SteveP
1459370601
Posted 1469921901
Reply with quote #1
Hello, I am new to the fig forum but have read and researched as much as I can. I tried starting some green fig cutting earlier this year (Mission cuttings from a friend) using the bag method and closed box. They ended up rotting and all of them failed. I got a second batch of green cuttings earlier this month while there were small figs on the tree (I am in the Chowchilla/central California area). I started these in a five gallon bucket using water and an air stone/pump. I cut all the leafs off leaving only the stems. The stems dropped off eventually and they started showing root initials in a week and I had one that grew 3/4" long water roots in only two weeks. I did a few water changes along the way and I have successfully potted two cuttings in gallon pots and have new leafs showing. I have four more cuttings that have root initials or small roots starting. I wanted to say thanks to all the good advise and methods that I have found on this forum.
figpig_66
1416870358
Posted 1469922924
Reply with quote #2
Nice work. Did you have the bucket indoors or outdoors. Sound easy. Did you just have them floating around or secured them. Thanks Richie
SteveP
1459370601
Posted 1469924592
Reply with quote #3
I had them floating around in red solo cups with an air stone in each cup. They are outside under a patio in 100+ degree weather (out of direct sun) with a bag around the bucket to keep the humidity up. I am thinking about making an insert for the bucket where I can have the cuttings supported (away from the edge of the bucket) and not need the cups. I can then use one air stone for the entire bucket. Some of the cuttings started roots above the water line. Hopefully everything takes and I can plant a few fig trees in the ground this winter. I had never eaten a fig before and my dad got a few from the friend with a Mission fig tree and I am now hooked... My wife has allocated 2 acres of our small ranch as a garden area. I hope to get a few different varieties of figs growing over the next few years. We have a few citrus trees and a pomegranate tree established. I am trying to root some citrus root stock and loquat cuttings in the bucket to see if I can have the same success. I was able to successfully root the pomegranate, citrus root stock and loquat tree using an airlayer method involving two water bottles. Once I get a few fig trees started, I will probably airlayer as much as I can due to the ease of reproduction.
