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Fig tree propagation is relatively easy when you learn a few pointers. Propagation of fig trees to achieve a true form of the variety you want is by side shoots or rooting cuttings. Fig trees do not grow true to variety from seeds, meaning if you want a particular variety to clone and continue the particular variety, you must take cuttings.
You can take cuttings in the fall months, and also during the summer, green growth.
I have found two rooting methods the best way to propagate fig cuttings.
First, choose a branch that is good length and strong and healthy. Cut the branch at an angle. Take off most of the leaves and any small figlets that may be forming. Leave a few leaves on the branch and cut them in half, the half cut leaf will add nutrient into the cuttings to form roots. You can stick the branch into rainwater about half way to 3/4 way up branch. The roots come out of the nodes that run horizontal on the branch. If you choose to root cuttings in water, it is important to change the water daily. Run water into the jar you are rooting the cutting in, this will cause oxygen to build up in the water and this causes the cuttings to root. After a few weeks, you will likely see roots and then you can carefully plant the cuttings into a good mixture of dirt. Plant the cuttings in the dirt 3/4 way up the cuttings to ensure more roots will grow. Be careful planting it up after rooting, the roots are very very tender and break easily. It may be very slow depending on the variety to start growing out fully, some grow out quicker than others, some may take 6 months for you to see any active leaf growing.
Type two way of rooting is to simply plant the cuttings directly into a pot of good draining dirt. Plant the cuttings 3/4 way up the cuttings and water well. Leave some of the leaves on and cut in half as stated above. I use Miracle grow "Moisture control" potting mix. This is the best dirt for Figs as it doesn't remain soggy, which will cause your cuttings to rot. Keep the cuttings misted well and don't over water when rooting the cuttings directly into dirt.
Type 3 way of rooting, I have done, but don't particulary like, it is successful, but longer and more time consuming. Take the cuttings and roll them in Damp newspaper, place in a ziplock bag in a warm place and wait for them to root. You never root cuttings in papertowels as they will mold up in the bag. The damp newspaper has ink in the paper which will stop mold. The ink is a good mold fighter. As I said, this method I have done with great success, but it is not my favorite method as direct soil rooting and water rooting.
You will know your cuttings have "took" when they start too put out new growth and grow quicker.
Remember since Fig trees are Mediterranean Natives, if you live in the Northern U.S. you will have to bring your fig trees inside in the winter, so I wouldn't recommend planting them inground in the northern U.S. You can successfully grow large fig trees in Very large pots and have a huge crop of figs each year. If you do put them in the ground, you will have to take alot of precautions to bury them under ground or cover them well, which is taking a great risk till the spring. In Italy, Fig trees can grow well and large without being covered or buried when planted in ground, but the temperature rarely gets below freezing in most parts of Italy or other areas of the Mediterranean to kill the trees. In the Northern U.S., Figs will start to die when temps drop into the 20's so you will let them go dormant outside, bring them inside in a cool place, like a basement, water a couple times (not much during dormancy). You can put your dormant tree outside in the spring when the temp is above 35 degrees if it has not starting growing leaves, it is best for it to leaf out outside. If it leafed out inside, you will have to place these tender (inside leaves) into the shade for a couple of weeks so the sun doesn't scorch the leaves. This only applies if the tree has leafed out inside. If they haven't leafed out inside, put them in full sun.
Remember these rules for fig tree care.
Every couple years or maybe sometimes once a year, you will have to root prune your fig tree in spring, put fresh dirt and larger pot if you need to, trim the roots accordingly..
The more heat a fig tree received, the better it is. Figs like it dry and Hot. 85 degrees is perfect or higher to 90 degrees.
Water potted fig trees well, but don't over water, let it dry somewhat,depending on the soil you use.
Full sun is required for a healthy tree and a large crop of figs. Do not keep a growing fig tree in the shade, it will get leggy and not grow well. Full sun always!!!
Bring the fig trees inside when temps drop low in the winter after the tree goes dormant outside. Water sparingly in the winter.
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