Fig tree pruning question

Discussion in 'Trees' started by Webmaster, Jun 6, 2005.

  1. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    I have a fig tree that is 18" high, coming from the main stem are 2 branches, each one of these is getting on for 18" long, now am I supposed to prune back the branches?

    I had read somewhere that you are to prune back to x many leaves to a branch, but as this is my first fig tree, don't want to do anything that is going to harm it.

    As a by the way, if I am to prune the branches, do fig tree cuttings take easily ;) .

    Thanks

    Nathan.
     
    Webmaster, Jun 6, 2005
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  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Nathan I dont prune mine in the summer, except to get the odd cutting later in the summer.
    Pinching out the shoots I do, do, This involves pinching out the growing bud after 4 or 5 leaves.
    This works best on plants under glass as the figs that this produces do not ripen outside here and are lost in the winter. However some figs will be produced as very tiny buds, late in the growing season, these will go on to ripen next year. Its a bit of a long process in this country, but once it gets going you get some figs every year.
    pete
     
    pete, Jun 6, 2005
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  3. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    Thanks Pete, I will be piching out the growing tip of both branches tomorrow then, as it seems all the goodness is going into the branches now, and it;s not growing upwards.

    Also, mine is in the greenhouse, and has gone crazy, when I bought it earlier in the year, it resembled a twig.

    Off topic, my Koelreuteria's and Custard apple tree are coming on, the Koelreuteria being very quick (approx 8" tall) .


    Nathan.

    [ 06. June 2005, 09:15 PM: Message edited by: Webmaster ]
     
    Webmaster, Jun 6, 2005
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  4. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    If its in a greenhouse, stand back, I take it, its in apot or something.
    Good hear everythings doing well.
    pete
     
    pete, Jun 6, 2005
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  5. SteveW

    SteveW Gardener

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    SteveW, Jun 6, 2005
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  6. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    Very informative steve.


    Nathan.
     
    Webmaster, Jun 7, 2005
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  7. GardenGerald

    GardenGerald Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello
    I fully agree with pete 2255. I do hope you have contained the fig in a pot or container. Figs that are allowed an unrestricted root run produce rampant top growth but very little fruit.
    Some type of container about 2ft x 2ft x 2ft to restrict roots works very well but do remember to have some small drainage holes in base.
    Best wishes,
    Gerald.
     
    GardenGerald, Jun 7, 2005
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  8. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    Gerald,

    No worries about being containerised, I have had it since it was merely a twig with a couple of buds on it (Wilkinsons special ;) ), And I have potted it on a couple of times so far, roots are showing themselves again at the bottom of it's current pot, but I won't be potting on again for another 6-8 weeks (hopefully).

    Nathan.
     
    Webmaster, Jun 7, 2005
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  9. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    A pic of the Fig tree taken today :-


    [​IMG]


    Nathan.
     
    Webmaster, Jun 8, 2005
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  10. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    See you've pinched it out then [​IMG]
     
    pete, Jun 9, 2005
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  11. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    [​IMG]
    These are growing outside, should ripen this year OK.
     
    pete, Jun 11, 2005
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  12. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    A bit of a beast Pete :eek: , how old is it ?


    Nathan.
     
    Webmaster, Jun 11, 2005
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  13. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    About 5 yrs Nathan. As you can see not in ideal conditions, under trees, but it does pretty well.
    pete
     
    pete, Jun 11, 2005
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  14. warthog

    warthog Apprentice Gardener

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    thanks Pete will take your advice and hope for better luck next year
    Warthog
     
    warthog, Aug 17, 2005
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