| I have an orange tree that never bears. My friend has a tree that is loaded with oranges, but the fruit is not very sweet. If I graft some of his vigorous shoots to my existing root and stem, will it be possible for my tree to receive some of his trees growing characteristics without inheriting the bland tasting fruit? |
| Greg, Unfortunately it will not. The characteristics of the fruit that grows on a branch are determined by the genetics of that branch, not the rootstock or branches elsewhere on the tree. If you graft a vigorous bland shoot onto your tree it will continue to produce bland oranges while the rest of you tree will continue to grow the same as it has. In fact, the vigorous shoot may not be as vigorous and productive on your tree. The reason is that your tree's root stock or the growing conditions in your yard may be limiting the vigor of your tree. Thanks for the question. Please feel free to stop in again with another question any time we can help! |
