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Q: What is a grafted plant?

A: Grafting is a method of vegetative (or asexual) propagation where a piece of one plant (scion) selected for its flowers or fruit and containing the desired genes to be duplicated is inserted into a piece of another plant (rootstock), with a strong vigorous root system, usually a seedling.

Benefits of the graft:

• making a clone of the parent plant ensures the same cultivar, since most fruit trees will not come true to seed
• taking a scion from a mature plant reduces time to flowering and fruiting (from 10-12 years for a seedling to 2-3 years or less for a grafted plant)
• introducing dwarfing, hardiness
  What is plant hardiness

  Q: What is plant hardiness?

  A: Plant hardiness refers to the minimum temperature a plant can withstand for a short period during the cold season while remaining healthy and viable. It provides only a general guideline and can vary significantly between different varieties of the same species. Additionally, the listed hardiness ratings typically apply to mature plants; younger, less established plants requires extra protection from cold.

  Another crucial factor in plant survival is the microclimate of the specific area where the plant is located. Microclimates offer more favorable conditions, such as shelter from wind or enhanced warmth, potentially enabling a plant to thrive outside its usual hardiness range.

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  , disease and pest resistance.
• easier propagation method when other means like cutting or seed is not successful