Can You Use Fig Tree Cuttings To Grow A New Tree? 

It is possible to grow fig tree cuttings to form a new tree by using healthy cuttings from a mature tree.

Fig trees are important components of urban and rural landscapes, providing a variety of benefits including food, shelter, beauty, and wildlife habitat. There are many different varieties of fig trees available for planting, but all have the same basic characteristics.

They require full sun, good drainage, good air circulation, and lots of water. The majority of fig trees will be grown from seed, although in some cases this is not possible.

Growing Fig Tree Cuttings

Fig tree cuttings taken from a mature tree will generally produce a more vigorous plant. The fig tree is more likely to survive than cuttings taken from a dormant tree past the chance of frost. It is important to note that it is possible for a cutting to take root and grow into a new tree if the soil conditions are appropriate.

However, the cuttings will generally be slower to establish than when planted directly from the seed. It is also important to note that fig trees require well-drained soil, so if you are planting in a location that has poor drainage, it may be difficult to establish the trees successfully.

It is very important to keep the fig tree well-watered until it begins to produce fruit. Figs are one of the most sensitive fruits to over-watering. When young, fig trees should be deeply watered at least once a week.

If you are planning on taking cuttings from an established fig tree, it is best to wait until over winter, when the tree is dormant.

Cutting your own cuttings

There are several ways to take fig tree cuttings. The best way to take cuttings is to use a secateur or pruner to remove some of the lower growth and leave a small, sharp-edged cutting. It is best to take a cutting that is between 6 and 12 inches long from a branch 1/2-inch in diameter.

When taking cuttings, it is best to take cuttings from the lower part of the tree. Cut branches that are at least two to three years old.

Preparing your fig tree cuttings for planting

The cuttings should be wrapped in paper towels and placed in a plastic bag to provide a humid environment for two weeks. Though not necessary, the rooting hormone can be beneficial. 

After about two weeks, plant the cuttings in pots filled with potting soil.  Bury the cuttings so that half of each cutting is below soil level. Place the potted cuttings in indirect sun and keep the soil moist.

A little bit of sunlight can help the cuttings grow faster.  However, they are more likely to die if exposed to direct sunlight. When planting your cuttings, you should water them regularly.

Be sure to water them deeply because it helps with their root development. In addition, you should transplant them after 2-3 months if the plants have grown enough roots.

6 Pack Plant Rooting Grow Box

Transplanting them

When planting them, you should choose a location that receives plenty of light.  When planting them, you should use well-draining soil.

To help them grow faster, you should water them frequently.  You can do this by adding a small amount of water to their soil or directly spraying them.  You can feed them with fertilizer when they are growing.

Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks in the spring and summer if growing in a pot.  This will help with their development.  Most fig trees not grown in containers don’t need fertilizer. 

You should avoid over-fertilizing your plants because it will reduce their ability to absorb nutrients.  Instead, you should add some fertilizer when your plants need it.

Harvesting figs

Fig trees will produce fruits three to five years after planting them.  It will require some patience to get some figs from your own tree. The figs will be ready for harvesting when the fruit starts to change color from green to purple or brown depending on the variety and be slightly soft to the touch.

Figs are harvested by hand. They must be picked before they turn ripe, so you can expect to have a large number of unripe fruits in the beginning.

You can let them mature and ripen on the tree. Figs are very perishable and can not be stored for long periods.

In Conclusion

The fig tree cuttings are one way to help you grow your own fig trees.  It is considered easier than growing this tree from seed. 

Do you want to try growing your fig tree?  Get some good fig tree cuttings from your neighbor or friend and in 10 years you will be harvesting your own figs.

FAQs