Can you grow a fig tree from a cutting?

QUESTION: Can you grow a fig tree from a cutting? One of my neighbors has a really nice fig and I was thinking about getting a cutting from it. Don’t worry, I was going to ask permission first! – Laura S

ANSWER: Yes, you can. It’s a simple process that’s like propagating other plants. The first step is to find a healthy fig tree of your desired variety.

Once you have this, take a 10-inch cutting from the healthy plant in early spring. The tree should be beginning to wake-up from dormancy when you remove this cutting.

Be sure to remove a portion with buds. From there, plant the cutting in a container that’s filled with well-draining, nutrient-dense soil.

The container should be well-draining, too. Plant the cutting approximately three inches deep in the planter. The buds should be above the soil.

Grow the cutting in the container for one year. Care for it as you would other container plants. You shouldn’t need to fertilize the growing tree.

However, while the cutting is forming roots, you must keep the soil moist for the first thirty days or so. After the cutting begins to grow, you can switch your watering method.

It’s best to water the plant deeply until water runs from the holes in the bottom of the container. Don’t water the plant anymore until the soil fully dries out.

You can know this by testing the soil. Insert your finger into the dirt and when it’s dry to your second knuckle, it’s time to apply more water.

The following spring, transplant your new fig tree in a sunny location. Be sure to plant the tree a few inches deeper than the depth of the container.

Your tree should still be dormant when being transplanted. Water it regularly until the plant is fully established.

Once it’s established, you can leave the watering to nature. Be watchful for pests and diseases but otherwise, your tree should grow beautifully with few issues.

Whether you’re trying to grow a fig tree without spending extra money, or if you’d like to try growing your plants in a new way, a fig tree is a great plant to propagate from a cutting.

Follow these steps, and you should be well on your way to incorporating this fruit tree into your landscape.