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Colorado

feel free to post some links if this has been discussed before, but i felt a little overwhelmed sifting through other posts on this- is there a general guide of "how to graft" out there somewhere, and is there a specific plant that it is best to graph a watermelon to? thanks!

2/20/2014 2:03:31 PM

Princeton Kentucky

I was overwhelmed abit too with all the different opinions and here I'm about to add to it,lol. Bigmoon turned me onto a nearly neverfail center hole methode. I'done well over 70 grafts over the last two years of practice in the off seasons and have found this center hole methode the best. I wait till my Squash rootstock plants get a cot leaf thats right at 4" because I feel that they provide more energy and stamina to the scion. Way too much how to for me to clog up here so If you want an Indepth step by step how I personaly graft let me know I'll write up a Worktask sheet and shoot it out to ya and you can take it or leave it. I'm no expert but I'm at 100% success the way I graft now. I firmly go total darkness for 24 hrs and keep 100% humidity up in a closed container @ 84 degrees for a healing time of 7 days, Day five I crack open the closed container a 1/2" and at day 7 the plants come out. If they wilt abit they go back in the container a couple more days. Heres a plant I'm going to try and hang onto till I can get it in the ground outside in a greenhouse. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=213468 Later

2/20/2014 9:00:45 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Meant to also say I personaly have been cofused on whats the best rootstock so I'm going with the AG root system. Huge intake capabilities in my book. Here is a link where I have learned alot. Check out their tube grafting video and it will show you a sure fire way to pull your grafts through the healing process. Good thing about this guy..It is as easy to do his methodes as he shows you. Click on the name link and it will show you their other grafting vids. Good Luck http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0GwgMb0M3Q

2/20/2014 9:07:49 PM

formerly RGG

Personally,I think the best chance for good results for a first timer is with cucurbita ficifolia as it is probably less likely to get diseased than other watermelon grafting rootstocks.

2/21/2014 8:30:43 PM

formerly RGG

Some of the gourd roostocks have also produced some spectacular results.

2/21/2014 8:32:02 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Ficifolia is in fact a popular choice. I've also got a couple Bushel Gourds seeds I'm going with this year too as roostocks.I don't know if either one of you have seen one in person but man oh man a White Cushaw (Tennessee Sweat potato aka Salem Pumpkin)has a root system that beats all. I am trying two of these this year for rootstock also. Very tough & rugged plant system.

2/23/2014 8:16:24 AM