First Call Administrator Jacob Mullin Talks About Grafting in His Vineyard

Trial and Error
Dormant to Green Grafting

A year ago I tried a new technique to me called dormant to green grafting.  In this method you cut the existing vine off at the ground.  This will force vigorous new shoots to grow.  You then graft a dormant cutting onto a green shoot.  Using this method you continue to use the existing root system for the new variety.  This gives the plant a head start because of the previously developed root system.

On my first attempt none of the grafts worked.  We had a late spring which didn’t help and I’m sure my lack of experience played a big part.  I had a 100% failure rate! I don’t give up easily, though. I got more advice and am about to try again. This time I expect much more success. By next season, hopefully all the Catawba plants will be replaced, via the dormant to green grafting process, with varieties better suited for our area.

Right after the flood, the first thing that Noah planted was a vineyard. Perhaps he even took cuttings with him on the ark so he would have them to plant. Grapes have been around for so long, and they are so easy to work with. I get a lot of enjoyment out of working in my vineyard.