What is the maximum number possible and the maximum number for a realistic orchard.
2007-01-19 13:24:11 · 5 answers · asked by Leslie W 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
Thanks for all the quick answers!! My grandmother has a beautiful old grafted tree at her farm, I believe it has 3 grafts. I'm asking because I'd like to name my future dairy farm Five-Blossom Farm, mainly because it flows nice and second b/c the apple blossom has 5 petals... but I'd really like to eventually get some grafted trees of my own w/ 5 grafts if possible--- thus a Five-Blossom tree!
2007-01-19 13:56:09 · update #1
I've seen as many as 4 on one tree, but 2 is far more common. (I live in apple country.) I don't think there's any theorietical limit. Instead, this would depend on practical matters such as how large and sturdy the rootstock is. Grafting a tree takes time and attention, and there's always a certain risk involved of losing the tree and/or the graft, so you wouldn't want to carry it too far.
2007-01-19 13:45:27 · answer #1 · answered by Joni DaNerd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a book that might interest you that is called The Grafter's Handbook by R. J. Garner. I've heard of some apple trees being grafted as many as 15, 16, and even 18 times. Since there are about 2,500 varieties of apples grown throughout the United States, there are lots to choose from. The top ten are: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh, York Imperial, Rome Beauty, Johnathan, Stayman, Newtown Pippin, and Winesap.
2007-01-19 22:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by HoneyBunny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there's a maximum number. It would depend on the hardiness of the varieties and the host tree, and the skill of the grafter, among other variables.
But......I probably wouldn't bother to go more than 4 or 5. There wouldn't be much point. That many different varieties would give enough selection for different blooming and maturation times and flavors of apples that it would suffice.
2007-01-19 21:29:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As many as the tree can hold. Grafting is simply fusing one variety of tree to another root stock.
2007-01-19 21:27:31 · answer #4 · answered by cretin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've only seen 2 or 3, interesting question. You ought to experiment since you are curious. Great question..
2007-01-19 21:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋