In January and February in Florida we take Fig (Ficus carica) cuttings while the stems are still dormant. We select the last season growth.
The final cutting length is between 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) and includes several dormant buds.
Before putting the cutting into the soil we scar the base of the cutting to stimulate root growth as seem in the photo below.
The cuttings are placed into a well draining soil that will hold some moisture.
The ideal healing environment for fig cuttings is protected from excess moisture with dispersed sunlight such as a polypropagator or kitchen window.
Often fig cuttings will push fruit first instead of leaves. It is best to remove these young fruit and allow the cutting to continue to root and grow. After the fruit is removed the cutting will push leaves.
Once the leaves are firmly established the roots are most likely also established, though sometimes it is worth waiting a little longer to make sure they are rooted before transplanting.
We find that if cuttings are taken in the right season we do not have to use any rooting hormone.
Does anyone have experience taking fig cuttings “out of season”?