How to grow fig tree from stump?

8 years ago

Hi there. I’m hoping someone can give me advice on how to grow my parents fig tree back from its stump. The arborist came to cut down our eucalyptus and palm trees and cut our beautiful fig tree down, too. We thought it was gone for good. We thought it was a goner. Fast forward a couple years- the stump has put up some suckers attached to its stump! The suckers are pretty short and small; the leaves look withered since no one has been watering it.

I moved some of the debris and found some roots attached to one of the main stumps. It originally had 3/4 large trunks growing out of the stump. I cut off a piece of the root/stump and am hoping to plant it in a sunny spot. Currently, it is in a pot. There are a few small, thin roots and a large root (approx 0.5” diameter) that I cut through. There is one leaf on this root/stump.

Any advice on:

-how to ensure the current stump(s) grow properly? I’ll continue to water it and perhaps provide fertilizer. The “soil” around the stumps was mainly stones and bark from the cut down trees. Barely any soil at all.

-how to ensure my root grows in the pot until I can plant it? I assume I treat it like a cutting: keep soil damp, lots of bright, indirect sunlight. Should I put rooting hormone on the cut tip?

the original fig tree was mature and produced delicious figs. Will fig trees grown from the stump and/or stump cutting result in the same amazing figs, or will it be a toss up? How long will it take to harvest a good fig crop? For the first 3 years, I assume the tree should focus on developing a good root system and the proper growing structure? (Rather than focusing on getting the tree to produce fruit)

any insight is very much appreciated! I am overjoyed at my discovery. I can’t believe we might be able to save this fig tree!!!

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Comments (3)

Jason (Zone 10b, San Diego)
8 years ago
Figs are pretty hardy and are almost always grown on their own roots (not grafted), so any new suckers coming up should produce the same wonderful figs that you had before. You have a good chance to resurrect your fig tree. Keep the area moist, but not wet and it may recover.

Do the same with your cutting. As it has roots already, you should have a nice head start on a new fig tree. I've heard anecdotal evidence of fig cuttings producing some fruit the first year they were rooted, but it will most likely take a year or two. If you keep it in a pot, it may fruit quicker. I wouldn't worry too much about removing fruit to promote root development with a fig tree (unlike many others).
Sarah Choi
Original Author
8 years ago
Appreciate the advice! Should I wait to fertilize and compost the stump? I’ve heard that if a tree puts on new growth, it may all die back during the winter. I’m in Zone 9b/10a, so I don’t think our winters are too cold, but I don’t want to jeopardize this fig tree/stump. It took about 4 years and it is just now putting out new growth! (we don’t frequent this area so it may have been making a comeback for quite some time). The leaves are tiny. See the first 2 photos; penny for size comparison.

The third pic is of the root cutting. I put it in a bright, (indirect) sunny spot on the floor of the kitchen for now (lots of South sun since we have a few skylights). I’m hoping to move the little guy (I’ve named him Figaro) to brighter, indirect sun in a couple days, likely the kitchen counter. Then, over time will acclimate him to direct sunlight.

Please advise if I am moving too quickly or providing the wrong care. I’m new to the gardening world so any and all advice is welcome!
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Sarah Choi
Original Author
8 years ago
PS here are photos of little Figaro before potting him and pruning off some of the dead wood. I also pruned a small branch to just above a node. I’m hoping this stimulates some growth. Although it would be great to see new top growth, I’m concerned about the lack of lateral roots. I made a couple light scores on the root and applied rooting hormone to him before planting. I didn’t want to rough the root too much, but I figured it might help create side roots.

Would watering with weak/very diluted fertilizer encourage root growth? I’ve also heard watering with diluted hydrogen peroxide helps with root formation, aerates the soil, and kills any bad bacteria. If water soluble fertilizer is a bad idea, would compost tea or water with worm castings be an acceptable solution? I won’t do all these things at the same time (would be overkill), but I’d like to hear people’s thoughts on how using some sort of fertilizer might help with root development. Again, I am not as concerned with top growth since I want Figaro to have a good base first. Would love to hear your suggestions!