What do folks think about culling out plants?   In my case, I have a few started cuttings that got off to a pretty good start with roots and leaves, but growth was sickly and has stalled out on a few.   I have others of the same varieties that seem much more healthy, going strong.   All are getting the same treatment.   If it was the only plant I had of a given variety, I'd be more inclined to baby these along.   A few might just get un-potted and go to the kindlin' bin...to make room for more under the lights.

Sickly fig starts for postage, anyone? Pm me for varieties(pretty much kidding!)

I personally think there is little correlation between early cutting growth and long term plant vigor and productivity.  I started a whole bunch of cuttings 3 years ago, and I wrote down on the tag a few that were very weak and I thought weren't going to do anything.  Fast forward 3 years to this summer, and one of them grew into my largest tree with the most production (so far). 

But yeah, if you have more than you can use, you have to do something.  Either get rid of them now or later.  I always try to sell or trade them or give them to local friends.  Not always practical though.

Jesse,

I think it's a personal decision. If they are extra and you were planning to part with them anyway, then there is little point to keep them if you need the space for other cuttings.  On that note, I also have a hard time letting things go to waste, and I'm sure if you list the cultivars and say local pick up only, there are figgers that would love to nurture and grow them. 

I've given away potted-up cuttings for space concerns. I have two trees that are 4 years old this year. One fruits very well, the other - Lattarulla - hasn't fruited at all yet. I've taken plenty of cuttings from both trees - and I have some already potted up from last year - so I don't mind trying something different with the Lattarulla this year. Maybe try in ground? Give it to a friend who may have better luck? Either way, I cut it back hard end of last year, so I'm eager to see what type of growth/production occurs this year - it's potted. Ultimately, though, I think I didn't make this particular tree happy :(

I like my potted figs to grow as a bush form. I plant 3 cuttings per pot. They eventually top out at 15-20 gallon. If you have under achievers, stick 3 cuttings in a 1-3 gallon pot and burry them up to their necks or even completely. that way you can stick it somewhere and not have to worry about babysitting it. Whatever grows, grows. When that pot starts to look good next spring, send it to me.

Hi Zone5figger,
What if your champions get lost, killed by water, freeze or gnats or a deer or a rat or... You would be hunting for those strain again.
Before a cutting is one year old, don't shout about Victory. But you're free to toss them ... I prefer playing it safe and would wait until September before
saying I'm victorious .
By then, you could join one gathering/farmers market/speak to one neighbor, and swap those trees for some others ... Just my way of thinking . But, I'm softy, and hate killing a tree ... Especially if that tree might be of use to me later.
For now, I would give them a less good place but where they can survive, until I could put them outside and let them try to grow.

Jesse,

    I had the same problem last year and I was glad I kept two of each because as the summer went on some of the cuttings didn't make it.

    I'm in Eastern MA, maybe at the end of the summer we could meet up and exchange duplicates?

    Maybe others in the area are interested?

Thanks for the input, I would only cull a plant that is fizzling and one that I have extra(s) of in order to make room for up and coming plants that could put my limited space to better use.  Kevin, I like your idea of a regional fig gathering, I've spoken with a couple other Maine fig growers about that idea- let's consider sometime in the late summer/early fall when there could be some good tastes to share!

I don't cull weak starts, but if I didn't have room for them I might. I did cull one that was loaded with fungus gnats. No more gnats, so it was a good move.

Jesse,

I look forward to the end of summer gathering.

Happy figging.

I like to make sure I have backups of all my figs.  Extras above that get gifted, traded or sold.
I also find some old age homes have many willing volunteers that would love to take on a feeble fig plant and work with it to get it strong and fruiting.