Figs are amazing, tough, and highly adaptable plants.
I’m not going to try and sell you on fresh figs here. Just share a few notes about my experiences with figs so far.
Plants:
Generally zone 6+ should be ok growing figs in ground outdoors.
Generally zone 5 and below need to help their figs through winter. Check out Lee Reich’s book on growing figs in cold climates for loads of details and ideas.
Here in zone 5, I have had good luck growing figs in 5 gallon buckets (with holes in the bottom) and bringing them into a sheltered unheated room in winter.
I am trialing keeping figs in ground protected by cold frames, with green stems bent down to the ground throughout the growing season. So far I have had good luck with Celeste and Ronde de Bordeaux.
Rooting Cuttings:
My most successful method for rooting cuttings right now is to use a five gallon bucket as a pot. This gives plenty of depth to get a really nice plant in year one. This is a nice method because you don’t have to transfer the cuttings after rooting has been initiated (which is where I usually lose cuttings).
Drill 3/8 inch holes in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket. I usually do about 9 holes.
Fill it with potting soil. There are many options here, but generally you want something with some drainage / air for the cuttings to root into. Remember roots form in air with the help of water, not the other way around.
Stick four or five cuttings in the bucket. Mulch the top.
Keep them in a shady place to start that just gets a little sunlight. Protect from animals. The cuttings don’t need sun at first.
Wait until 1) you have a few nice fully formed leaves and 2) the cuttings pass a tug test (give a cuttintg a little tug. If it feels anchored, it has at least started rooting. If it slides right out it has not rooted yet).
Then transfer them to a sunny, protected location.
