Airlayers time

[MJA829]

It usually takes from 6 to 8 weeks for airlayers when its warm outside. I will be airlayering more coming weekend.

Im using 4x18" clear bags, which I cut from bottom, fold leaves then slide over just like putting a sock or similar things. The airlayer process pics are from older airlayer I did before.

I didnt girdle for all, not a good idea for thinner green wood as it can break easily, so just scratch below lower nodes. No rooting hormones.

Pro mix Bx with perlite, moist but not wet, then use zip ties or garden ties for both ends.

I never did so many, and honestly the worse part is all that sap burning my skin, be careful when doing this, long sleeves is a must.

[Halligan-]

Go big or go home👍🏻
You fit 13 on that one tree!!

[MJA829]

Yea I know, its easier than cuttings.

[buzzerj]

Isn't it going to be a bit late in the year for your zone in Chicago?

Camas WA 8b

[MJA829]

No, same schedule as last year, and it worked out fine. I do have the greenhouse as a backup too.

[It Could use another day]

It's been hard getting the moisture right for me, I'll actually try it how your doing it.

[davej]

Yeah, I've had no luck with bags. It is too difficult to re-wet the potting soil if it dries out.

[MJA829]

davej with this method, the bag is only open from both ends, and I secure both ends well with garden ties, no moisture escape even in 90+ weather. You need the mix moist but not wet when you squeeze it.

[Newbie2figs]

Man that a lot of plants 👀😃!! Congrats!! 👏
what varieties are they?

Mario
9aTx

[MJA829]

Man that a lot of plants 👀😃!! Congrats!! 👏
what varieties are they?

Mario
9aTx

Im not done yet, but so far I did

I258
YLN
Thermalito
Jordanian Zraqi
White Madeira

next I will do

Figoin
Black Madeira
NSDC
Cessac
Labritja
CDD Mutant
BNR
CDD Rimada
RLBV
Holy Smoke
CLBC
Black Zadar

Everything else will be done if I have time or I will take cuttings.

[MJA829]

@Newbie2figs

1. Backups. I do that every winter
2. Trades
3. Sell extras and backups I dont need next season

[Realtorbyday]

MJA829 That's a great plan for your zone. You'll always have back-ups if there's a really harsh winter. After a few mild ones we get a little lax and forget about the BAD winters.

[Newbie2figs]

I learned the hard way about BACK UPS!!! Texas freeze and rain rain rain did a number to me

[Otis]

Lots of potential plants, looking good. Ive done a few on in ground trees Is like backups on just in case, but some have been growing slowly and taking time making wood for papa to AL.

[MJA829]

I always take backups of my hard to get varieties and keep indoors all winter. I had a few hiccups in the past with outside storage in -15F and below weather

[599gh888]

Is my figoin part of those air layers lol. Really nicely done MJA

[MJA829]

If you move outside CA lol

[RosyPosy]

Thank you for the pictures! That looks like a great technique!

[MJA829]

There are many ways to do, but this works best for me because its almost %99 sealed, I never had to add water or worry about it for as long as 3 months, or until its full of roots.

[hambone]

I've done a few air layers but never girdled the trunk or removed cambium all the way around. Wouldn't girdling cause the top to die?

[MJA829]

No it wont die, I actually had airlayers with fruit that I girdled and fruit didn't even drop.

Also when you girdle, the nodes below will immediately respond by pushing new growth.

[hambone]

If you girdle an apple tree the top dies. Why not so with fig?

[FigMamaJanet]

New to air layering, I started 7 on my Celeste (3 years old), about 3-4 weeks ago, still waiting for more roots. Also air layering an unknown, and a VDB which the both should be ready to cut off the mother plants. They seem easy and I know of a few people doing air layering. I think it is so much easier than rooting cuttings in the winter in a garage.

[GuyA]

Thanks for the great post. Air layering is my next project on my fig journey.

[Rudypayraise]

Busy bee definitely fun to keep going. They will find happy homes.