The optimal window aligns with active growth—typically when nighttime temperatures consistently hold above 65°F (18°C) and the rootstock is actively pushing a new flush. In Florida, this is generally late March through June. Avoid grafting during winter dormancy or extreme mid-summer heat stress.
This is classic premature unwrapping. It takes weeks for the vascular system to fully fuse. If you unwrap the tape before a hardened second-flush of leaves appears, the delicate callous dries out, and the scion starves. Leave the binding tape on until it begins to naturally crack or constrict the growing wood.
Yes, a "cocktail tree" is entirely possible using cleft or veneer grafts on multiple major scaffold branches. However, management becomes difficult. More vigorous varieties will quickly outgrow and shade out the less vigorous ones. You must aggressively prune the dominant scions to maintain canopy balance.
You need material that provides mechanical pressure and seals out air. While standard Parafilm M works for sealing the scion, you need something stronger (like grafting rubbers or specialized vinyl tape) to tightly bind the union. Professional Agilis Buddy Tape is excellent because it stretches, seals, and photodegrades over time, but heavy-duty rubber bands and Saran wrap can work in a pinch.
Fresh is best. If you must store it, remove all leaves immediately to stop transpiration. Wrap the sticks in barely damp paper towels (too wet invites mold), seal them in a Ziploc bag, and store them in the crisper drawer of a refrigerator at roughly 45°F to 50°F. They can remain viable for a week or two, but success rates drop daily.