An interesting method called grafting can allow one to grow up to four fruits on a single tree trunk.

Often called 'fruit cocktail trees', a method known as grafting allows one to grow up to four different fruits on a single tree trunk. The fruits that one intends to graft together must be of similar nature, though. So, if you want to graft on a plum tree, you should choose stone-fruit specimens like peach, apricot, nectarine and even cherries, to do so. You can also graft different types of plum on a generic plum tree. A peach tree makes an ideal rootstock for grafting in plums, and it's the best combination to try.

Choosing The Right Peach Rootstock

To start with, pick a tree that produces the best quality peaches in your yard. Check for insect infestation and any other disease and cure them if there be any. Around fall, when the tree has shed its leaves, inspect the tree and settle on a branch from the prior spring's growth. Mark it with a loosely tied yarn so that you can spot it the next spring. It's for the best to earmark four-five branches for multiple graftings.

Preparing The Plum Scions

The small portions of the tree branch that will be the top part after being grafted are called scions.

Just like with the peach tree, seek out a healthy plum tree during the corresponding fall. In this case, you will be looking out for two branches from the prior spring's growth. These branches must be the same in diameter as that of the peach branches that were chosen. Positioning a sharp, sterilized knife just above an outward-facing bud, slice off each suitable branch from outside of the branch towards the inside, with a downward angle. Try to keep the length of the branches that were cut off at twelve inches. As soon as possible, wrap the exposed ends, each in a separate damp paper towel. Place all of it in a plastic bag and store them in the vegetable storage section of your refrigerator, till the next spring.

Connecting In Spring

Come the intended spring, take out the plastic bag, regularize them to ambient temperature, and gingerly unwrap the scions. Then, you can execute any of the two methods. Embed the scion forcefully, yet without damaging the endings, into the hollowed-out branch or place it in and wrap them strongly enough so that they hold effectively. In both cases, you can paint it with a wound dressing or seal it with wax, which is waterproof and also acts as a germ shield.

Endnote

All graftings aren't successful, but when it does, joy certainly knows no bounds!