Cleft grafting is a horticultural technique used to join a scion, or a young plant shoot, to a rootstock, which is the base of a plant. This method is particularly useful for propagating fruit trees and other woody plants. The process involves making a cleft or split in the rootstock and inserting the scion into this opening, allowing the two parts to grow together. This technique is often performed in late winter or early spring when the plants are still dormant. Successful cleft grafting can enhance the growth and fruiting potential of the plant, as the scion can carry desirable traits from the parent plant, such as improved fruit quality or disease resistance.