Instead of cross-pollinating two plants and producing hybrid seeds, grafted plants use the roots and the bottom portion of 1 plant (rootstock) and attach it to a tender shoot (scion) from the highest portion of another plant. This is commonly accomplished with timber and shrubs to mix one of the best traits of the two plants. Grafting is a way that joins two plants into one. Generally, a wound is created on one of the plants, and the other is inserted into that wound so each plant’s tissues can grow together. Most fruit trees at this time are grafted onto rootstock. Besides imparting specific characteristics to the resulting plant, it’s a quick and reliable means of reproducing plants that don’t develop true to kind from seed. Unfortunately for the backyard gardener, which means we cannot save seeds and grow extra plants. The truth is, many grafted plants are patented. What is a Rootstock?
