If I put my potted figs out in the spring and plant them 4" deep so the roots can grow out the drain holes. Then I cut them off in the fall before I bring them in will these roots that stay in the ground sprout fig trees.

Vince Z5

I believe Loslunasfarms has been able to sprout new plants from Pruned roots he would be the best person to answer your question as he has more experience with that.

Check out the following thread.  Someone literally just brought up this topic at Gardenweb today:  http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg020710025247.html?3

I am still not a believer. I have left more than a few roots in the ground when moving a pot that had rooted in, and have never seen any attempt to put up a new shoot or plant.

John, it is not a very reliable method. I have had it work 2x in about 10 trials. But I can assure that the results I had were from roots.

I tried it last season in laundry room and under the grow light but did not have any luck. I did run across an article that i thought was interesting and it also mentions which ones are possible in the woody plants and periennial types 3/4 down the page.
http://www.weekendgardener.net/plant-propagation/rootcuttings-120812.htm

In the woody section it list ficus carica as one of them.


I might try again one day for fun.

I had buried my pots to mid-height outside for the last two growing seasons. The roots had gone out the side holes for grazing and had become 0.25"+ thick when I cut the roots in the fall and left the roots in the soil (in zone 5). I have not seen any of the roots sprouting from the soil during the following growing season. It may be because the spoil at the top sees very cold temperatures in zone 5.

Loslunasfarms,

What were your methods for getting it to work?