Can plants like figs and pomegranates be planted deep like tomatoes and peppers can? I have heard for years about the dangers of planting a tree too deep, but what about plants that will root when buried? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to burying a 3 foot fig tree so that only the top few nodes are exposed above ground?

I know in colder climates people often plant figs a little deeper as protection against frost kill, and I have seen videos online where large machines were used to dig 6 foot+ deep holes in which a large unrooted fig branch was buried and allowed to root. As the tree grew, the hole was gradually filled in around it.

I am currently trying to root my first ever cuttings. I have about 6 different varieties going at the moment – most in bags and some in shoebox sized plastic containers with lids. I did have a few questions.

First, is it normal for black or brown color to rub off of the bud areas that are covered by the paper towel? Is it shedding it’s “cover” as it breaks dormancy?

Second, I open my bag each day to look for mold and to allow fresh air in. How much air should I leave in the bag when closing? Does it matter?

Third, while the paper towels are moist, there is seldom any condensation within the bag. I also have a couple shoeboxes going with a perlite / peat mix and there is no condensation inside on those either. Do I need to add more moisture?

After 2 weeks I am finally getting some cuttings with initials (think that’s the correct term?) and seeing some bud swell and openings. The Dominick cuttings I started about a week ago are covered in white bumps from top to bottom. I should say the “dark” ones are, but the green cuttings from the same tree look almost the same as the day I got them. Is that normal?

I am a bit overloaded with information and I worry about doing something to accidentally kill the cuttings. It doesn't help that I am impatient either!! Any advice would be appreciated. 

Thanks!

George

An Ahwatukee friend's large 5-6 year old Brown Turkey has shown odd depressions on the bark for a long time almost like the bark is eaten away halfway up the tree. Top of the tree is still alive with plenty of figs produced, but the branches are getting dwarved and showing weird warty growth on the bark. We're thinking if trimming the top of the tree off this winter, just leaving the healthy appearing lower part of the tree. Photos here from this past Sunday.

There are 4 very healthy 2-3 inch diameter branches coming out about 20 inches below the missing bark and we think we'll cut back to there in the next 4 weeks. If there is a disease that causes the sunken bark, would be good to know so we are more careful. We even thought roof rats might be eating the bark when we first noticed the damaged bark 3 years ago, but she has citrus trees with tons of fruit and no eating....so why would rats eat bark.

She gets some frost, but is on the slopes in Ahwatukee and doesn't usually see a hard freeze. Nearby Limes, Lemons planted the same year are healthy with only occasional freeze damage.