A Detailed Guide to the Latest Method of Propagating Figs by Cuttings
Figs are rich in nutrients and taste quite good. They are extremely tenacious in vitality, and when planted they are mostly propagated by cuttings or division, with cuttings being the main method. Below, the editor will explain fig propagation by cuttings for everyone. Let's take a look together.
1. Cutting time
Fig cuttings are best taken in spring. When the temperature is around 20 degrees, they can be taken, and at this time the survival rate of cuttings is relatively high. Transplanting the following year will allow them to bear fruit, and some can even bear fruit in the same year. When taking cuttings, it is best to choose soil without salinity or alkalinity. Although figs are resistant to salinity and alkalinity, when the salt content is too high, they are extremely prone to dying after cutting, so it is advisable to choose fertile sandy loam soil or soil with high organic matter content.
2. Collecting and cutting cuttings
Cuttings are best collected and cut after autumn before the sap flows. For spring cuttings, this can be done before germination, and at the latest it should not exceed March, otherwise the survival rate at that time is extremely low. Cuttings should not be inserted immediately after being collected and cut, as this will affect the survival rate. They can be stored in sand for 2-3 months before proceeding. The length of the cuttings should be as long as possible. Figs have a long branch-growing period, and branches develop at different times, so their maturity also varies accordingly. Branches pruned in early autumn are older and can be trimmed into cuttings with 2 buds; while branches from mid-autumn or late autumn are less mature and have shorter internodes, so they should be trimmed into cuttings with 4 buds.
3. Treating the cuttings
After pruning is completed, cut a flat opening at the upper end of the cutting one centimeter from the bud, and cut a 45-degree slanted opening at the lower end of the cutting, so that the contact area between the cutting and the soil is expanded, which is beneficial for rooting, and also to avoid confusion and the phenomenon of upside-down insertion. In order to encourage the cuttings to root as quickly as possible, they can be soaked in clean water for 12-24 hours before cutting. The soaking time is judged according to the degree of water deficiency; if the cuttings are severely short of water, they should be soaked longer.
4. Cutting
When cutting, insert at an angle, as this is beneficial for survival. The cutting depth is one third of the length of the cutting, and there should preferably be one node at ground level. After cutting, compact the soil near the cutting to prevent it from lodging, then water thoroughly once. Newly cut figs are afraid of strong light, so shade measures should be taken. You can put a plastic bag over the seedling, tie it tightly with string, and then poke two small holes in the plastic bag for ventilation. At the same time, water frequently to keep the soil moist. Once the branches grow new leaves, the plastic bag can be removed.
The above is an introduction to fig propagation by cuttings. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.