What Percentage of Commercially Available Rose Varieties are Grafted vs. Grown from Seed?
Not all roses are grafted; the method of propagation depends on the type of rose and the desired outcomes.
- Grafted Roses: A significant portion of commercially available rose varieties, especially those used for cut flowers and many garden roses, are grafted. For example, many hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda roses are often grafted onto robust rootstocks like Dr. Huey, Fortuniana, or Rosa multiflora to enhance growth, bloom production, and disease resistance[3].
- Own-Root Roses: Some roses, such as climbers, shrubs, miniatures, and many floribundas, are grown on their own roots. These roses are generally cheaper, do not sucker, and are more cold-hardy[3].
What Methods and Techniques are Used in Grafting Roses?
Types of Grafting
- Bud Grafting: This is a common method used for propagating rose cultivars for cut flowers. It involves inserting the axillary bud of the desired cultivar into a virus-free rootstock and securing it with wrapping. After several weeks, the shoot above the union is partially severed, and eventually, the aerial part of the rootstock is removed[5].
- Whip-and-Tongue Grafting: This method involves making a long, sloping cut on the scion and a corresponding cut on the rootstock, then joining them together. This technique is often used for grafting larger scions[4].
Tools Required
- Grafting knife or sharp blade
- Grafting tape or wax
- Rootstock and scion material
Success Rates
- The success rate of grafting can vary depending on the technique and conditions. For example, the omega grafting technique has been shown to have a higher percentage of successful grafting in rose propagation[4].
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Grafting Roses?
Advantages
- Increased Yield and Flower Quality: Grafted roses often show increased yield and improved flower quality compared to own-root roses. For instance, grafted cut rose flowers can increase yield by 11-20% and enhance photosynthetic efficiency[1].
- Improved Disease Resistance: Grafting onto robust rootstocks can provide better disease resistance and tolerance to environmental stresses[3].
- Enhanced Growth Rates: Grafted roses can grow faster and produce more blooms, especially in favorable conditions[3].
Disadvantages
- Cost: Grafting is generally more expensive than growing roses from cuttings or seeds[3].
- Suckering: Some rootstocks, like Fortuniana, can produce suckers that need to be removed regularly[3].
- Complexity: Grafting requires more skill and labor compared to other propagation methods[5].
What Conditions and Environments Affect Grafting Success?
Optimal Temperatures
- Grafting is typically done during cooler months to reduce stress on the plants. For example, in California, cutting propagation of the rootstock occurs from late October to mid-December[5].
Soil Types
- Well-draining soil with adequate nutrients is crucial for the success of grafted roses. The rootstock’s performance in the specific region’s soil conditions is a key factor in choosing the right rootstock[3].
Care Practices Post-Grafting
- Post-grafting care includes ensuring the grafted area is secure, providing adequate moisture, and protecting the plant from extreme temperatures and pests. The new shoot is often cut back to 8-10 inches above the graft union to promote healthy growth[5].
Reference
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/12/6/1468
[3] http://www.santaclaritarose.org/Rootstock2.html
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276493034_Role_of_Grafting_Technique_on_the_Success_of_Stenting_Propagation_of_Two_Rose_Rosa_sp_Varieties
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276493034_Role_of_Grafting_Technique_on_the_Success_of_Stenting_Propagation_of_Two_Rose_Rosa_sp_Varieties
