Comments on: Fig Trees on Wheels! http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/ A Growing Legacy Since 1816 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:09:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4 By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-10534 Sarah Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:09:03 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-10534 Figs don't require much pruning, except to remove damaged/dead/diseased limbs. As for root pruning, this helps all plants and trees that live the container-life. The most ideal time for this sort of pruning would be in late winter/early spring, while they are still dormant and not producing fruit. This helps to limit as much shock to the trees as possible. :) Figs don’t require much pruning, except to remove damaged/dead/diseased limbs. As for root pruning, this helps all plants and trees that live the container-life. The most ideal time for this sort of pruning would be in late winter/early spring, while they are still dormant and not producing fruit. This helps to limit as much shock to the trees as possible. :)

]]> By: Mike http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-10532 Mike Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:06:26 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-10532 Is it to late to root prune my fig trees? they bare lots of figs each year, but they havent been out of the pots for years. I got them from an older gent, who has passed. Dont know what kind they are, but they are dwarfs. I think I will take the one in the smaller pot, and put it in a larger pot, and add compost. As for the big potted one, I would like to root prune, so I might have to wait till winter. thanks Is it to late to root prune my fig trees? they bare lots of figs each year, but they havent been out of the pots for years. I got them from an older gent, who has passed. Dont know what kind they are, but they are dwarfs. I think I will take the one in the smaller pot, and put it in a larger pot, and add compost. As for the big potted one, I would like to root prune, so I might have to wait till winter. thanks

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-10389 Sarah Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:55:39 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-10389 Stevie -- since the container your tree is growing in will restrict the size of the tree, it is really up to you which original-sized tree you plant in it. Keep in mind that, if you ever decide to plant your plum tree in the ground in the future (if you move, give it away as a gift, etc.), you might want to still opt for the dwarf-sized tree if you don't want one that will grow large. :) Stevie — since the container your tree is growing in will restrict the size of the tree, it is really up to you which original-sized tree you plant in it. Keep in mind that, if you ever decide to plant your plum tree in the ground in the future (if you move, give it away as a gift, etc.), you might want to still opt for the dwarf-sized tree if you don’t want one that will grow large. :)

]]> By: Stevie http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-10388 Stevie Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:46:07 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-10388 Do you recommend a dwarf plum fruit tree for container planting or a full-size fruit tree that will become dwarfed in a container? I'm in zone 6B and have a greenhouse to winter it. Do you recommend a dwarf plum fruit tree for container planting or a full-size fruit tree that will become dwarfed in a container? I’m in zone 6B and have a greenhouse to winter it.

]]> By: rob http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-10359 rob Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:12:30 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-10359 I have been growing figs in pots and in the ground for several years in the Chicago area with good success. Your ant problem can be solved easily by putting ant stakes like the spectracide ant shield stakes into the ground near the base of each tree. These stakes attract and kill the little brown sweet-loving ants that go after your figs but don't release the insecticide into the soil where it could be taken up by your tree. Also, whenever you see a fig that is being eaten by ants, pluck it off ASAP and discard it to discourage attracting more ants. I have been growing figs in pots and in the ground for several years in the Chicago area with good success. Your ant problem can be solved easily by putting ant stakes like the spectracide ant shield stakes into the ground near the base of each tree. These stakes attract and kill the little brown sweet-loving ants that go after your figs but don’t release the insecticide into the soil where it could be taken up by your tree. Also, whenever you see a fig that is being eaten by ants, pluck it off ASAP and discard it to discourage attracting more ants.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-5584 Sarah Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:28:41 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-5584 Hi Cynthia! I am in the same boat as you with my fig trees. Figs require warm temperatures to ripen, and this year, with the tough summer, many fig trees aren't getting the chance to bring their fruit to maturity. If you haven't been experiencing cold nights or frost there yet, your Brown Turkey Fig tree might have a chance to bring those figs to a ripened state. If there aren't enough warm days left, chances are the fruit could drop before ripening. If they do drop, it's not the worst thing, though, since you'll know that your tree has reached its fruiting maturity, and if next year is more kind, you'll get more figs! Hi Cynthia! I am in the same boat as you with my fig trees. Figs require warm temperatures to ripen, and this year, with the tough summer, many fig trees aren’t getting the chance to bring their fruit to maturity.

If you haven’t been experiencing cold nights or frost there yet, your Brown Turkey Fig tree might have a chance to bring those figs to a ripened state. If there aren’t enough warm days left, chances are the fruit could drop before ripening. If they do drop, it’s not the worst thing, though, since you’ll know that your tree has reached its fruiting maturity, and if next year is more kind, you’ll get more figs!

]]> By: cynthia williams http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-5252 cynthia williams Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:47:04 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-5252 Hello and help. I'm in zone 7a and have a Brown Turkey 3 yr old tree that is established outside. She is covered with figs, but they are all green! It is 12 October and I really want to taste a fig. Digging her up and moving her inside is not a option this year, so what can I do? She has grown about four foot in summer 2012 and apperars to be very happy. I will be grateful for any feedback. v/r Cynthia Hello and help. I’m in zone 7a and have a Brown Turkey 3 yr old tree that is established outside. She is covered with figs, but they are all green! It is 12 October and I really want to taste a fig. Digging her up and moving her inside is not a option this year, so what can I do? She has grown about four foot in summer 2012 and apperars to be very happy. I will be grateful for any feedback.
v/r
Cynthia

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-3211 Sarah Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:11:49 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-3211 You'll be happy to know that fig trees need very little pruning in a general setting! Just basic maintenance is all that's necessary, Caroline. :) If you are keeping your fig in a container, pruning to the size that fits your space best is possible. Figs are fairly forgiving of pruning cuts. Most people find that pruning to keep a healthy shape is all that is needed. Celeste, for example, doesn't require more pruning than the removal of old damaged/diseased limbs and keeping it open to light (remove inward-growing branches). Heavy pruning -- like what is recommended for other types of fruits and berries -- may actually reduce fruit crops. You should be able to adopt this method for your Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey Figs as well. You’ll be happy to know that fig trees need very little pruning in a general setting! Just basic maintenance is all that’s necessary, Caroline. :) If you are keeping your fig in a container, pruning to the size that fits your space best is possible. Figs are fairly forgiving of pruning cuts.

Most people find that pruning to keep a healthy shape is all that is needed. Celeste, for example, doesn’t require more pruning than the removal of old damaged/diseased limbs and keeping it open to light (remove inward-growing branches). Heavy pruning — like what is recommended for other types of fruits and berries — may actually reduce fruit crops. You should be able to adopt this method for your Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey Figs as well.

]]> By: Caroline http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-3208 Caroline Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:18:46 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-3208 I planted Celeste, Chicago Hardy, and Brown Turkey Figs. Do I prune all of them 1/3 to 1/4 annually or do some figs fruit on old branches like the blackberries? I planted Celeste, Chicago Hardy, and Brown Turkey Figs. Do I prune all of them 1/3 to 1/4 annually or do some figs fruit on old branches like the blackberries?

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-2552 Sarah Wed, 02 May 2012 19:56:09 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-2552 Great questions, Susan. Typically, yellowing leaves are a sign of chlorosis in a plant/tree. This happens when there is a nutrient deficiency in the soil or when the tree is receiving too much water. The frequent rains may be the culprit but if you are not fertilizing the fig tree, you might want to consider a well-balanced soil application every couple weeks or so. If it looks like the tree is stressing under the weight of the fruit, you may want to thin it out to a few figs per branch (especially on the limbs that have about seven). :) Great questions, Susan. Typically, yellowing leaves are a sign of chlorosis in a plant/tree. This happens when there is a nutrient deficiency in the soil or when the tree is receiving too much water. The frequent rains may be the culprit but if you are not fertilizing the fig tree, you might want to consider a well-balanced soil application every couple weeks or so.

If it looks like the tree is stressing under the weight of the fruit, you may want to thin it out to a few figs per branch (especially on the limbs that have about seven). :)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-2551 Sarah Wed, 02 May 2012 19:52:46 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-2551 Great tips, Timoti! Thanks for sharing with everyone :) Great tips, Timoti! Thanks for sharing with everyone :)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-2550 Sarah Wed, 02 May 2012 19:52:06 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-2550 Hi Peggy! When you prune your fig back by 1/3 of the new growth, you will also want to remove that sucker. Suckers tend to "suck" the energy from the rest of the tree and put it toward its own growth. Other than that, be sure to move the tree into an unheated space during the winter so that it may still get a rest period but will not be injured by freezing temperatures. :) Hi Peggy! When you prune your fig back by 1/3 of the new growth, you will also want to remove that sucker. Suckers tend to “suck” the energy from the rest of the tree and put it toward its own growth.

Other than that, be sure to move the tree into an unheated space during the winter so that it may still get a rest period but will not be injured by freezing temperatures. :)

]]> By: Susan http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-1692 Susan Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:58:21 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-1692 Hi, I have a Kadota fig, purchased this sprng and live in zone 7. It is in a large pot sitting on the deck, which is not shaded and faces the north east. It has from 1 to 7 figs on each of the 3 branches. This morning I noticed that many of the leaves are turning yellow and dropping. I checked for aphids, spiders, etc. and see no evidence of pests. Though it is receiving periodic evening rains, which seem to be enough for my other deck plants, could it be it needs more frequenet watering or do you think there is another cause? Also, should I thin the number of figs on each branch (like you would on an apple or pear tree)or leave as is? Hi,
I have a Kadota fig, purchased this sprng and live in zone 7. It is in a large pot sitting on the deck, which is not shaded and faces the north east. It has from 1 to 7 figs on each of the 3 branches. This morning I noticed that many of the leaves are turning yellow and dropping. I checked for aphids, spiders, etc. and see no evidence of pests. Though it is receiving periodic evening rains, which seem to be enough for my other deck plants, could it be it needs more frequenet watering or do you think there is another cause? Also, should I thin the number of figs on each branch (like you would on an apple or pear tree)or leave as is?

]]> By: Timoti http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-852 Timoti Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:36:00 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-852 For the posters who are complaining that they are not seeing their figs produce heavily make sure of these 3 items: 1. Prune your fig trees so there are no crossing branches and get rid of the spindly growth. Get rid of any diseased branches and make sure your cuts are made with a sharp blade. 2. Root prune your fig tree. If you've had your fig in a container for more than two years it's well due for a root pruning. Simply take the fig out of the container by grabbing the main trunk and then with a long knife begin slicing three inches of roots and soil all around the root ball. Figs are prolific in sending roots so you can trim safely in late fall or early winter. 3. Feed your figs blood meal and like judy said a good npk of 8-8-8 is also required. Happy fig growing! For the posters who are complaining that they are not seeing their figs produce heavily make sure of these 3 items:

1. Prune your fig trees so there are no crossing branches and get rid of the spindly growth. Get rid of any diseased branches and make sure your cuts are made with a sharp blade.

2. Root prune your fig tree. If you’ve had your fig in a container for more than two years it’s well due for a root pruning. Simply take the fig out of the container by grabbing the main trunk and then with a long knife begin slicing three inches of roots and soil all around the root ball. Figs are prolific in sending roots so you can trim safely in late fall or early winter.

3. Feed your figs blood meal and like judy said a good npk of 8-8-8 is also required.

Happy fig growing!

]]> By: Peggy Hughes http://www.starkbros.com/blog/figs-on-wheels/#comment-833 Peggy Hughes Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:27:08 +0000 http://www.starkbros.com/blog/?p=1200#comment-833 I have a two year old fig tree that produced about 16 fruits last summer, it came indoors for the winter in a somewhat heated basement with some western windows and it has grown until it pushes against the 7ft ceiling. There are several big branches growing sideways and one sucker coming up from the soil in the pot. If I prune all the main branches one third, should I also remove the sucker at soil level ? It was watered once a week regularly with a tad of general houseplant fertilizer so maybe it never got a rest period. What do you recommend now ? Thanks very much for advice. I have a two year old fig tree that produced about 16 fruits last summer, it came indoors for the winter in a somewhat heated basement with some western windows and it has grown until it pushes against the 7ft ceiling. There are several big branches growing sideways and one sucker coming up from the soil in the pot. If I prune all the main branches one third, should I also remove the sucker at soil level ? It was watered once a week regularly with a tad of general houseplant fertilizer so maybe it never got a rest period. What do you recommend now ?

Thanks very much for advice.

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