Growing a Fig Tree from a Cutting – A Simple Guide

Growing a fig tree from a cutting can be an easy and rewarding way to propagate new fig trees. Figs are one of the easiest fruit trees to root from cuttings making them a great option for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to expand their fig collection. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of rooting and growing a fig tree cutting from choosing and preparing the cutting to post-rooting care.

Why Grow a Fig Tree from a Cutting?

There are a few key reasons you may want to grow a fig tree from a cutting rather than buying a young tree:

• Expand your fig variety options – Nurseries often have a limited selection of fig cultivars, Growing from cuttings allows you to acquire new varieties from fellow gardeners

• Control the tree’s growth – Trees grown from cuttings are the same age as the cutting, so you know exactly how old your tree is.

• Save money – Growing a tree from a cutting is much less expensive than buying a nursery tree.

• Fun propagation project – Fig cuttings are a great intro to plant propagation. Kids love watching the roots form!

When to Take Fig Cuttings

The best time to take fig cuttings is late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. Cuttings taken at this time will be woodier and often root more successfully.

You can also take cuttings in summer when the tree is actively growing, but these “greenwood” cuttings are more tender and take a bit more care.

Selecting a Fig Cutting

When selecting a branch to use for your cutting, look for the following:

• 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness – Avoid thin wispy shoots or thick mature branches.

• 3-6 nodes – Nodes are the bumps along the branch where leaves emerge. Aim for 3-6.

• Healthy wood – Choose a branch that looks lively, not dry and brittle.

• No fruit – Don’t select branches with immature figs, which sap the cutting’s energy.

Preparing the Fig Cutting

Once you’ve selected your branch, follow these steps:

• Cut the branch to 6-8 inches using clean, sharp pruners.
• Optional: Trim off any leaves, leaving just the top few.
• Optional: Make a shallow slice on one side of the cutting’s bottom to expose more vascular tissue.
• Dip the cutting’s bottom 1 inch in rooting hormone (not required but can help).

Rooting the Fig Cutting

Now you’re ready to stick the prepared cutting into soil or another rooting medium. Follow these instructions:

• Rooting medium – Use a sterile, light mix like perlite, vermiculite, or peat/coir-based potting soil.

• Moisture – Water the rooting medium well before inserting the cutting. It should be damp but not saturated.

• Planting depth – Insert the cutting 3-4 inches deep, ensuring 2-3 nodes are buried.

• Pot – A 3-4 inch pot with drainage holes works well. Terra cotta helps retain moisture.

• Location – Provide bright indirect light and temps between 70-80°F for fastest rooting.

• Humidity dome – Cover the pot with a plastic dome or bag to boost humidity around the cutting.

• Labels – Label each pot with the variety – no one likes a mystery tree!

Caring for the Cutting

While your cutting develops roots over the next 6-12 weeks, be sure to:

• Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top inch is dry. Don’t let it get bone dry or stay soggy.

• Provide consistent warmth around 70°F. Consider investing in a heat mat.

• Remove the humidity dome after 3-4 weeks once it starts growing.

• Watch for roots emerging from the pot’s drain holes – a great sign it’s working!

• Avoid fertilizing until the cutting is well-rooted and putting out new growth.

Transplanting the Rooted Fig Cutting

Once your cutting has rooted and put on considerable growth, it’s time to transplant it into a larger pot or the ground. Follow these tips for transplanting success:

• Wait until the cutting has a strong, healthy root system before transplanting. Give it time.

• Water the plant thoroughly a few hours before transplanting.

• Tease apart any circling roots before placing into the new container.

• Fill the container with proper fig planting soil, ensuring the base of the stem is at ground level.

• Water immediately after transplanting and shade the plant for a few days until it recovers.

Ongoing Fig Tree Care

Congratulations, you’ve successfully grown a brand new fig tree from a cutting! Now it’s time to keep your tree healthy and productive:

• Choose a spot with at least 8 hours of full sun. Figs love heat.

• Water deeply and allow soil to dry out between waterings. Figs dislike wet feet.

• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced organic fertilizer.

• Prune each winter to shape and stimulate new growth.

• Protect from temperatures below 15°F or major freezes.

• Be patient – most figs bear fruit 2-3 years after rooting. Enjoy the journey!

Growing a fig tree from a cutting takes some time and care up front, but the payoff is huge. You’ll have a productive tree tailored to your exact garden space, not to mention the excitement of watching roots form on a cutting you grew yourself! With a bit of attention and patience, you can propagate successful fig trees again and again.