About 3 weeks ago I grafted scions to G890 root stock and placed the roots in damp potting soil.  I’ve kept them chilled until this week and now that the weather is warming up here in Charlotte I moved them to my screened in porch.  I’m seeing leafing on the root stock but not yet on the scion wood...and I’m getting panicky. Does the root stock typically start to grow 1st and then I’ll see growth on the scions? I’m just hoping I didn’t somehow screw up but I have no idea of knowing if this is normal or not.  This is the first time I’ve ever tried to graft anything.

Also...I’ve read that leaves on root stock should be trimmed off. Is that right?

Any help or advice is welcome.

Yes, root stock will form leaf buds first, which need to be removed, remember the root stock is the parent and it wants to grow normally so you have to coax it into forming the connection with the scion graft portion.

The best grafts marry the cambium layer of the stock to the scion, that way the wound will heal faster once the sap starts to flow.
Most failed grafts have at least one side of the scion not exactly lined up with the cambium and that is what causes the failure.

Keep watch and rub off any stock buds or leaves so the stock gets the message that it needs to grow the scion instead.

Ok, that’s great advice and much appreciated! Thank you!