scion badly. The tape will stretch some too unless you made several wraps. Usually if I only do about three wraps, I don't have to replace the tape. You don't need to remove the tape until you are certain that you have a good, solid union in place.
 
Native Hunter said:
I doubt it would be this early. You only need to replace it if you feel it is so tight that it is cutting into the scion badly. The tape will stretch some too unless you made several wraps. Usually if I only do about three wraps, I don't have to replace the tape. You don't need to remove the tape until you are certain that you have a good, solid union in place.
Click to expand...
I honestly cannot remember how many times I wrapped it. I’ll keep an eye on it though.
 
Native Hunter said:
I doubt it would be this early. You only need to replace it if you feel it is so tight that it is cutting into the scion badly. The tape will stretch some too unless you made several wraps. Usually if I only do about three wraps, I don't have to replace the tape. You don't need to remove the tape until you are certain that you have a good, solid union in place.
Click to expand...
The callery pear graft continues to impress!
IMG_0184.jpeg
How is the tape looking on the joint Native? I don’t THINK it’s hurting the graft wood, but wanted your thoughts.
IMG_0183.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

W
experiences with fruit trees in past ten years
Replies
18
Views
5K
j-bird
j-bird
lakngolf
Lakngulf and Grafting...hmmmmmm
Replies
15
Views
3K
lakngolf
lakngolf
Bottomland
Grafting Problems
Replies
2
Views
1K
Neahawg
Neahawg
Shufigo
2017 Grafting Report, a real mixed bag
Replies
9
Views
2K
PBear
P
wbpdeer
First Time Grafting Report - Oh My
2 3
Replies
54
Views
7K
Merle Hawggard
Merle Hawggard
Back
Top