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Fig Cutting Success

6 years ago

I took a few cuttings from my mom’s 30+ year old fig tree last fall...and forgot about them. They remained outdoors through our harsh winter here in GA (temps reached single digits several days in a row), in a plastic pot. Much to my surprise, one of the two is now pushing new leaf growth. I repotted this morning and the root systems were impressive - I should have taken pictures. I’m unsure of the variety of fig, (my grandmother planted it back in the 80’s) but it’s definitely cold hardy.

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Kelley_GA8a
Original Author

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Kvetch, I don’t remember how everything looked/felt when I noticed the new growth - I was dumbfounded as the stalk looked dead lol. I’m really impressed with how large the root base developed within such a short period of time. The leaves are very slow growing. Here is the mother tree and it’s twin:
The picture of the branch is still attached to the tree (pictures taken a few weeks ago)

Don't give up on your cuttings! They may surprise you yet! I’d be happy to send you a cutting if you’d like.

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Comments (9)

sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)
6 years ago
Kelley, looks like a happily growing little tree. It is going to be one beautiful fig tree! Update us on the fruit taste :)
Kelley_GA8a
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks, Sunshine! I grew up eating these figs - and though I’ve not tasted other varieties - they are delicious! It’s always a race to beat the squirrels and wasps from eating them. I’ll post pictures of the fruit and leaves this summer.
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It will work as well but you will have to change pots a bit sooner to something with soil to feed the new plant. This method is all about lessening the amount of times you have to disturb the roots. I feel like with the baggy and moss method you add one more unnecessary step. Each time you transplant the cutting with such delicate roots you run the risk of damaging it. Which increases your chances of failure.
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Hello - I have three extra cuttings that I'd like to trade for cuttings of another north-friendly fig or scions of a named variety of pawpaw. Full disclosure: I received these from someone else and, while I trust that they really are Osborne Prolific, I haven't personally seen the fruit (or leaves). The cuttings are approximately 7" long and are more than 1/4" diameter.
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dieseler
6 years ago
Also look forward to seeing its progression and thanks for posting the picture.

Martin
deerhunter16b
6 years ago
Yes would be interested to see its progression and fruit ...keep us posted
PRO
Home
6 years ago
Wow how did it survive! Sit remained outdoors and got snowed on? How moist was the potting mix when you noticed the new growth? How healthy did the cutting look when you found it? Sorry to ask so many questions. I have small 2 cuttings I overwintered in an unheated garage and I'm wondering if it's even alive
PRO
Home
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thanks so much for the pictures. I'm trying not to lose hope on my figs and your photos really helped lift my spirits! My figs look dark colored like the closeup branch so I've been worried it meant the trunk has died but maybe it's not dead :)! Is your cutting from that branch in the last photo?

Thanks for the kind offer Kelley. You've been so kind and encouraging here on gardenweb. You really don't have to go through that trouble! I already have a cutting of an unknown fig and one unknown is enough for me :)
Kelley_GA8a
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the kind words! I actually cut off a shoot growing at the base of the tree. The wood is very lightweight and almost foamy. I snapped the other cutting in half before I realized they were alive lol. My guess is that it is either brown turkey or Chicago hardy.
Claire Akin
6 years ago
Propagation is possible. Take a look at Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation in 6 Steps and hopefully, you will find success!

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