Where to Find the Best Fig Tree Cuttings for Sale

Fig trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow, even for beginners. And starting your fig tree from a cutting is simple and economical. When shopping for fig tree cuttings for sale, it’s important to find a reputable source with high-quality cuttings to ensure success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find and buy the best fig tree cuttings for sale.

What are Fig Tree Cuttings?

A fig tree cutting is a clipping taken from a mature fig tree that can be rooted to grow a new independent tree Cuttings allow you to replicate the exact variety, taste, size, and other characteristics of the parent tree.

Cuttings are usually 4-8 inches long and should have 3-5 nodes where leaves will sprout. The diameter should be around that of a pencil. Cuttings are taken when the tree is dormant, typically late fall through early spring.

When buying fig cuttings, it’s crucial to source them from reputable nurseries and sellers. This ensures you’re getting the specific variety you want and healthy, viable cuttings.

Benefits of Starting Figs from Cuttings

There are several advantages to propagating fig trees from cuttings rather than growing from seed:

• Guaranteed variety – Cuttings produce an exact genetic clone of the parent tree so you know exactly what variety you’re getting. Figs grown from seeds are genetically unique and unpredictable.

• Faster fruiting – Cuttings from mature trees will fruit significantly sooner, usually in just 1-2 years Fig trees started from seeds can take 4-6 years to fruit

• Higher success rate – Figs root very easily from cuttings, while germination rates from seed can be spotty. Up to 95% of fig cuttings may successfully take root.

• Lower cost – Fig tree cuttings are very affordable, often selling for just $10-20 each. Starting from seeds is cheaper but takes more time and effort.

For these reasons, planting cuttings is the preferred method for home gardeners who want fast fruiting fig trees exactly like the parent plant.

What to Look for When Buying Fig Cuttings

When shopping for fig tree cuttings, here are the key things to look for:

• Appearance – Cuttings should be plump, green, and flexible. Avoid cuttings that are dried out, moldy, or rotting.

• Size – Ideal cuttings are 6-10 inches long and pencil thickness or slightly thicker. They should have 3-5 nodes for new growth.

• Reputable seller – Purchase from a trusted nursery or online shop with excellent reviews and satisfied customers. Avoid big box stores.

• Clear variety labeling – The exact fig variety should always be clearly identified. Be wary of generic cuttings.

• Origin – For biosecurity, buy only from domestic U.S. sources. Importing cuttings risks introducing diseases.

• Freshness – Buy cuttings that were recently taken, not leftover stock that’s been in storage. New growth indicates freshness.

• Price – Expect to pay $8-20 per cutting for common varieties, sometimes more for rare types.

• Shipping – Opt for fast, safe shipping. Bare-root or wrapped in moist paper is fine. Avoid letting cuttings dry out.

Also look for sellers who provide instructions and after-sale support to guide you through the rooting and planting process.

Recommended Sellers of Fig Tree Cuttings

Here are some top recommended sources to buy quality fig tree cuttings online:

figBid

• Specialty site just for fig cuttings with hundreds of varieties
• Allows you to buy from many individual sellers in one place
• Cuttings just $8-20 each plus reasonable shipping
• Read seller profiles and feedback to find reputable sources

The American Fig Company

• Owned by fig expert Ira Wallace
• Offers about 30 varieties of cuttings
• Each comes with detailed growing instructions
• Known for shipping fresh, robust cuttings nationwide
• Also sells unusual fig varieties in grafted trees

eBay

• Numerous individual sellers offering fig cuttings
• Prices start around $8-12 per cutting
• Read seller ratings and product reviews carefully
• Avoid cuttings shipped from overseas

Etsy

• Another marketplace with many independent fig cutting sellers
• Look for U.S. based sellers with excellent reviews and policies
• Usually not as wide a selection as specialty fig sites
• Prices similar to eBay

Local Nurseries

• Worth checking with local nurseries during dormant season
• Selection limited but you can inspect cuttings in person before buying
• Usually need to order ahead since supply is limited

Wherever you buy from, be sure to closely inspect cuttings upon arrival and return any that are weak, dried out, or not properly identified.

When to Buy Fig Tree Cuttings

Fig cuttings are typically available for sale from late fall through early spring when the trees are dormant. The best times to buy are:

• November – Sellers start taking fresh cuttings after leaf drop

• December to February – Peak availability as dormant season continues

• March/April – Last chance before buds start swelling, supply dwindles

Buy early in the window to get the best selection. Popular varieties sell out first.

Stored cuttings from the previous season tend to have lower viability. Always ask when the cuttings were taken.

How Much Do Fig Tree Cuttings Cost?

Fig cuttings are very affordably priced, especially considering you’re getting an exact clone of a mature, fruit-bearing tree. Here are typical costs:

• Common varieties – $8 to $12 per cutting

• Rarer varieties – $12 to $20 per cutting

• Exotics and imports – $20 to $40 per cutting

• Shipping – $5 to 15 per order

Bundles with multiple cuttings are often discounted. For example, a pack of 3 cuttings for $25.

Prices don’t vary too much between sellers. But you may pay slightly more on Etsy.

Overall, expect to spend around $15 to $30 for each variety you want. If the price seems too good to be true, be wary.

How Many Fig Tree Cuttings Should I Buy?

Most fig experts recommend starting with 3-6 cuttings per variety you want to grow. Here’s why:

• Not all cuttings may succeed – starting with several improves success rate

• Planting multiple cuttings together yields a fuller, shrub-like fig tree

• Extra fig trees make great gifts or can be traded with fellow gardeners

• With more cuttings, you can experiment with different rooting methods

• A backup is wise in case one fails or dies later on after planting

For a diverse fig orchard, consider purchasing 10-12 cuttings total across 4-6 varieties. Opt for a mix of cold-hardy and faster-ripening types.

Storing Fig Cuttings Until Planting

Upon receiving cuttings in the mail, unpack them right away. Trim off any dead or mushy sections if needed.

Soak cuttings in room temperature water for 1-2 hours before planting to rehydrate.

If you can’t plant them out immediately, store cuttings wrapped in damp paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

Change towels as they dry out. Keep cuttings moist but not sopping wet.

Avoid freezing cuttings, allowing them to dry out, or keeping them too warm in storage.

Prepare your rooting area in advance so you can plant the cuttings quickly once they arrive.

Rooting and Growing On Fig Cuttings

With proper care, most fig cuttings will readily root and grow into full trees in just 1-2 seasons. Here’s a quick overview:

• Rooting – Stick cuttings in loose potting mix and keep warm (70-80F) and moist until roots form in 4-8 weeks.

• Potting up – Once rooted, pot into gallon containers using an organic fig mix. Grow on in pots for the first year.

• Planting out – The following winter, plant rooted cuttings or small trees into a prepared garden bed.

• Care – Water regularly, control weeds, fertilize, and prune to shape the trees and encourage fruiting.

See our in-depth guides on rooting fig cuttings, growing potted fig trees, and planting outdoors for more details and tips.

Within just a couple seasons, you can have fig trees loaded with sweet, ripe fruit to harvest each summer!

Finding the Best Fig Varieties For Your Climate

One of the most exciting parts of growing figs from cuttings is exploring the diverse range of fig varieties. Some aspects to consider for your climate:

• Cold hardiness – Select hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy, Violette de Bordeaux if you get cold winters.

• Heat tolerance – Varieties like Brown Turkey, Celeste thrive in hot, humid southern climates.

• Ripening time – Pick early, mid, and late season types for extended harvests.

• Flavor – Sample different varieties to find ones you love – berry flavors, honey tones, etc.

• Productivity – Some prolific varieties like Celeste yield abundantly, good for preserving.

Talk to local fig experts to learn which types perform best in your specific area. Then browse among the dozens of choices when buying cuttings.

Import Regulations When Ordering Fig Cuttings

Due to concerns over pests and diseases, it’s crucial to follow USDA regulations on importing plant materials:

• No overseas shipments – Never purchase cuttings shipped from other countries. Only buy from domestic U.S. sources. Make sure international Etsy sellers ship from a U.S nursery.

• State restrictions – Some states like California restrict bringing in certain plant materials. Know your local laws.

• Inspect shipments – Refuse any packages with signs of insects, mildew, or mold. Report issues to USDA.

• Traveling abroad – Do not attempt to bring back cuttings yourself from abroad. Declare all agricultural items.

Abide by all laws and regulations when acquiring new plant materials like fig cuttings to keep our food crops safe. The fines and risks aren’t worth it!

Expanding Your Fig Orchard Over Time

One of the joys of growing figs is gradually expanding your fig orchard each season with new selections. Some tips for building up an diverse collection:

• Start with proven performers like Celeste, Brown Turkey, LSU Purple, etc.

• Add a few cold-hardy and heat-tolerant types suited for your climate.

• Try rare and exotic figs from specialty sellers once you gain experience.

• Exchange cuttings with other local fig collectors to compare varieties.

• Take your own cuttings from favorite trees to get backups or clones for friends.

• Give extra fig trees away as gifts to spread your love of figs!

With proper annual pruning and care, a single mature fig tree can thrive and produce for decades. So you can steadily expand without needing more space.

Putting Your Fig Tree Cuttings to Use

Once established, fig trees offer huge harvests of plump, sweet, ripe fruit starting in summer through fall. Here are some of the many ways to put those figs to use:

• Fresh eating – Enjoy them fresh off the tree for a sensational sweet treat!

• Preserving – Dry, can, freeze or turn into jams, chutney, paste, butter, etc.

• Baking – Figs add decadent flavor to cakes, cookies, tarts, etc.

• Cooking – Stuff fresh figs with goat cheese, prosciutto, nuts, chocolate and grill or bake them.

• Culinary uses – Chop up dried or fresh figs to enhance salads, grains, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.

• Snacking – Dried figs are nutritious snacks packed with fiber and antioxidants.

• Drinks – Muddle figs into cocktails, blend into smoothies, or steep into tea.

With so many options, your fig harvest will keep your kitchen bustling!

Get Growing Your Own Fig Trees Now!

Figs are one of the easiest, most fool-proof fruits to grow in a backyard orchard. Their sweet flavor and abundant harvests are hugely rewarding.

Starting fig trees from cuttings purchased online is inexpensive, fast, and virtually guaranteed to produce the exact variety you want.

Be sure to source cuttings only from reputable domestic sellers. Buy them when dormant in late winter. Then root the cuttings and grow them on with simple care for years of luscious homegrown figs!