How Do I Graft a Start From a Rose Bush?

Roses are a highly propagated flower in gardens all over the world. It is both a symbol of love and beauty. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension, there are over 6,000 varieties of roses in many forms, colors and even fragrances. Although some roses are propagated by seed, many varieties are only available through the grafting process. Grafting is combining a cutting from one plant to another plant. This merges together the best qualities of both plants.

Pruning shears
Sharp knife
Plastic bag
Grafting tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a mature cane from a rose bush that is free from disease and insects using a sharp knife. Choose a stem that is from the outer part of the rose since these produce good buds.
- 2
  Position the knife 3/4 inch below a healthy bud and slide the knife upward behind the bud. Cut until you are 1/2 inch above the bud before removing the slice. Do not touch the wounded back of the shield cut you made. Store the bud in a plastic bag with water until ready to use.
- 3
  Make a vertical cut on the opposite side of a healthy leaf on the plant you are grafting to. Make the cut deep enough to break the bark but no deeper. Create another cut towards the top of the vertical cut to make a T-shape.
- 4
  Peel up the bark gently, trying not to break it. Slide your bud shield into the cut and gently press the bark down over it. Cover the area with grafting tape, leaving the bud exposed. Once the bud begins to grow, remove the grafting tape.

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