Grafting fruit trees is very common and relatively simple. But when it comes to how to graft a fig tree, things change. Because we are looking at a tree that has characteristics that make it special and that make grafting difficult.
In addition, this tree has problems healing wounds, which can cause the graft to take longer than usual to join well to the rootstock. However, if we take the appropriate precautions, we can successfully graft this fruit tree.
Why is it so difficult to graft a fig tree?
When cutting a fig tree branch we can see that in the center there is a kind of white marrow. The only part of the branch that has hard wood is just the part between the bark and that white core. This causes the branches are not strong enough enough to withstand the indentations that are usually made for grafting.
On the other hand, the injury to the bark of this tree generates a white latex which is harmful to the grafts, since it ends up creating a film between the grafted branch and the rootstock and, if there is no contact between both parts, the graft will not succeed.
Furthermore, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, it is common for fig trees it takes a long time to heal the wounds. Causing the graft to fail to solidify in the time it would be recommended for it to do so and, if it is not well protected, it is most likely that it will end up breaking.
Therefore, grafting is not exactly the most popular way when it comes to reproducing a fig tree. However, that does not mean that we cannot achieve it if we take it patiently.
Best time to graft a fig tree
When it comes to how to graft a fig tree, one of the keys to achieving the desired objective is to do the operation at the most appropriate time of year.
The graft is more likely to take when there is greater movement of sap in the tree, so it is advisable to tackle this task preferably in spring and summer. In winter, the tree is dormant and the movement of sap inside it is so slow that the healing of the wound will take much longer to take place.
In warm climates the tree's dormancy period is shorter, so grafting could be attempted from late winter to early autumn.
Which grafts give the best results?
There are many grafting modalities, but the ones that give the best results when it comes to fig trees are the crown graft and the chip graft.
- Crown graft. It is done in mid-spring, when the tree is beginning to sprout, and is carried out on branches or trunks that have a certain thickness and have been topped (cut transversely at their base).
- Chip grafting. It is carried out on young shoots or suckers, at the end of summer or beginning of autumn, and consists of grafting buds from other branches or young shoots that have smooth bark.
How to graft a fig tree?
Having made the clarifications, we are going to see in more detail the step by step to ensure that the grafting of this fruit tree ends up being a success.
To do this we will need a sharp knife, pruning shears, grafting tape and, optionally, grafting paste or sealant.
Pattern preparation
An important first step is to choose the fig tree on which we are going to graft. It should be a healthy tree.
We will do the grafting on the trunk or on a branch that has the appropriate size, taking care to trim branches that may compete with the grafted branch for nutrients.
Graft preparation
We choose the tree we want to graft and cut a segment of a branch that has at least one healthy looking bud or sprout.
Making the cuts and union of the graft
In the pattern we make a T-shaped cut with a sharp knife. In the variety to be grafted we cut a thin section in form of language.
Next we join the branches by carefully inserting the tongue of the variety to be grafted into the T-shaped incision of the rootstock, making the fabrics match each other.
Secure the graft
When we talk about how to graft a fig tree, one of the keys to a positive result is that the two parts are sufficiently united so that they can integrate with each other in a natural way as the wound heals.
Secure the graft with special tape for this type of operations, It guarantees that the tissues will be in contact and will protect them against desiccation.
Optionally, we can apply sealing paste to give more airtightness to the cuts and prevent insects from entering or diseases from spreading.
Graft control
We could say that grafting is the easy part of the job, especially if we have already grafted a fruit tree before. The complicated part comes later, because we must monitor the evolution, taking into account that achieving a good result will not always be in our hands.
In the weeks following the graft We will ensure that the fig tree is protected against extreme weather conditions, and we will periodically check the joint to ensure that it is healing. If we are lucky, after a while we will notice that the rootstock and the grafted branch have joined together and it begins to grow.
If you want to ensure even more success, take note of these extra tips:
- Graft varieties that are compatible with each other.
- Disinfect tools before and after use.
- Learn from experience to gradually improve your grafting skills.
Now you know how to graft a fig tree, so what's left for you is to get to work on this task. Have you managed to graft this fruit tree successfully? We would love for you to share your experience in the comments.