| My daughter is moving from her current house to a new home. She has two unknown types of fig trees. Is it possible to take a cutting from the current tree and transplant it to a new location? If so, how? |
| Fig trees are very easy to propagate. The simplest and easiest way to propagate a fig is by stem cuttings. Make cuttings in late winter while the plant is still dormant. Cut 8-10" sections of the previous season's growth. Place the cuttings in a moist potting soil or in a rich garden soil, setting them deep enough so that 1 or 2 buds are above the soil surface. Water as needed to keep them moist but not soggy. Fig cuttings root rapidly and will begin growth in spring as the weather warms. Figs may also be propagated by rooted side shoots. Shoots arising below the ground surface frequently form roots. They can be separated from the parent bush with a shovel and transplanted into their new location. This is best done in late winter or early spring. Figs can also be propagated during the growing season by air layering. To make an air layer, remove a ring of bark 3/4 inch wide from a branch the size of one of your fingers. Place a fist sized wad of moist sphagnum moss over the wounded area and wrap the moss with a plastic wrapper or Saran wrap. Tie the plastic wrap at the top and bottom ends with a twist tie. After a couple of weeks begin to check for roots visible through the plastic. Keep the moss moist until several roots appear. Then cut the shoot off below the rooted section and plant it immediately. Keep it in a bright location out of direct sunlight for a few weeks to give it a chance to establish more roots. Thanks for the question and good luck with your fig! |
