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Conifers Trees Plant Propagation

How to acquire scion wood?

4 years ago

Good day everyone!

I am a new but eager conifer/spruce hobbyist trying my hand at propagating spruces by means of grafting.

I have my rootstock all set, but am in need of scion wood, without going out and purchasing a couple of 6ft spruce trees (the price is one factor, but I also don't have anywhere to plant them right now). I am particularly interested in weeping spruce varietals, including but not limited to Weeping Norway Spruce or Picea Pungens 'The Blues'.

Is there anyone here grafting who mind sharing how they go about acquiring scion wood, or how they started out? A home run would be if someone is willing to send/sell me a couple of cutting I can use for my grafting endeavors.

All responses are much appreciated!

Featured Answer

Robert Fincham

4 years ago

If you haven't already, be sure to visit the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, they have an excellent old conifer collection. Visit the Dana Greenhouse and talk to their head propagator. You can pick up some tips and they might even share some cuttings with you.

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Comments (8)

Sara Malone Zone 9b
4 years ago
Join the ACS and you will get tons of opportunities! Those are both easily available.

https://conifersociety.org/join
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years ago
in other words.. join ... and find local collectors.. who might be willing to let you have one or two ....
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Straight from tree to tree works good when you see the scion buds starting to swell a bit. I don't think wrapping the scion in towel is good,..the growth of mold can be enhanced this way. Have the scion's loose in a plastic bag or hard plastic container with a moist piece of paper towel on bottom. You can store them several month. Check about every 2 or 3 weeks,... might need to change out the towel.
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Peach leaf curl isn't transmitted via scionwood. But it certainly could affect a new graft so would need spraying like any peach/nectarine. Viruses are the main concern. Plum pox virus is one example. It is widely present in Europe. So importing scion wood from another region could bring a virus with it. I've got viruses in my stone fruit. In fact a tree planted this year seems infected. So far it hasn't affected the fruit that I can tell but I am concerned and taking out some trees. I've never exchanged scionwood with anyone. So I'm not sure where it came from. Could be I was sold infected trees.
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I'm looking to trade my A. k "Kohout's Icebreaker" scion wood
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trading is not against the rules ... i figured the lack of response .. and i am guessing.. is that most of us have this plant ... or gave up on it ... or dont do grafting ... sounds like you have a collection.. we would like to see some pix.. if you ever have the time ... i see you are brand new to GW ... and i dont want you giving up so easily ... ken
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scion wood ? Hope Al T sees this as well
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1000 watt MH is quite bright, but what really matters is distance from the light. outdoor shade on a sunny day may rival even a 1000watt MH, depending on distance, age of bulb, etc. If you cover the pot fully (ziplock/humidity dome/etc) that also cuts down on light. You can certainly fry cuttings, just like anything else, but in my experience light does help them root. Be careful using bleach. Bleach often has chrlorine as a primary component, and plants DO NOT like chrlorine - this much I am sure of. Daniel
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plantkiller_il_5
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
And tell us where you are at

ron
Rick Goss
Original Author
4 years ago
@Sara Malone Zone 9b Thank you for recommending ACS, I can see there will be a lot value joining, not only with the knowledge sharing but also with meeting others.

@plantkiller_il_5 I'm located in the Boston, MA area.
Sara Malone Zone 9b
4 years ago
There are some long-time members near there. I can put you in touch once you join.
plantkiller_il_5
4 years ago
THERE YOU GO !
Brandon Johnson Zone 5b
4 years ago
I would say that if you can't collect it with integrity, it isn't worth it. I've been out with a few guys who harvest scion right above a "No Trespassing" sign, and that's not cool...

My advice would be to find something you like and knock on their door and ask. Most people I've asked don't mind. Suburbs are particularly good to cruise through.

Like others have suggested, other enthusiasts have contacts. The ACS is a wonderful wonderful resource.

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