Fig Propagation Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Grow Figs from Cuttings

Figs have been around for a long time. In fact, archeologists have found evidence that humans were cultivating them as early as 5,000 BCE. These resilient Mediterranean natives are surprisingly adaptable – while they thrive in warm climates, certain cold-tolerant varieties like the Chicago Hardy can survive temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).

A healthy fig tree will produce high-quality fruit for about 15 years. Some varieties, like the fiddle leaf fig, have been known to live for decades. Whether your tree is losing its vigor or you just want more figs in your life, you're probably interested in fig propagation. Propagating by rooting cuttings is an easy, cost-effective way to expand your harvest or rejuvenate your garden. Let's see how exactly you do it.

Methods for Propagating Figs

There are three reliable ways to grow a new fig tree from an existing one. The best method for you depends primarily on the warmth of your local climate, and whether you want your trees to grow indoors or out.

1. Ground Layering

Layering is the most "hands-off" method for outdoor propagation. It's not feasible for everyone, though, because it requires a mild climate where the tree can survive outdoors through the winter.

1. Select a branch: Find a low-growing, flexible branch that can easily reach the ground.
2. Bury a section: Dig a shallow trench in the soil and bury a portion of the branch in it, leaving 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) of the tip exposed above ground.
3. Wait for roots: Over the course of a growing season, the buried section will develop its own root system.
4. Separate: Once the roots are established, sever the branch from the parent tree and transplant the new sapling. It's that easy!

While simple, this method can make mowing or weeding around the tree noticeably tougher. You don't want to mow down your future sapling!

2. Rooting Cuttings Outdoors

This is the most common method for gardeners in temperate climates. It's best done in late winter or early spring, just after the danger of frost has passed but before the tree begins its spring growth.

1. Take your cuttings: Select two-to-three-year-old wood about ½ to ¾ inches (1.5-2 cm) thick – roughly the diameter of your pinky finger. Cuttings should be 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) long.
2. Identify the ends: It's important to plant your cutting right-side up. Always cut the bottom end (the one closer to the trunk) flat, and the top end on a slant to avoid confusion.
3. Prepare the wood: Dip the flat bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage growth.
4. Plant: Dig a hole 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Plant cutting flat-end-down, spacing each cutting about a foot apart.
5. Care: Water well but avoid soaking the soil, which can cause the wood to rot. In a single year, these cuttings can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall! They'll be ready to move to their permanent location by the following dormant season.

3. Rooting Cuttings Indoors

If your winter/spring weather is cold, of if you grow your fig as a houseplant, you can start your cuttings indoors.

1. Prepare the cuttings: Repeat steps 1-3 from the outdoor method above.
2. Prepare a pot: Line a 6-inch (15 cm) pot with newspaper and add 2 inches (5 cm) of well-draining potting soil or sand.
3. Set the cuttings: Place up to four cuttings upright in the pot and fill the remaining space with soil.
4. Create a "greenhouse": Water thoroughly and place a clear 2-liter plastic bottle (with the bottom cut off) over the cuttings to trap humidity.
5. Light and heat: Keep the pot in a warm, bright area, but avoid direct, scorching sunlight. Only water if the soil feels very dry.
6. Acclimate: Remove the plastic bottle about a week after you see the first signs of new green growth.

Once the cuttings show vigorous growth and the outdoor weather has stabilized, transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden. Keep the young trees consistently moist throughout their first summer to help them establish a strong root system.

Fig Propagation Essentials