Expert: nick mccann - 9/20/2009

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.