I've never tasted fresh figs, but curiosity got the best of my about the possibility of growing them after watching a YouTube video. Every year I try to add something different to my garden, so next season, it will be a variety of figs, Tennessee sweet potato squash, and Concord grapes.

I started out by purchasing a couple of trees on ebay. The first was a Vista/Violette de Bordeaux that I almost killed two times within the first month. After discovering this forum, I figured out the problem and it's resting in my garage. Next, I purchased a Black Madeira, which thankfully hasn't been as traumatic of an experience, but I'm still nervous about things going wrong nonetheless! It's resting in my garage as well in anticipation of the upcoming growing season. I keep a close eye on both! I've concluded that growing figs from cutting is the best way for me to approach this endeavor. Thanks to the generous offerings of two forum members, FMD and Figgyfrank, I purchased Carini and Green Ischia cuttings, and even received an unknown Morocco cutting as a bonus. Thank you both. I guess it's true that getting hooked on growing figs is easy to do as I'm keeping my eye peeled for a sales offer for Col de Dame Blanche cuttings. I'm even open to purchasing from members that are not named Frank. LOL.   

Yes, lots of 'Franks' here!  :)
If you root during the winter, mold is the biggest threat at this stage, and the quickest way to lose a cutting.  It will sneak up on you quickly.  I checked my cuttings just about every day while they rooted.  After you transfer them to cups/pots, you then need to make sure the leaves are happy by providing adequate humidity.  THEN, spring comes along and when you introduce them to the outside world, they may get droopy if you don't acclimate them properly.  Some take well to change while some are very sensitive.  Ultimately, they end up pulling through.  You will get some failures though, no matter how well you care for them.  I wish you great success!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum gings  and enjoy.

Richard
Zone 6 MA. with Greenhouse

Welcome to the forum.


Frank...
one of the other "Franks"....from the North.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I decided to root my cuttings in bags. While it's only been one day, I'm already prepared to check them daily. The problem I am having is getting the temperature in my container up to 75 degrees. It's hovering between 68 and 70 and I'm afraid that's too low. I may have to invest in a seedling heat mat to resolve this issue.  The moisture level of my potting medium (a combination of sphagnum, perlite, and vermiculite) is another matter that that's got my attention. The medium is barely wet to the touch, which I gather is the way to go based on my reading. I'm just afraid that it's not wet enough. Time will tell, and it's certainly easy to just add a little water.

Welcome! 

There are quite a number of Franks here isnt their.

[QUOTE=gings]Thanks for the warm welcome!

I decided to root my cuttings in bags. While it's only been one day, I'm already prepared to check them daily. The problem I am having is getting the temperature in my container up to 75 degrees. It's hovering between 68 and 70 and I'm afraid that's too low. I may have to invest in a seedling heat mat to resolve this issue.  The moisture level of my potting medium (a combination of sphagnum, perlite, and vermiculite) is another matter that that's got my attention. The medium is barely wet to the touch, which I gather is the way to go based on my reading. I'm just afraid that it's not wet enough. Time will tell, and it's certainly easy to just add a little water.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't worry about raising that temp.  Yes, it will encourage rooting faster, but 68 is sufficient.  A heat mat is definitely not necessary, as you then run the risk of drying out the bin if not monitoring frequently.
The medium sounds just right.  Too damp, and the cuttings won't like it and will be more prone to rot.  If you feel the medium needs more moisture, use a misting spray bottle.  Experience is the best teacher and you'll figure out what works best for you.  Hope that helps.

havnt been long time in this hobby and already got black maderia's? 
a good way to start....

welcome and waiting for summer pictures..

You're starting off with some great varieties!  Best of luck and welcome to the forum!

Welcome! As for heat, you might try placing a thermometer up on high shelves and spaces near the ceiling to seek out warmer areas. In my basement shop, the upper shelves stay about 5-6 degrees warmer than the floor. Best of luck!

Welcome to the beginning of a fruitful journey!!

Welcome.

Thanks for the temperature tips (Frank and Rick C.). As it turns out I was worried for nothing. When I checked my cuttings this morning for their daily airing, I discovered the temperature has risen to 74 degrees! One of them has a little fuzz on it, which I assume is mold. I dusted it with cinnamon and will follow up with a treatment of diluted hydrogen peroxide if I don't see signs of improvement by tomorrow.