Grafting can be done on rooted container-grown stock in the nursery or on established usually older field stock.
Some advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are listed below:
| Nursery grafting | Field grafting |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Grafting procedure quick (short distance between root stocks). | Grafting procedure slow (distance between root stocks). |
| Easy control of identity of the scion. | Difficult in keeping control of the identity of the scions. |
| Grafting can be done under any weather condition. | Grafting restricted under adverse weather conditions. |
| Easy to protect grafting material during grafting. | Difficult to protect grafting material from desiccation during the field work. |
| Easy to manipulate climate optimal for the grafted plants. | Special requirement for the protection of the grafted plants in the field. |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Few problems with fungal diseases. | Problems with fungal diseases. |
| No problems with restricted root development of the stock. | Problems with restricted root development of container plants. |
| Care of field stock rarely necessary. | Labour intensive care of container plants. |
| Relatively fast growth and early flowering. | Relatively slow growth and late flowering. |
