Hello to all!
The very high temperatures of the last few weeks have unfortunately caused some of my graftings to sprout prematurely. I had hoped that the warm temperatures would allow them to ripen. But for the last two days we have only had heavy rain and a temperature drop to max. 12 degrees centigrade. This chance is probably no longer there.
However, the big problem for me is that the young shoots no longer mature and the winter is coming. I am very uncertain how to save them for the next spring.
The crown has not been cut. Is it advisable to prune still now the shoot back except for the lateral eyes at the base or is there a better option?
Both root stocks were propagated by T-budding on 15.08.2024 and 28.08.2024.
Don’t worry. Even if the young shoots damaged in winter, it would sprout from side, note that roses often have 3 buds per node, not to mention it can form adventitious buds from the node.
It’s not recommended to cut the crown because it can support the root system. Just cut it at the end of winter, then vigorous new shoots would grow from the scion next spring.
I agree with Mingwei–letting it grow can only strengthen the graft union, and the adventitious buds will still be there whether or not the primary shoot is ultimately winter-killed. Winter damage begins at the tip of the shoot in roses, so leaving it alone and even promoting further growth before winter will probably give the graft a better chance of overall survival.
I don’t speak from experience, but wonder if others think that there would be merit to thinning the everhead growth to insure the grafted portion is getting adequate light, and to dissuade the mother plant from any temptation to abort the bud?
