I would like to propagate a fig tree, but.....

I really want to grow a fig tree and wanted to try to do it by rooting a cutting. Does anyone have any info about doing this? I watched a few youtube videos and it doesn't look too hard. What would be the best way to root a fig cutting? Any recommendations on fig types? I was thinking black or Turkish figs because I wanted to try drying them too.

Does anyone have a fig tree that they wouldn't mind taking a cutting off of and sending it to me? I would of course cover the shipping costs. Can you keep a fig tree small (dwarf) by pruning it? Any suggestions, tips or tricks on figs would be very appreciated.
Thank you!

Do you know anyone with a fig or even in a park ? Often with figs you can find little shoots coming off the base that already have a few roots . a quick tug and a little fig tree is all yours for free

David
I dont think it practical to send you one from where I live

I bought a Brown Turkey Fig tree on clearance for $7 a few years back and now have about 30 trees. It is the easiest thing I have propagated by cuttings. I cut off pieces, stick them in sand (my native soil at the beach), and keep them moist and in the shade. It is a good idea to remove most/all of the leaves, otherwise they will fall off on their own and possibly suck the life out of the branch in the process. I have done it with cuttings 3" long to 3' long and had few failures. My only issue has been an occasional white grub attack on trees in larger containers or after planting them in the ground.

I agree that it would make sense to find a donor tree to take a cutting from if you can find one. Otherwise you can check out the clearance racks at the big box stores or perhaps become friendly with a local nursery that has figs and maybe score one for cheap/free that has been damaged or similar. One tree I planted was about 3' tall when white grubs ate the roots and I managed to pot it up, take the leaves off, and get it to grow again! They are really tough trees! Some things wouldn't be worth it to try and save if it is root bound or severely damaged, but a fig would be one of the easiest to save from a disaster.

Last year I bought some fig cuttings of several different types on eBay. Rooted them in a glass of water and then planted them out in pots. Virtually all of them rooted, about 3/4 grew, and 4/5 of those seem to have survived the winter. So I would say the trick is indeed to get your hands on some cuttings; after that it's all easy.

Where are you located M.?

Can anyone tell me when is the best time to take cuttings from a fig? I think any time of year can work?

I have a small Hardy Chicago fig. I might be be able to spare some cuttings later this spring. It's still recovering from winter though so I'm not sure what I have yet. I've already promised some to a couple people. Let me know if you're interested in this variety and I'll see what I can do.

Thank you all for the replies. I don't know anyone with a tree but still asking around. Can you take a cutting anytime of year?

If you're in the US, send me a message with your address and I'll send some if I get enough growth. I think I probably will.


I think cuttings can probably be taken any time. I really don't know though.

Search for wellspring gardens I bought a ton of different varieties of fig from them this year for $6 each.
The rooted plants were tiny tiny, (2" pots) but got 10 varieties that I could not get locally. Once you have one fig tree growing well you can have a million if you have the time.

Want to be super sneaky/ borderline stealing? Go to a big box store find the generic brown turkey fig tree they are selling for $30 and "prune" a 6" piece from it. Strip the leaves off the end and take it home and throw it in a glass of water. Two weeks maybe three it'll have little roots. Pot it up and blamO.

Also google "layering" and "air layering". Fig branches root easily while still attached to the tree and in contact with moist soil.

I was thinking of checking out the trees at the big box stores and seeing if a piece "falls off" but with my luck, I would be busted. lol.

Ken..... I sent you a message, it should be in your inbox.

Are there any varieties that are NOT good for drying?

Ken W Wilson wrote:Where are you located M.?

Can anyone tell me when is the best time to take cuttings from a fig? I think any time of year can work?

I have a small Hardy Chicago fig.  I might be be able to spare some cuttings later this spring. It's still recovering from winter though so I'm not sure what I have yet. I've already promised some to a couple people. Let me know if you're interested in this variety and I'll see what I can do.

~i've been growing and propagating fig trees for three years now. dormant cuttings are best,all cuttings can be propogated anytime ,but i have found dormant the best and other forum's that i belong to fig growing members agree,if you cut cuttings out of dormancy ,place them in the frig crisper for a couple weeks,wrap them tight in plastic food wrap then slip them into a ziplock bag,they must not dry out,or get wet they will rot .

Thanks Chuck!

Ken W Wilson wrote:Thanks Chuck!

~you are welcome,and anytime i can help answer something i will if i can ,i do know a good bit ,and there's alot to learn for me yet~