The fig may be propagated by shield budding, provided the work is done
at the proper time. That time is winter, when the tree is as near
dormant as it can be found. Budding is rarely resorted to, however, as
it is an uncertain method when done by persons without skill. Grafting
the fig is successfully practiced in California by a method invented by
Mr. John Rock. It is the only method of fig grafting that has proved
reliable, practical, and of real value there. By means of it, new
varieties are brought into heavy bearing within three years after
grafting on old trees. In addition to this saving of time, the usual
advantages resulting from grafting, such as better and stronger stock,
more vigorous growth, etc., may also be attained.
The best time for grafting the fig is autumn or winter, when the sap is
most sluggish. Late spring grafting is less successful. The best scions
are made of 2-year-old wood. The sloping end of the scion must be
wedge-shape, tapering from front to back as well as from the top of the
cut to the bottom. But one surface of the wedge should show the pith,
and this surface should face toward the center of the stock when the
scion is set. Incipient fruit buds should be cut away without injuring
the scion. The scion should be so placed that the broad side of the
wedge will be outside and the narrow edge toward the center of the
stock.
For the stock, any limb from 2 to 4 inches in diameter may be used. This
should be cut off squarely at the point to be grafted. A downward cut
should then be made with a chisel, in such a way that it shall be
tangential to the circular stub. It must not pass through the pith of
the stub. The cut should run somewhat obliquely downward and outward, in
order that the stock may not be split. The scion, which is about 3 or 4
inches long, must, when inserted, form an angle with the long diameter
[pith] of the stock branch on which it is grafted.
It is best to place two scions on each branch grafted. These should be
on opposite sides of the stub and they should lean slightly toward each
other. The exposed surfaces of the stock and scion should then be
heavily waxed and the scions should be held in place by binding with
cord or other material. It is best to place a large number of scions on
one tree. Four or five branches may be cut off and grafted, but one or
two should be left uncut for a year to draw the sap. A large stake
should be driven into the ground near each branch grafted, and when the
scions have started the new growth should be secured to the stakes to
prevent them from breaking off. The trunk and main limbs of the fig tree
should be covered with bundles of straw to prevent sunburn. The
after-treatment of the new growth is similar to that required in the
grafting of other fruit trees. The new growth is strong and rapid and
the connection with the stock perfect. Ninety per cent of the grafts may
be readily made to grow.