We are excited to share our new YouTube video on how to prune a fig tree—just in time for pruning season! Join CVHS member, Frank, as he demonstrates how to structurally prune the tree to allow for good sunlight and airflow, limit height and eliminate branches that obstruct the pathway or are otherwise not wanted. Many thanks to Frank for sharing his knowledge!
Great video - thanks! Did you start any cuttings for the plant sale?
Great idea! For anyone that’s interested and will be pruning their fig shortly, here’s how:
A popular method of rooting figs outdoors is through fig cuttings. Late in the dormant season, after the danger of frost is past, take fig cuttings from small branches that are two to three years old. (Note that some instructions say to take cuttings from last year’s growth—maybe try both!). They should be about ½ to ¾ inches (1.3-1.9 cm.) thick, about the width of your pinky, and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm.) long. The bottom end cut should be flat and the tip cut on a slant.
You can treat the slanted end with a sealant to prevent disease and the flat end with rooting hormone. When learning how to start a fig tree by this method, it’s best to use six to eight shoots to allow room for some failures. Multiple cuttings can be placed in the same pot to be separated later.
Plant the rooting fig’s flat end 6 inches (15 cm.) deep in hole 6 inches (15 cm.) wide and about a foot (30 cm.) apart. Water well, but don’t over water. In one year, your fig cuttings can grow 36-48 inches (91-122 cm.). The new trees will be ready to transplant the following dormant season.
There are many online sites that provide good instructions. Here is one:
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