I started some of my cuttings in November just to see how they would do. They are growing nicely. 62 degrees won't hurt them at all. Go for it : )

I would start mine 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Probably around tax day in your zone, but that's just me. ;o)

I won't take the time to explain why (info available with a simple search here) but I'll just say that (with few exceptions like a heated greenhouse or sophisticated light set-up) I don't think Cazimere's suggestion is founded in good science.

Al

He's talking about starting cuttings indoors AL. 62 at night is no big deal and he has a warming mat. These are Sals, HC, and LSU Gold cuttings that i received from Herman and started November 8th directly into a 50/50 mix of perlite and vermiculite. The room they are in get to 60 at night without them being on a warming mat. You DON"T need a (fancy heated greenhouse or sophisticated light set-up) to start figs.
Caz
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b163/cazimere/IMG_5925.jpg

Opps heres the pic : )
{{gwi:744080}}

Cazimere,
I agree with you. A little common sense and what actually works is equally, if not more valuable, than all the academic and scientific rhetoric.

I won't even consider trying to explain anything that I've read, but I have read some of the "science" Al referred to. What I do seem to remember is that his suggestion is not based on sucess or failure of rooting cuttings. Rather it is based on what is best for the newly rooted plants - and how they will perform once spring arrives. I guess the true test is how the new tree is doing at the end of its first year (and thereafter). I've rooted fig cuttings in the fall almost immediately after the mother tree went dormant - with a very high success rate. However, that doesn't mean it was the best thing to do :)

Henry

If I own the tree, or if I have local access, then I like to take my cuttings in the Spring when the buds are just beginning to swell, and start to root them right away. This is probably about the time tapla suggests. If the situation is otherwise, then start them as soon as you get them, they'll root no matter when, and under a wide variety of conditions.

So far, Henry and Elder understand the original question and realize why I didn't agree with Cazimere. I have no idea why Captain took such a harsh and critical position unless he just doesn't care for me. ;o)

Fortunately though, he's created an opportunity to shine. Perhaps he can review the original question and trump all that rhetoric with a clearer explanation than I could hope to offer.

Why DO you think it's better to start cuttings (in my own home state - MI) in November than in late spring, Captain?

Al

I start mine the same way Elder does - I prune the figs in the spring just before bud break and take my cuttings. They seem to root faster then.
My traded cuttings have been a problem. I attributed some of the difficulty to refrigerator storage (no real proof - just a gut feeling - they didn't look as good coming out of the fridge as they did going in). So this year I stored the cuttings in damp sand in a cool room. They popped around Christmas and are doing well.
But I prefer not to have them growing in the house for a long period. It's just harder to keep them happy and disease free than outdoors.