Is it Spring Yet?

cyberfarmer
1383766547

OK, so this question might be slightly premature. I tend to find myself asking questions such as, "When should I plant my cover crops?" ...and everyone tells me "last month"! So, I'm asking this now so that I can plan ahead.

I have some cuttings that I wish I could root right now, but as I understand it, it's better to keep them in cold storage until spring. Since they will be rooted indoors, in the dark, it seems that season makes no difference regarding that part of the process. All that matters is that once I transfer to cups, they will get enough warmth and light to leaf out. So, I guess I need to start the rooting process about six weeks before whatever date I can provide those conditions. So far so good?

I live in sunny southern California. The most I get is an overnight frost, and that could be tamed with a cold frame or a tent. Or, I could start them indoors near a northern window. Maybe I could add some artificial light?

So, what's my limiting factor that decides when I can start? Temperature? Hours of light? What am I waiting for?

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WillsC
1383767493

I would do it now. Last year I started the cuttings in November and planted them in ground March 1, worked great and going to do the same this year. Think the advice you got is for those in the colder areas so they don't have to worry about trying to get light and heat to all those pots.

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greenfig
1383769290

Paul,

I also live in the SoCal. Last year I rooted them indoors and kept inside by the South facing window, the plants were warm and had enough sun. The figs were quite happy and were transferred outside in the Spring. All cuttings started inside gave me figs at the end of the summer and now are all 3-6 ft tall.

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cyberfarmer
1383770696

That's all the encouragement I needed! Guess I know what I'll be doing after work today. Thanks all.

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Dieseler
1383771820

Where is this California i often hear about ? ; )

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rcantor
1383772148

I would bring young cuttings inside if the temp goes under 50. A heated coldframe or an indoor grow room are both reasonable options.

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pitangadiego
1383794056

Does high 70s and sunny mean that it is spring? If so, it is spring in San Diego. Should hit 80+ tomorrow.

Dieseler, down and to the left from you snow drift on any standard map. ;-))

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