plant biology
Grafting
Last reviewed 2026-10-04
Grafting is the process of joining a piece of one plant to the rooted part of another so their tissues can grow together. The upper piece is the scion, and the rooted lower piece is the rootstock. A successful graft requires compatible plants, close contact between matching tissues, and suitable aftercare.
What it means
The scion supplies the desired top growth, while the rootstock can contribute vigor, size control, disease tolerance, or adaptation to soil conditions. Compatibility is not universal, even between related plants. Grafted plants are often labeled with both cultivar and rootstock information.
How it affects the garden
Plant the graft union at the depth recommended for the crop. If the scion takes root or shoots grow from below the union, the rootstock may change or overtake the plant. Protect a fresh graft from drying, movement, and extreme conditions while it heals.
The can I grow this tool helps review site conditions, but graft compatibility is a specialist question. Spacing and mature size still follow the complete plant description.
Example
A tomato scion with desirable fruit may be grafted onto a rootstock selected for root vigor. The fruit traits come mainly from the scion, while the root system has its own role.
Common confusion
Grafting is not the same as propagation from a cutting. A cutting grows roots from one plant part, while grafting combines parts from two plants.
Sources
University of Minnesota Extension discusses grafted fruit trees and the relationship between rootstock and cultivar.
