Aboutnick mccann Expertise I can give concise answers on growing plants in containers instead of the ground, why and how to plant them and how to maintain them.
Experience Master Gardner in Charlotte County Florida,,with 10 years experience.
Organizations Master Gardner Association of Charlotte County, Florida
Education/Credentials Associates Degree
Past/Present Clients I am currently also an expert in the Tropical Plant dept.
Question QUESTION: I'm wanting to take some cuttings from my neighbors' fig tree. I understand they should be stored until after the last frost before planting, but at what point should the cuttings be taken? Before or after leaves fall, and how late if after they fall. Thanks for your help. Buzz
ANSWER: Buzz, It is Fall now, so if you want to root a cutting, by all means go for it!...a hardwood cutting is best, and the container should be bagged and placed in a shady area, the baggy will keep in moisture and hasten root development, once it roots, place it in a larager container and grow it indoors until Spring where you can move it outside and into the ground. Nick
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QUESTION: Just to confirm. The fact that it still has fruit that's not quite ripe doesn't hurt? I'm guessing I need to take off the bottom 1/3 of leaves, and any fruit that's still on the cutting too?
Answer You just need to take a hardwood cutting, with or without fruit, (that is academic), you will not hurt the plant by taking a cutting (if thats what you are concerned about..),nor its existing fruit, but if you want to propagate, you can do it now or later, and develop it over the Winter for Springtime planting.
