To acquire rootstock, you can primarily harvest a piece of root from an existing, healthy plant. This method is commonly employed for propagation, especially when preparing for grafting.
Methods for Harvesting Rootstock
The process of obtaining rootstock involves directly severing a section of the root system from a parent plant. As indicated by horticultural practices and direct insights:
- Direct Root Cutting: You can simply "hack a piece of the root off" from the root system of a desired plant. This technique involves physically separating a section of the root to be used as rootstock.
- Utilizing a Shovel: For easier access and removal of root sections, tools like a shovel are highly effective. The reference confirms this, stating that "Demi and Carolyn are using a shovel that works as well," making it a suitable instrument for digging and severing root pieces efficiently. While a "great tool" is mentioned, a shovel serves as a practical option for this task.
Preparing and Using Your Rootstock
Once you've successfully harvested the root section, it's typically prepared for its next step, which is often grafting.
- Selection: Always choose roots that appear healthy and are free from disease or pests, originating from a vigorous parent plant.
- Preparation: Clean the harvested root section and trim it to the desired length, suitable for your specific grafting or planting technique.
- Storage (if necessary): If not used immediately, rootstock pieces can be stored in cool, moist environments to prevent desiccation and maintain viability.
This method of obtaining rootstock is fundamental for vegetative propagation, enabling the cultivation of plants that may not grow true from seed, or for combining beneficial characteristics through grafting.
