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propagation questions

Being new to fig propagation and wanting to avoid common problems , I've read all I can from both forums. I wonder if anyone has updates on a couple of cutting handling procedures. First ,to prevent mold, what works better for storing cuttings in the fridge for a few months : wrapping in kitchen plastic wrap and in ziplock after the standard washing procedure as mentioned by Axier on 2/12/09 on a storing cuttings thread or wrapping in damp newspaper in a ziplock after standard washing ?
Any updates on horizontal rooting method that I saw mentioned by elder on the GW forum. He was rooting horizontally in 50/50 perlite/ potting mix in shoebox size Sterlite container ? Is this a common and successful technique for folks here ? From all of my research I am living in fear of mold getting to my newly purchased cuttings. I have Marseilles vs Black , Atreano and Lattarulla cuttings to work with. I was hoping to have Sal's -genes strain as well , but my dear wife is hesitant for me to spend anymore on cuttings for now and maybe for good. So I need to have the propagation go well , I have a lot of gardening experience , but not much with hardwood cuttings.
Also, being in zone 5a in New Hampshire and last frost usually around mid to late May , any ideas on when best to start the rooting process ? How many weeks ahead to get the best growth for the season ?
Much appreciate any help .
Kerry Sullivan
Zone 5a
New Hampshire

Kerry,
 
Just last night as I was trying to finish up bedding down the fig trees in the unheated addition of the hoophouse, I unwrapped the Sal's EL.  There were several swelling figs on it when I wrapped it with Remay row cover a couple weeks ago.  Most were still hard last night, but one little thing was soft and tasted quite nice, though not much to it.  I told my husband that if I could only have one tree, that would probably be the one.  It was surprising that fig had survived temps at least into the teens (I didn't get my high/low thermometer in there until after the coldest nights - single digits).   As I started to put down layers of straw I discovered two larger figs on the ground.  I am sure they dropped because they were ripe, I had stepped on them and the deep color ooozed out.  I sure wish I had seen them before stepping on them, I would have tasted them also!!
 
Marseilles black is good also but makes a taller tree in the hoop, it had figs over my head, but not near ripening stage and therefore wasn't covered.  Sal's EL has stayed more manageable, I wonder how it will grow next year since I just planted it there this Spring.  Can't comment on Atreano or Lattarula unless the latter is Italian Honey which I do have.  It has wonderful figs, main crop is better than breba, but I will eat those early brebas also. 
 
Cuttings aren't always successful for me, I guess I have just too many other things going on and don't care for them well enough.  This time I am trying Sphagnum moss.  My most successful method has been with cuttings in buckets of compost on the horizontal.  However I noted the post recommending soaking to rehydrate cuttings which I seemingly needed to have done on some varieties that were shipped.  My own cuttings did quite well and the horizontal method was better than vertical.  I try to get my cuttings in the compost as soon as I get them cut.  That hasn't happened this year, I have them stored until I get the containers ready and will likely have that done within another week.  I will leave them on the heated side of the hoop - 50 degrees and higher depending on sunshine.  We all have our own particular likes as far as propagation and the ideas of others always helps us get the best process for our particular situation. 
 
Enjoy your figs.  And one day you will surely get a little Sal's going.  I must say, figging takes a lot of patience. 

Elizabeth ,
Thanks for the reply. I love hearing about the hoophouse , I used to have several of them when we lived in Pennsylvania and I know how incredibly productive they can be. Here in NH , for two years we had the use of a couple of 21 x 48 foot tunnels , one heated and one unheated for seedlings and tomato production for farmers markets. Interesting to know about the differing growth pattern of Marseilles vs Black compared to Sal EL. The Lattarulla is from ejp3 and he is certain that his is not the same as Italian Honey. I am excited to be trying all these varieties , just hoping to see if the wrapping in plastic wrap for storage in fridge is alright and about the horizontal propagation whether it is a common approach or not. Thanks for your input on horizontal propagation. Are you using straight compost,nothing else? how many nodes on the cuttings ?
My thanks go out to a generous member of the forum who is sending some cuttings of other varieties that are valuable for short season areas. I think he may do this often. A habit I hope to develop myself over the years if  these cuttings grow well for me.
Turns out I will be able to buy some Sals EL cuttings , money coming from selling some unused irrigation supplies.
Best
Kerry

I have a laturulla from ejp3 and it is certainly a vigorous grower here in Florida.  It has double in size since I got it in late September.  It has a bunch of tiny figs on it.  We'll see if they ever ripen. 

We have been having record high temps this year.  Last week we had one day in the 90's.  That may be causing the growth.  I have no real way of forcing dormancy so I'm going to have to watch them carefully this winter.


Lisa

Kerry,

Yes, hoophouse growing is very enjoyable.  It is a great place to just sit and enjoy the sunshine on a cold winter day, though it is hard for me to sit still very long when there, always something that needs to be done.

I have mostly use straight compost on cuttings, because it is so loose and 'soft'.  Am looking forward to seeing how they do in sphagnum.

I have not kept track of how many nodes on cuttings. 

Glad to hear you will be getting the Sal's EL.  I told my husband that the only way to figure out which ones do best in our particular situation is to try different ones and eliminate the ones that don't work as well.  I see no point in keeping varieties that don't give good results when the space can be used for better producing ones. 


demondmh, It is good to hear that Lattarulla from ejp3 is growing well for you in Florida . I have family in Bartow and in Tampa . In early November ,I planted a local Large Brown Turkey ,Green Ischia , Hollier and LSU Improved Celeste from Just Fruits and Exotics in Tampa. Reports are they are doing well , but adequate sun is an issue in that spot so we'll see what happens.
  moshepherdess , I miss my hoophouses . Thanks for the further answer on the compost use for propagation .I agree with your point on variety choice , that is why this forum is so helpful in figuring out which varieties to start with that are likely to be stars in your zone .
Best ,
Kerry
zone 5a - a bit nippy right now.

I moved to Bartow 11 years ago from south Florida and lived there until 2 years ago when I moved 5 miles up the road to Lakeland.  I have a bunch of cuttings rooting - way more than I'll ever be able to use.  If I manage to get them to root, I am willing to share with any of your family in the area.

Lisa

Lisa ,  That is very generous of you .  My brother and family in Bartow seemed a little interested when I planted the figs in Tampa , but my brother feels like everything in their yard is growing poorly. I'll mention your offer to him next time I talk to him and see what he thinks , but I imagine he'll be indecisive because of soil problems, real or imagined .
Thanks ,
Kerry

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