Propagating Fig Trees from Hardwood Cuttings in Fall

When and How to Take Fig Cuttings for Spring Planting

A gardener wants cuttings from a neighbor's fig tree. Asks: take before or after leaf drop? How late after? Fruit on cutting okay?

Timing: Now (Fall) Is Perfect

Take hardwood cuttings (mature, woody stems) anytime in fall/winter while dormant. Leaf drop status doesn't matter. Fruit on cutting is irrelevant—remove it to direct energy to rooting.

Simple Rooting Method

1. Cut 8–12 inch sections, pencil-thick.
2. Strip lower leaves/fruit; leave 2–3 buds at top.
3. Dip base in rooting hormone (optional).
4. Stick in damp vermiculite, perlite, or sand in a pot.
5. Bag the pot (ziplock) for humidity; place in bright shade.
6. Check weekly; keep medium damp, not soggy.
7. Roots form in 4–8 weeks. Pot up; grow indoors until spring.

Key Points

• Hardwood cuttings root reliably.
• No harm to mother tree.
• Overwinter rooted cuttings in cool, bright spot.
• Plant out after last frost.