Apple scion longevity , propagation techniques

[swaine]

Just out of interest really,
Over the last 3-4 years I've started a little orchard of around 30+ apple trees and the last 2 years I've attempted grafting , from what I can I remember I've been receiving my scions March time and grafting them onto the rootstock
How long in theory could a scion wood last not grafted,
Weeks-months- a year ?? ( at room temp, fridge temp. Freezer temp, ( wrapped -unwrapped)
Only I've just read someone storing scions in water and frozen

My other area I'm interested in is propagation by cuttings ??? Do Apple cuttings root easily on their own

Just interested
stew

[Guest]

I might be cracking up but I think Sparrow froze something before trying to root it.
In regards to grafting if I can't do it straight away I put them in a jar of water (damp sand or compost would be ok too) and leave them outside/greenhouse in the winter months. I have done it for a week or so but provided it is cool you could do it longer. The idea being you keep them alive where as if they are in warmth you are promoting growth (roots and leaves) which defeats the purpose for grafting.

[Lardman]

How long in theory could a scion wood last not grafted,
Weeks-months- a year ?? ( at room temp, fridge temp. Freezer temp, ( wrapped -unwrapped)

I would have thought until it dries out and dies would be the most accurate answer you'll get. How long for that to happen is going to depend on too many factors - size, water content, temperature, humidity etc.

Im not sure about freezing either, I would have thought the process would have damaged the cells I feel the need for an experiment

For what it's worth I've kept stuff in the fridge with the ends sealed for over 6 months and successfully grafted with it but it was getting a bit wrinkled by then.

You can propagate by cuttings, easier with some than others (see burr knots and air layering) but the root system may not be particularly healthy and the resulting tree size would be any ones guess. Having said that, there's a local apple called a doddin round here which roots easily and stays a manageable tree on it's on roots.