So it was my first year rooting.  I started my cuttings in February and got decent growth, but not enough to justify the time/expense involved.  Of course I had over 100 cuttings and 4 shop lights going.  Adding the fungus gnats to the experience, I won't be doing this again.
Here is my reason:  About 3 weeks ago, I cleaned out the remaining cuttings in my fridge and threw them a bin with some damp perlite and kept them in my garage.  After about 2 weeks, they rooted nicely, which I expected from the high humidity in the garage.  I then skipped the clear cups and placed them directly in 1 gallon pots outside, in the shade.  They're already leafing out nicely and growing fast.  At this rate, they will put on significant growth before the fall.  Granted, winter rooting took the winter blues away, but it wasn't worth it in the end.  What's your take on winter rooting?

I'm with you... I think going forward I will store my cuttings until late spring and start then. I had way too many losses from gnats after easily rooting the cuttings. It was very discouraging.

It is a little different here as the winter is so mild.  For me if I start them in November I can put them out in January though might have to bring them back in once or twice.  Our days are warm enough to counteract the cool nights and they grow well.  It is also the time of the year we get little to no rain so they don't get washed away.  By mid February we are pretty much frost free.  So for me it worked out pretty well.  

Well I grow many types of plants, figs are new to me. But I will say this. In Rhode Island winters are long and cold. By December cabin fever sets in and for me seeing growth from a plant, any type of plant is a welcome sight. If I should over do my growing during the winter come spring my family and friends end up with lots of seedlings and fresh plants for spring. To me its not a chore but an open door to spring time. Not to mention seems to take the edge off my cabin fever.

You're right, Paul.  It really does help with cabin fever.  I definitely had too many cuttings going at one time though.  But who knows...I may break out a shop light come late winter if I get real antsy.  It wasn't too advantageous for me otherwise.

Frank,

The will change when you get your first fig.
Then everything else was well worth it.

Trying to decide myself. I said I would quit drinking beer a few times too, but addictions are hard and I am sure come winter my logic and will power will falter. This site is more a group of enablers than supporters. Here is my thoughts on winter rooting
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Do-we-make-this-to-hard-6130925 

once hooked, it's not about when you root, but when the cuttings are available. i'm done with mass rooting. from here on out, it's going to be few at a time. and... quitting beer is like... stop breathing :) i learned something this winter... i don't like winter rooting, but if good cuttings are available, i'm sure i'll root them.

Those lights are great for people that get light depression. For me it's worth it as I seem to have cuttings going 12 months of the year and although the cuttings started in late fall/early winter are the least rewarding I like doing them anyway. Looking out the window of my rooting area and seeing the snow pile up while messing around with neat little tropical looking plants is rewarding to me. I am about to finish moving my final few cuttings from last year's wood out of my rooting closet, but now I'll move on to rooting green cuttings, which are by far my favorite cuttings to work with.
I do understand your frustration but for me I need that winter "birthing vibe". I need stuff coming to life 24/365.

Frank,
I'm with you. I was able to get much better and faster growth with warmer ambient temperatures and sunlight.

Michael
Do you do your green cuttings any differently? Do you take leaves off etc

This was my first winter rooting figs. I've learned some hard lessons. After killing over 400 cuttings (yes that's not a typo) I still have 85 varieties to show for it so not bad for my first time. I find myself always keeping an eye out for fig trees when I drive around and have a list on my phone of doors that I have to knock on in the fall. What I did learn is that a green cutting in June is better than a fall cutting BY FAR!!! I rooted 100% of my June cuttings with little to no effort. Just stick it in the pot and water. I worried about humidity but doesn't seem to be a problem. As mentioned before, you have to get cuttings when they are available, so I'm sure I'll be babysitting cuttings again this winter.

Hi Frank.
I start my rooting in January, and by April I have some nice plants to put out, my winters are short and need all the time possible before first frost.
Plus I enjoy it its how I spent my winters when I'm not ice fishing.
Vito

I'm sticking with winter rooting.  My success rate was much higher in winter than late spring/summer.  Can't explain why, but winter is better for me.

I always root cuttings as soon as I receive them. I don't like  storing them in the fridge. I've had a good success rate and all of my winter cuttings are in gallon pots or larger a couple even put on figs. 

As many of you saw my posts last Winter when I was rooting roughly 300 cuttings under the light.
I'm happy to say most of them rooted and were up potted to pots sizes between 1gl. to 4gl.

I gave away many too. I just want one of each. All the doubles and triples are gone.

But,,, Some cultivars just refused to root. I had some rare ones that really had my hopes high for.
Oh well, I'll try again next season.

But I think I will wait just a bit longer next time rather than started them in December.
Maybe Feb. Or March?

I've picked a few figs already from trees started in January and February so I think getting them started early is worth it for me.  I grow them under a grow light for a while and then in my greenhouse for another month.  The greenhouse is only heated a little but they are able to continue growing as it warms up nicely most winter days.

Thanks for everyone's posts.
This year, I had the mindset of going 'all in' and establishing my foundation of figs.  I went from 1 to 50 varieties.  As I said in previous posts, I want to start a family tradition and have my kids grow up with figs.  Whether they like them or not, they'll know what a fig is!  :)  So I did just that.  I rooted everything and have over 90 trees in 1 gallon pots.  I'm already in over my head, so that's also a big reason why I'm not planning to winter root.  Now after a few years, and after my trees start producing, the story may change.  But I should be a very satisfied man in about 3 years.

Great idea Frank, fig trees rather than PlayStation, iPads and cell phones.  I have to admire all the parents down the street from me.  I come home from work and the kids are outside playing instead of glued to a TV, computer screen, cell phone or video game.

You probably just over did it a little like we all do. I root many cuttings in the winter and I do enjoy it however doing a few rare or special cuttings would probably be way more enjoyable plus less work and less bugs.

Too many cuttings for me last winter too. This winter I'm only planning on doing a few. Quality figs instead of quantity figs is the goal.
Getting them to root is half the battle then the anticipation of spring when you can get your tree out into the sunshine hoping that it grows enough to give you a small sample of what's to come is the other half. So what it comes down to is , Yes I think it's worth it. Don't get over whelmed. Just remember moderation Frank, that is if it's possible.

Well if you all have to many cuttings send them this way... LOL.. Just kidding guys.

I think you're right, Jason.

_____

Tony,

Moderation is hard to do for me.  ;)

I enjoyed it. I went quality over quantity, besides I don't have room for quantity. I think keeping your numbers down makes it a nice hobby and not another job.