If the canes are dehydrated, the whole plant may be immersed in water. After soaking, trim off any damaged or diseased roots. Botrytis, a grey mold, is a common disease found on the roots and canes of plants held in storage. In addition to pruning the roots, they may also be soaked in water to which the fungicide Daconil has been added. Any cane thinner than a pencil should be removed.
Buds are easy to spot as raised oval areas on the cane.
Roots may need additional pruning to remove damaged portions or to fit the planting hole. Planting holes should be dug wide enough and deep enough to comfortably accept the roots of the plant. Make a cone-shaped mound of soil in the center of the hole to support the plant, with the bud union at soil level. Do not tamp the soil, as this compacts it and destroys soil structure. After the water has drained down, add more soil and repeat the water fill process until the original soil level has been reached.