Propogate A Fig Tree From A Cutting

There are actually several ways to propagate more fig trees for yourself or others. However, some methods are easier and have a higher success rate than others. For example, growing from seeds is very hard and often results in failure. Growing from cuttings from a healthy fig tree, on the other hand, has a 50% or higher success rate.

Step 1 – Choosing Your Tree

There are several things to consider about where you get your cuttings from. You may need to purchase some new fig trees from a nursery if you don’t already own them, or know somebody else with fig trees. If bought locally, you shouldn’t have too much trouble about picking an appropriate fig tree, but bear in mind that there are many varieties, each with their own climate and conditions that they will flourish in. A fig tree that grows superbly in Texas, for example, likely won’t grow at all in California, and vice versa.

Step 2 – Choosing Your Cutting

If you’ve purchased fig trees, you should wait about two years before getting your cuttings, to give the tree a chance to establish strong, vigorous and healthy growth.

Take your cutting from a vigorously growing stem. They should be rather woody and not entirely green, and have little to none of last year’s growth. Softer, greener stems are more likely to rot. The cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches in length, and about the diameter of a pencil.  

Step 3 – Pot the Cutting

Remove most of the leaves, or at least the bottom leaves past the first 2 nodes. You can dip the cuts into a rooting hormone, but be aware some growers advise against it. Place the cuttings in a plastic pot, about 4 inches in size and filled with a light, airy soil. Moisten the soil and cover the cutting to hold in moisture. A 2 liter pop bottle with the bottom cut off and the cap still on makes for easy moisture insulation. Don't water the cutting again until it is extremely dry. Place it outside in mild sun, or under the shade of a mature fig tree.

Step 4 – Hardening Off the Cutting

In time, you’ll see vigorous growth with newly formed leaves as well as roots growing. Wait until a complete root system is formed, then you can begin to harden it off by bringing it outside uncovered for several hours a day, and bringing it back inside at night. It will take about two weeks to fully harden off and become accustomed to its new climate.

Step 5 – Transplanting

This entire process will likely start in the late summer or fall, and last until at least the following spring. Once a fig tree has hardened off, it is possible to transplant it permanently outside. However, some say that it should be left for another year from spring before transplanting.

Follow these steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a wonderful new fruit tree in your backyard!