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North Of The Border

I hole insertion grafted a couple onto AG rootstocks yesterday evening, and checked on them today. The watermelon was wilting slightly on the cot leaves, and stem of some of them. They are in total darkness, and I have misted around the graft. Any guesses?

3/23/2021 3:59:44 PM

Bethlehem CT

Sometimes they will wilt a little at first then perk up. Just keep them misted and away from stress. Just in case I would start some more, it is not a great sign when they wilt right off the bat. It can be challenging, I saw a video that Tony Prochaska made on the Giant Watermelon growers facebook page. He used aloe, I would suggest watching that video. He may have discovered a good way to keep the graft union from drying out.

3/23/2021 7:24:57 PM

North Of The Border

I will keep misting, and slowly introduce them to light starting now, I will start some more, but I wasn't sure if it was too late to graft them. Thanks.

3/24/2021 3:33:22 PM

Grittyville, WA

Don't give up on them yet they can wilt and recover as long as they remain securely positioned so that the union can continue healing.

3/24/2021 7:02:00 PM

Bethlehem CT

Lots of time left to start!

3/25/2021 8:25:19 AM

North Of The Border

I started some more. One of them actually died all the way yesterday. Hope they keep going, thanks for the advice.

3/26/2021 2:45:33 PM

Bethlehem CT

It will be worth the trouble in the end.

3/26/2021 6:01:32 PM