Expert: nick mccann - 8/8/2008

Question
Hi, I have always wanted to grow fig trees and have been reading voraciously. Have 2 3-yr. old kadota fig trees I just purchased in containers in late June; garden center said to put in ground in late Aug. They are already fruit-bearing; ate the first one yesterday (yum).

Two questions: 1) leaves are yellowing. They are still in their containers. Too much or too little water? I'm not sure what to make of info on web on this. Trees still growing and putting out new fruit. I'm confused. Please help. They are in good sun with a bit of shade.
2) I don't understand how to clip them to propagate a new shoot. Can someone explain where I am cutting the plant? Thanks for any and all information. Deb.

Answer
Hi Deb, the yellowing leaves is more then likely Rust Fungus, a bane of Figs, albeit mostly in the south where it thrives on hot humid weather conditions; spray your fig with a Copper Fungicide, this will control the fungus. Water your Fig when the soil is dry to touch, don't keep the soil moist or problems will occur also. Propagate it with cuttings (older stems, not green tip cuttings) put an 8 inch cutting about 2 inches into moist soil and cover with a baggy to keep the immediate atmosphere around the cutting evenly moist, add water if it begins to dry out too fast. Thats about all you need to know about your Fig, they are really easy to maintain, as long as you don't over water. Fertilize 3 times a year with a 10-10-10 granular. good luck! Nick