Resistant cucumbers, tomatoes that are not so much at risk of mold, peppers that bear more fruit than ever before. And there is no genetic modification behind it, no headless crossing. Just good old grafting. “The difference is unreal,” says Jana Bucharová in the podcast consultation.
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It is actually exactly the same as when fruit is grafted. It’s just that perhaps less is known about it among home growers, and when it comes to grafted cucumbers, for example, it can surprise you quite a bit. At the same time, it is a great way to ensure a bigger harvest and also less worry about the plants. “This is nothing new, but we may encounter them more and more often,” says Jana Bucharová, an expert at the magazine Receptář on garden themes. So there is nothing stopping you from trying them in your own garden.
Hardy seedlings
Most often, you will probably come across grafted cucumbers. “Cucumbers in particular are very sensitive to fungal diseases, in addition, the seedlings often die both outside and in the greenhouse,” explains the expert. “And it is the fig-leaf gourd, on which cucumbers are most often grafted, that is very resistant to fungi.”
The result is not only a more durable rootstock and thus a plant that survives well both outdoors and in the greenhouse. In addition, it has a massive root ball, so it will grow more and, of course, produce more fruit. Some plants don’t even need to be cut out, because they will not only keep the larger variety, but also be able to feed it until full maturity.
Caution in place
Today, grafting is definitely not just the domain of cucumbers, melons are also grafted, and more recently tomatoes or peppers. All are evidenced by the larger root balls that the rootstocks provide. “However, take into account that you have to treat the seedlings a little differently than the normally grown ones,” warns Jana Bucharová.
In that case, the greatest attention must be paid to the place where the plants cross. It must always remain above the ground. Otherwise, there is a risk that the seedlings will take root even from the original plant and you will lose the advantages of grafting. Prepare the seedlings at the same time to make seasoning even easier. And from the beginning, count on more intensive watering. All this will help them to grow beautifully and will delight you with a rich harvest in the summer.
