| CAN YOU GRAFT LEMON WITH A BLOOD ORANGE? ALSO WHEN WOULD BE THE BEST TIME FOR DIONG SO AND IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE SIZE OF BRANCH YOU CAN USE. I WOULD LIKE TO USE THE LARGEST POSSIBLE.IF NOT POSSIBLE CAN A LEMON TREE BE TRANSPLANTED THAT IS ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD AND IS ABOUT 8 FT TALL AND ABOUT 4 FT IN DIAMENTER. TRANSPLANTING PROBLEMS? BEGINER GARNDER RICK |
| Since lemon and orange are both of the citrus family it should be possible to graft them. The key to success with grafting is making sure the wood you're grafting together is of the same diameter so the cambium will match. Young wood is generally used (one-year old, about as thick as a pencil and with several buds). Thicker wood might work, but it's chancy. I use wood that's about 6" long and 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter. Cut your scion wood in late winter and attach each piece to a healthy stem. Then when new growth begins in the spring you should see the buds on the newly grafted wood produce leaves. There are several ways to accomplish the union of grafted scions and "The Complete Bood of Plant Propagation" by Graham Clarke & Alan Toogood is an excellent reference for first-time grafters. If you've never tried grafting, look through the book for some helpful tips. You can transplant a tree or shrub of almost any size providing you carefully excavate around it and keep the root mass intact. Expect your tree to have roots extending about one and one-half times as far away from the trunk as the drip-line (tips of the branches) and from 12" to 18" deep. Be sure to have the new hole ready, expose the roots to as little air and sunlight as possible, and water well after transplanting. Good luck with your project! |
