I am sure this has probably been addressed in another thread somewhere but I haven't found it so far.

Have any of you fuzzy-eared scientist types drawn any conclusions regarding similarities in growth patterns of varieties based on similar characteristics?  I know that isn't very clear so...What has caught my interest is the apparent rooting reluctance of dark, and very cold-hardy varieties such as Marseilles VS Black, the 2 Sal's, etc. versus the apparent more vigorous rooting of less cold-hardy varieties or less dark varieties.

There also seem to be more dark ultra-cold-hardy varieties than white/yellow/green varieties...but that could the the observation of someone who is partial to dark figs...or who is still learning patience.

How about growth vigor?  Do  less cold-hardy varieties grow more quickly than dark and/or cold-hardy varieties.

These questions came to mind as I am sitting gazing out the window at ANOTHER 8" of new snow.  If it weren't for cuttings, I think I would lose my mind.

Many thanks to anyone who responds.

C.J.

Does this mean we should soon find out who the "fuzzy-eared scientist types " are?

I am not a fuzzy-eared scientist types but I have observed that the cold hardy varieties root faster and vigorously from cuttings when rooted under similar conditions (cutting nature and ambient) alongside with other varieties known to be less hardy. It is understandable because this may count for the reason of relative hardiness.

As the child of a fuzzy-eared scientist, rest assured that I use the term in the most loving (and respectful) way.  It certainly wasn't meant offend.  There was nothing my mother couldn't find worthy of research and analysis.

Having said that, it is very clear from a number of posts that there are those among us who delve in the the subject of figs on a far more scientific level  than many of the rest of us who depend on instinct, oral history, a wild guess, or the phase of the moon.  With all of the scientific and experimental data that has been posted on other elements of fig propagation, I wondered if there was any analysis of rooting or growth vigor by variety, geographic distribution, etc.

My experience so far has only been with varieties reputed to have at least some cold resistance, especially dark ones.  The darkest ones seem to root significantly more slowly for me than the light ones...of which I have significantly fewer.

And then I wondered about growing conditions.  Is it possible that some types of figs root more readily in a specific type of soil and moisture content than others.

C.J.

LOL;
I wish I were a qualified, fuzzy-eared science type.  This is the sort of discussion that can be fun. 

How about it; academic or not, what are your observations with regard to Jenia's question?  

I heard that Marseilles VS was hard to root, but it rooted well for me.  Are there any similarities in rooting behavior tied to color or hardiness, or is it strictly a  feature of each variety without regard to color or hardiness? 

From my point of view the difficulty of rooting is of far less importance than hardiness.  If we could find a variety that could stand exposure on the midwestern plains the thing would be wildly popular even if the only way to multiply it was with air layers.
Ox

Jenia
I just used the expression "fuzzy-eared science type" to lighten up your tread.

I just deducted that if a variety consistently roots relatively faster with rigorous roots during rooting process then it may show similar behaviour when planted in ground with roots proliferating more than others and so added chance of root survival under adverse conditions or in other words needing less protection for root survival. This deduction cannot necessarily be applied to the stems or trunks (but survival in bush form at least).

Ottowan,

Whew!  That's a relief.  I was getting ready to duck and run.

I was also wondering if the age of the parent tree affects the vigor of the cutting.  I just don't have the time, space, material...or dedication to do any kind of controlled study..but I'm taking alot of notes and photos.  I am recording the date on which I cup each cutting to see if those that root earlierst also grown most virogously and/or fruit earliest.  I'm sure someone else has done this, but it will be fun making my own discoveries until I find a forum thread that reveals all!

C.J.

The vigour of the mother tree can help in a number of ways. If it had been fertilized adequately during the past growing season then the cuttings are supposed to have better nutrient storage. Cuttings taken from the sunny side also help in the cuttings stored energy. A good lignified (current or last year woody) thick cutting with closed nodes can assure success. Also, it had been noted that it makes difference to some extent if cutting is taken close to the basal or apical end of the plant. If you surf the F4F and GW fig forums, you will come across many such factors described.

Jenia, early fruiting is not a big problem but early (or on time) ripening is a real problem. Some cuttings will have fruit even the first year but if the plants are not in a warm zone, many fig fruits many not ripen in the first year and few in the second year. However, as the trees mature over the years, it may start ripening earlier (other conditions being the same or better).

Also, only your own experience can really apply to your location and site. Data from other threads can help but cannot be realized to all locations because of climate, soil, day length and many other factors.  Keep good records.

Hi Jenia,
im starting to get fuzzy eared no no not as in scientist but darn near bald and
growing hair in and around the ear rim.  ; )

Anyways do a search StevNJ last season he did a documented experiment on different cuttings and was very interesting.

On the other forum Al Tapla posted a thread about scion being cut from top of tree andscion from very bottom of tree and how it can make a difference.
I dont get into the science aspect much so i cannot be help there i just grow em and eat the fruit but i do like to experiment a little when bored .

As for dark types thatswhat i grow and never had much problem growing them , some propagate slower than others but like Ottawan mentioned many factors are involved such as climatic conditions outdorrs and also indoors when growing these and or propagating them.
It is my belief that some scion from same tree can have more vigor and strike better than another from same tree and some scion from some types just root very easily such as one that Jon mentioned.

Hope i did not confuse you further.
Best Health