Fig cutting propagation methods and timing: how to propagate figs

The fig is a seasonal fruit that grows in the south. Because figs taste quite good and are also very high in nutritional value, figs are deeply loved by a great many people. Many people also want to grow some figs at home, so next, the editor will introduce to you the methods and timing for fig cuttings. And also introduce to you the propagation methods for figs.

Fig cutting methods and timing

1. Cutting method

Fig cuttings can be done in clay pots (earthenware pots) with a diameter of more than 20cm. This type of pot is rough in texture, cheap, convenient to use, and also has good water permeability and air permeability. For the cutting substrate, you can choose clean river sand (or construction sand) and humus soil with high organic matter content. Both should be dried thoroughly in the sun before use, and larger stones in the sandy soil should be removed as much as possible to make the substrate more uniform. Then mix the two in equal volumes and put them into pots for later use.

2. Cutting timing

Fig cuttings can be done from early March to early May, before the branches leaf out.

Fig propagation methods

1. Cuttings

Fig cuttings are generally done in spring. Choose healthy buds, cut them off with a knife, then soak them in water for three days, or directly soak them in rooting water for 12 hours to increase the survival rate. After that, insert the cutting directly into the soil where you want to transplant it. Keep the soil moist and control the amount of watering. After 1 month, it will gradually take root and survive.

2. Division

Fig division is done in February, and the roots of the fig need to be exposed. Some root shoots will sprout from the roots. Cut off the root shoots together with the branches on the roots. After that, simply plant the roots directly into the newly prepared soil. After watering the soil thoroughly, you can wait for it to gradually survive.

Methods for figs to overwinter safely

1. Fruit tree environment

The fig is a seasonal fruit of the south. If it grows in the cold environment of the north, it will affect its growth and fruiting. If you grow figs in the north, be sure to choose a growing environment suitable for it, preferably a wind-sheltered, sunny place. Do not let the fig be exposed to the howling cold winter wind, and be sure to ensure the fig gets plenty of sun.

2. Choosing varieties

Figs also have many varieties, and most belong to the non-cold-resistant figs. Among them, the excellent variety Zhongnong Hanyou—A1213 is the most cold-resistant. Choosing this variety for planting will save a lot of trouble in winter. In addition, planting should be carried out before and after bud break, that is, before February, so that the fruit trees will grow more cold-resistant.

3. Pinching and pruning

In fact, pruning and pinching are also one of the methods for figs to overwinter safely. If it is a fig tree planted that year, pinching should be done in August of that year. This will control the growth of the fruit tree and also lignify the fig branches, making them more cold-resistant. As for pruning, it is generally chosen in late March of the second year of planting, which will also maximize help for the fig tree to overwinter safely.

4. Controlling fertilizer and water in autumn

If you want figs to grow in winter, you need to control the amount of water added and the frequency of fertilization in autumn. Figs are best fertilized in spring. Reducing topdressing in autumn will gradually lignify the branches, and only lignified branches will let it safely pass through the long winter days.

5. Whitewashing and tying grass

After doing the above 4 things, whitewashing and tying grass are still needed to make figs more cold-resistant. Whitewashing means evenly applying whitewash agent to the main trunk of the fig tree and those larger and thicker side branches. Tying grass means using straw rope, corn stalk, or similar grass rope as protection and tying it to the branches. It should not be tied too densely or too tightly, so as not to affect plant growth.

Field management of figs

After the plants survive planting, loosen the soil and remove weeds. To promote more branching, fertilize promptly after pruning. The fig is a fruit tree that is relatively tolerant of fertilizer, so fertilization should be heavy, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can quickly promote the growth of branches and leaves. The fig tree is a fruit tree that is cold-resistant but not tolerant of waterlogging. Apart from the great demand for water during the fruit enlargement period, it does not need much watering at other times. If its root system is in a waterlogged environment for a long time, it will cause root rot and lead to flower drop, fruit drop, leaf drop, and even death of the plant. Therefore, drainage measures should be done well, especially on rainy days.

In the above text, the editor also introduced some planting methods for figs. Among all fruits, the planting methods for figs are indeed rather troublesome. But fruit grown at home is, after all, greener and healthier than fruit grown in the market.