By Jackie Rhoades
The fig tree has been around for a long time. Archeologists have found evidence of its cultivation that dates back to 5,000 BC. They are a small, warm climate tree that can grow almost anywhere, some varieties can even survive in temperatures down to 10F to 20F. Fig trees will produce well for about 15 years.
If you enjoy figs, whether fresh, dried or in preserves and if you tree is getting old or your generous neighbor’s tree is getting old, you might be wondering how to propagate fig trees as opposed to buying a replacement. Fig propagation is an economical way to continue or increase production.
Methods For How To Start A Fig Tree
How to start a fig tree from fig cuttings is a simple process that can be accomplished in one of three ways. Each of these methods of rooting figs is simple and straight forward and your choice will probably depend on the dormant season weather in your area.
Layering For Fig Propagation
The first method addresses how to propagate fig trees outdoors depends on dormant season temperatures that never fall below freezing. Ground layering is a way of rooting figs by burying a portion of low growing branch with six to eight inches of the tip showing above ground and allowing the buried portion it to root before severing it from the parent tree. While this is the simplest method of fig propagation, it can prove awkward for ground maintenance while the branches root.
Rooting Fig Cuttings Outdoors
A more popular method of rooting figs outdoors is through fig cuttings. Late in the dormant season, after the danger of frost is past, take fig cuttings from small branches that are two to three years old. They should be about ½ to ¾ inches thick, about the width of your pinky, and 8-12 inches long. The bottom end cut should be flat and the tip cut on a slant. Treat the slanted end with a sealant to prevent disease and the flat end with rooting hormone.
When learning how to start a fig tree by this method, its best to use six to eight shoots to allow room for some failures. You can always give away multiple successes!
Plant the rooting fig’s flat end six inches deep in hole six inches wide and about a foot apart. Water well, but don’t over water. In one year, your fig cuttings can grow 36-48 inches. The new trees will be ready to transplant the following dormant season.
Rooting Figs Indoors
The third method of fig propagation is about how to start a fig tree indoors. This method is good for an early start if your spring weather is unsettled. Follow the method above for taking fig cuttings. Line the bottom of a six inch pot with newspaper and add two inches of sand or potting soil. Stand four of your treated cuttings upright in the pot and fill around them with soil. Water the pot thoroughly and place a two liter bottle with the bottom cut off over the cuttings.
Keep the fig cuttings warm and in a bright (not direct sun) window. Don’t water unless the soil becomes very dry. Wait a week after you see new growth to remove the make shift greenhouse.
When you see vigorous growth, plant your rooted fig cuttings in larger pots or out of doors when the weather allows. Keep the transplants moist for the rest of the summer and watch them grow.
As you can see, how to propagate fig trees is a simple process and when done properly, is a satisfying and economical experience. Happy eating!
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By Jackie Rhoades
If you enjoy figs, whether fresh, dried or in preserves and if you tree is getting old or your generous neighbor’s tree is getting old, you might be wondering how to propagate fig trees as opposed to buying a replacement. Fig propagation is an economical way to continue or increase production.
Methods For How To Start A Fig Tree
How to start a fig tree from fig cuttings is a simple process that can be accomplished in one of three ways. Each of these methods of rooting figs is simple and straight forward and your choice will probably depend on the dormant season weather in your area.
Layering For Fig Propagation
The first method addresses how to propagate fig trees outdoors depends on dormant season temperatures that never fall below freezing. Ground layering is a way of rooting figs by burying a portion of low growing branch with six to eight inches of the tip showing above ground and allowing the buried portion it to root before severing it from the parent tree. While this is the simplest method of fig propagation, it can prove awkward for ground maintenance while the branches root.
Rooting Fig Cuttings Outdoors
A more popular method of rooting figs outdoors is through fig cuttings. Late in the dormant season, after the danger of frost is past, take fig cuttings from small branches that are two to three years old. They should be about ½ to ¾ inches thick, about the width of your pinky, and 8-12 inches long. The bottom end cut should be flat and the tip cut on a slant. Treat the slanted end with a sealant to prevent disease and the flat end with rooting hormone.
When learning how to start a fig tree by this method, its best to use six to eight shoots to allow room for some failures. You can always give away multiple successes!
Plant the rooting fig’s flat end six inches deep in hole six inches wide and about a foot apart. Water well, but don’t over water. In one year, your fig cuttings can grow 36-48 inches. The new trees will be ready to transplant the following dormant season.
Rooting Figs Indoors
The third method of fig propagation is about how to start a fig tree indoors. This method is good for an early start if your spring weather is unsettled. Follow the method above for taking fig cuttings. Line the bottom of a six inch pot with newspaper and add two inches of sand or potting soil. Stand four of your treated cuttings upright in the pot and fill around them with soil. Water the pot thoroughly and place a two liter bottle with the bottom cut off over the cuttings.
Keep the fig cuttings warm and in a bright (not direct sun) window. Don’t water unless the soil becomes very dry. Wait a week after you see new growth to remove the make shift greenhouse.
When you see vigorous growth, plant your rooted fig cuttings in larger pots or out of doors when the weather allows. Keep the transplants moist for the rest of the summer and watch them grow.
As you can see, how to propagate fig trees is a simple process and when done properly, is a satisfying and economical experience. Happy eating!
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