Growing Fig Trees: Avoid These 11 Season-Ending Mistakes

Growing fig trees is a rewarding experience, but even expert fig growers make mistakes and you can bet I've made all of them. I've updated an old article about avoiding these mistakes and now they're available in video format. In this video, I share with you all of the possibilities of how you can fail so that you can succeed.
Check out the full companion guide, here: www.figboss.com/post/the-9-bi... - It's worth its weight in gold.
You can also get the companion to this information in poster form, here: fig-boss.creator-spring.com/l... - Each poster I've created is beautiful and easy to read. You can also find the Fig Tree Timeline, the Fig Flavor Profiles, the Varieties of Ficus Carcia Collage, and the Fig Commandments also in poster form. They'll arrive in an 18x24-inch size and were designed in Canva. The material is 9 mil, 210-gram Photoart Paper with a satin finish. They're not only informative, but they're also simply gorgeous.
Essential Fertilization 2:01:
The importance of regularly fertilizing fig trees, specifically in containers, using a slow-release fertilizer.
Proper Watering 3:08:
Overwatering and underwatering fig trees can be problematic, especially for trees in containers.
Canopy Management 4:42:
Dense canopies can hinder fruit formation due to lack of sunlight.
Importance of Pruning 6:23:
Excessive pruning can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to more growth rather than fruiting. Maintaining apical and lateral buds is crucial for fruit formation.
Preventing Late Frosts 8:37:
Highlights the detrimental impact of late frosts on fig trees' new growth.
Maintaining Dormancy 10:50:
Skipping this process can lead to a weaker tree in the spring due to increased pest pressure and insufficient care.
Sunburn Protection 12:58:
The issue of sunburn in fig trees when transitioning from low-light to high-light environments. Sunburn reduces photosynthesis and can set back the growth of fig trees.
Premature Harvesting 14:39:
A cautionary discussion on the harvesting of figs too early, including the advice that the indicator of fig ripeness lies in the softness of the neck, not the color, honey drops, or cracking. An emphasis is made on the importance of allowing figs to fully ripen on the tree, as store-bought figs are often picked too early, resulting in a significant loss of flavor and quality.
Proper Pot Size 18:14:
A mistake often seen is keeping figs in small pots, which restricts their growth and negatively impacts fruit production.
Improper Winter Storage 19:20:
Improper winter storage or inadequate cold protection can cause the branches to die back, a mistake that can be easily avoided by following recommended guidelines.
Fig trees need to be kept above 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and suggests avoiding warm, unheated basements as they can lead to premature wake-up of the tree.
Choosing the Wrong Variety 22:01:
Different fig varieties have different tastes and growth characteristics, so choosing the right variety for your climate and conditions is crucial to successful cultivation.
Fig trees are highly influenced by the climate they're grown in, with some varieties being more resilient in different conditions.
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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia

[@plastic9990]

1. Fertiliser regularly, 2. Don’t over water, 3. Enough sunlight, 4. Don’t prune apical tips, 5. Spring frost protection, 6. Avoid keeping indoor, 7. Sunburn occurs if plant moved from indoors to outdoors, 8. Harvest when neck is soft, 9. Keep in 3-7 gallon pots, 10. Improper winter storage >15F, 11. Choose correct variety. Hmmm 🇵🇰❤️🇵🇰

[@OldMotherLogo]

Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@seemamathew2516]

❤

[@tammyohlsson7966]

My three year old figs are covered in figs. Your wisdom is why. Thank you!

[@RossRaddi]

Very good!

[@dilnavazsaadat9306]

I have a gigantic fig tree near the brook where I live rmany years now. It is flourishing with green large figs, very large leaveand3 storeys high ,leaves fall in Winter but the figs never ripen greeand have Winter but the figs n

[@bancoscomunales]

Voi

[@bancoscomunales]

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[@bancoscomunales]

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[@SoxInTheGarden]

Hiya, Ross! Thank you for all the tips! ❤ No wonder I’ve been growing the same figs for four years now and never got any fruits till this year! 😂 Its mid July now here in WA zone 8b, but I’m hopeful that the fruits will ripen between now and October. The softness of the neck was SUPER helpful, as I do have a couple fairly large figs that I’ve been “squeezing the body” of to test for ripeness. 😂 SO glad I came across these tips today!!!

[@adamwise3113]

Great fig video. It's awesome to find great gardening videos from the same zone/bioregion. Thanks!

[@jeremy-hj3yp]

I’ll be saving this video for next spring. 🙄 I’ve almost made every mistake you’ve said and I’ve had a mature tree for over 3 years

[@newyorktropicalgarden9364]

Really happy I found your channel. I’m planning on upping my fig game and you have some great information

[@RossRaddi]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MrSaplana87]

Thanks ross for your enormeous help/"knowhow" with growing figs

[@RossRaddi]

My pleasure!

[@tarottime3219]

Thanks Ross, I’ve learned so much from you over a few years!

[@markvhidalgo]

Great video!

[@johnobrien6737]

I can't double like a video but as a lurker I can comment on one. This was a great video with lots of helpful information!

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you, John!

[@ArabicOrchard]

Great video Buddy!

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@tjcihlar1]

thank you boss

[@Abbasshahsso]

Please write down 11 mistakes ,your doing excellent work,congratulations.

[@jeandeleon3525]

Thank you ❤

[@naturalliving2011]

My brown turkey fig is struggling. Grow😅ing it in a pot im in zone 7b NY. I keep it indoors during winter and take outside for spring and summer. Yup, you nailed it. When I brought the tree outside in late April the new branches got frostbite since NY had those 50s 40s temps at night but was in 70s 80sna few times. Plus the leaves got sunburn and fell off.

[@RossRaddi]

Thanks for sharing! The good news is, you can turn it around.

[@leoronan3494]

Very informative have a chiago hardy in the ground in massachusetts. Using construction grade Styrofoam framed 4x8 also wrap in burlap then so ac insulation. Hormonal tips did well. This is my third yr 1 fig had die back first winter as did not use box just wrapped. Some branches 5ft will see thanks for the tips.

[@dchambers986]

Great video Ross! Thanks for the tips! I liked and already subscribed.

[@mooney411]

Thank you for this video! I’m also in the Philly area and I was gifted a fig tree last year. This year is the first fruits that have appeared! I’m excited about it! Not to sure of the type of fig though.

[@RossRaddi]

Send me photos of the fruits and I'll identify it for you.

[@MissBetsyLu]

​@@RossRaddi that's very nice of you

[@user-bt9gi8fw1d]

Love your vids very informative. I'm in middle Tennessee I have a few cuttings I'm growing out now black mission, brown turkey, kadota, sal El, I'm just wondering any others you recommend for hot humid areas. Thanks and I'm subscribed

[@BattleAx342]

I have a Celeste Fig tree in the ground this winter here in South Carolina in the Low Country along the cost got hit with that cold weather 12 deg at night for 5 days the main tree died and the tree came back from the roots. I just water the tree and it is producing fig that is so cool. Thanks Ross for all the great videos helped me out a ton....

[@RossRaddi]

You're welcome!

[@user-rx3xy8sq7s]

Hi! Ty for all these great videos. What kind of greenhouse would you recommend? You are in Philly? What do you use?

[@nicolehornick4778]

This was awesome

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@drizztdourden1466]

Hi Ross, these tips are really good. I ran into some of these issues myself, such as keeping them indoors over the winter, and then having to deal with spider mites for the first time. Indoors, the figs were dormant for ~2mths, which led to another issue, the sunburn. I ended up dealing with that (after sunburning them the first time) by putting up a solar canopy, which actually works pretty well. I think the sunburn really comes from the UV light, not the amount of light, because indoors, there is no UV light, while even on a cold day, the UV light outdoors can already cause sunburn. I do have a question, which I'm not sure is a mistake or what. I have some "Black Madeira KK" (I was told when I bought them), and they actually budded fruit actually pretty well after 1-2 years. However, after sitting on the tree for a month or so, the figs just start to shrivel up / yellow and fall off, or they shrivel up and start to turn purple and fall off. The same appears to be happening with some Col de dame noir figs, which they sit there green for a month, and then like clockwork, start to yellow and get aborted. Is this due to the figs not being the common variety, and thus they won't ripen? Or is there some other issue going on? This is the 2nd year this is happening, where not a single one has ripened out of 6+ that may fruit on a tree. I'm trying to determine whether to give up on those fig plants if they can't ripen the fruit. Meanwhile, I do have some other figs that do ripen, like smith. Thanks!

[@angelodeperi-xd6jd]

Hi Ross great video video going to watch it over and take notes for my log one question I live in North Jersey what would be a good variety of fig I have a Chicago hardy fig tree now like to have a different variety. Can you make a suggestion?

[@sandylove8810]

I wished you put this video out on March or April :( very valuable information, please next year post one early as April

[@jackjuliuscooks]

Hey Ross, great informative video. I have a fig tree that my wife and her mom got me years ago. It was about two or 3 feet high when we first planted it. Was told that these fig trees should grow on the east side of the home where the sun rises. So it’s been on that side of the house. The first year at fruited it was very productive. Then One year we had very cold weather, below zero and it died after growing almost 6 to 8 feet. But then the few years following it grew crazy. And every year we have several hundred to 1000 or more Figs. You mention to protect them in the winter if you can… What if they are 10 feet or taller? How do you protect them then? It’s now getting in to fall, there are maybe 20 or so. Figs left that haven’t changed or ripened. And there are quite a few branches close to the ground that I wanted to prune back so that the fig tree grows upward instead of outward. The other question I had was, should I prune these or just let them grow? And thanks again for the great video…

[@ronniewilliams8604]

Amazing information. Love your procedures. I’ll subscribe.

[@palaciostexasbeauty2872]

Your work is great and appreciated, I am dumbfounded because my fig tree has a lot of figs and they are not ripening they've been green for weeks it's strange.

[@RossRaddi]

Figs stagnate while they ripen. Every 30 days they swell to a larger size almost overnight.

[@arabellalunkes4532]

That happened to mine last year they just sat there at a small size and for 3 months did nothing and then the winter came😢. Not one fig to be had!

[@hannabengtsson1689]

Hi Ross! Regarding overwintering, we have winter temps that go down to - 20 celcius, a garage that goes down to +1 celcius and a glassed in porch that is bright but gets just slightly less cold than the outdoors. Which option would likely work the best? Thanks for a great video!

[@user-mc7gx5ch9l]

Good info, still wanting to plant my fig out of a 15 gallon container into the ground here in tropical Florida. Worried that the heat might be too much, so I want to plant it so it gets morning sun and then maybe some evening sun, but shaded during the heat of the day. Not much winter around here. It rains alot, so it's safer than keeping it in the pot.

[@1968303]

Hi Ross, I’m in Bucks County,Pa. I have been grow figs in pots four about 15 years with pretty good success. My next door neighbor has a fig bush planted in the ground that he does nothing to, winter or summer and gets hundreds of figs. I took a shoot from his bush last year that had lots of roots and planted it in large raised bed. Other than wrapping it for winter, is their anything extra I have to do because of raised 12 “ bed? It’s about 33” tall with four branches and I picked 18 figs this year. Don’t know variety. Thank you, I enjoy your videos.

[@jeronimochavezmaya3730]

Me gustaría saber cómo haces para que las plantas de higuera no crezcan demasiado. Especialmente las plantas que están en contenedores. Gracias por la respuesta. Saludos desde Extremadura España

[@Youdontknowmeson1324]

My figs survived minus 20 in zone 5b 6 outside and less hardy variety Celeste and lsu purple fig with your advice.

[@JJr-ce3vv]

Mine, zone 4. There are hardy fig trees, plus outdoor protection.

[@mariannekelstrup7633]

Hello, recently started watching this channel a lot, since I'm trying to grow a fig tree as a potted plant on my balchony in Denmark, zone 8a I think. Balcony is turned East/South East, I basically have direct sun from sunrise to around 1 pm. which is decent in the summer. I got my little fig tree back in November 2023 and had it inside because we get cold, dark winters here. Think it woke up from a slumber and suddenly started growing a lot. In the middle of March, after frost was unlikely to come back, I "repotted" the tree into a big barrel and moved it outside. IBarrel 46 cm in diameter and 32 cm deep. Bigger than the 2 gallon pots you showed. Pretty big I guess for a tree that I assume is 1 year old? When repotting my fig was not entirely root bound, but knowing less than I do now, I didn't loosen any of the roots that looped around the root clump. Had some pests by that point as well that I tried to get rid of by spraying the tree with a thin diluted alcohol/soap/water blend. Pests are mostly gone, but I think I damaged the trees leaves in the process. Some of them has colorless, crispy spots that break and crumble. As it is, the tree still has mostly green leaves, albeit with brown/white spots from the pests and my failed attempt at battling them. Leaved are not particuarly large though and there are not many of them either. The branches are long and thin and I'm afraid it's because it didn't get enough light during the winter when it woke up. We only have about 5 hours of daylight in december... I'm not too worried about the fruits for now, I just want the tree/bush to be healthy and know it's going to be okay, or if I'm kiling it with misplaced love and rookie mistakes. Sorry about the rant. Anyone with good advice, feel free to reply.

[@TheCrazeenana]

I’m just learning as well but compost leaves grass food scraps. I actually have pots beside some of my plants compost in place. Or if they are in ground chop and drop.😁I follow a few ppl that I’ve learned so much from.

[@user-xl3oq4ln2f]

O9-04-2023 loved it. How can I watch it again

[@deanevangelista6359]

The wasps in my area are so numerous, that I pick a lot of my figs a day or two early, and ripen them on my counter.

[@Brisbanesdaddy]

Hello!!! I am near Canton Ohio in zone 5. I have potted figs. I let them get frosted on so that they defoliate and go dormant. I put them in my basement garage that stays in the upper 30s all winter. I also keep a compact florescent light on 24/7 while in the basement garage (because I also keep my citrus there too). They typically break into green buds in late March to early April. I have Chicago hearty, Letesia, Brown Turkey, Black Mission, Olympia, and Ischia. Can you recommend varieties that produce early and heavy? I would like to experiment with some of these. Thank you!

[@user-wf1yl1wk1h]

Do you recommend planting figs in the ground out in the open with stakes or against house or buildings? Should they be planted on the southeast side of house for zone 7b Oklahoma?

[@axelbubenzer6255]

Excellent video very valuable tips Ross I'm in the Philippines zone 11

[@donaldmotichek5829]

My fig tree is only about two years old, when it budded out it was very top heavy with leaves

[@khalilasailor839]

Hi Ross! I live in zone 10 and noticed a fig tree(s) growing under my mature bougainvillea last year. It has not fruited. It has not been cut back. There is a lot of foliage so there may be multiple plants. I am planning to relocate it during the winter when it goes dormant. Do you have any tips for me?

[@Musclecar67]

I have a Chicago Hardy Fig. I've had it for 2 years and it's in a 25G pot on my patio with full sun. I never pruned it so it's bushy. I am not getting fruit at all just leafs. Based on this video should I tree form it? Or just open it up and keep the bush form? Ty

[@lmgorbea1]

Thanks for the information! I almost prune my fig tree now that is waking up. It would have been a disaster! So, if I want to reduce it’s height, when is the best time to prune back without risking the harvest?

[@anissaoud5682]

Nice hat.

[@t-bone6467]

Hi Ross. New subscriber here. Great info in video. What would be your top varieties suggestions for just north of Allentown pa. Zone 6a?

[@RossRaddi]

The best figs in our area so far are listed here: www.figboss.com/post/my-best-fig-varieties-as-of-2022

[@edward2448]

Figs are delicious, so underrated

[@althiapereira3101]

I'm new at taking care of the fig tree, I live in Texas zone 8a and I am growing my fig tree in a container and it's growing well. I was wondering when can I transfer my container fig tree to the ground?

[@memph7610]

How much do you water in May or Sept/Oct? The kind of weather Philly gets during those months is the kind of weather I get during my summers (days in the 70s, nights in the 50s) - it almost never reaches 90F here, maybe an average of once per summer (this year though, the hottest day was 86.5F).

[@whynot69734]

Hi! I truly enjoyed your video. Do you have recommendations of the type of tree that grows well in the Houston, TX area. I believe we are zone 9a. Thank you.

[@RossRaddi]

Smith is as good as it gets.

[@cathymiller3933]

I live in NJ and planted a fig tree last year I covered it last fall. My question is what is the best way to keep the birds from eating the fruit? I used netting that was a pain to try to get the figs once they were ripe, can you suggest another method ?

[@outwest100az]

My mission fig is 4 years old and now in August has dropped all its leaves. I have had a decent crop since year one and now I am just beside myself about what to do. It is very well established in the ground and the white wood is strong. Any ideas what the heck I did or didn't do, I will try anything to save my baby. I am in zone 9A Tucson AZ We had a super cold and long winter for us and now a much hotter than usual summer. Thanks

[@danlieter5673]

Hi Ross, What are your thoughts on growing the Italian ever bearing fig for central New Jersey climate?

[@woodlandsartgal]

Got Italian fig, year 3, no fruit...

[@abedchebbani]

How do you protect your in ground fig tree in zone five ?

[@shannoncrosby442]

I have a young Italian honey fig tree & I live in upstate NY in an apartment with a patio. Any suggestions for this variety . I will be putting it outside asap

[@mz.amazing]

Hello Ross, I live in Ohio zone 6b. I paid no attention to figs that are best for my area. Would you suggest to me the figs that grow best in my area? Thanks

[@tracyfurman6935]

Hello Ross, new subscriber here and I'm very glad I found you. I'm in zone 7a (Arkansas) and have a large high tunnel (70ft long, 24 ft wide, 20ft high). In the center is a fig tree (I don't know the variety) that usually grows as tall as the roof each year and produces a ton of fruit. It also gets very wide , so I was told that it needed to be pruned back much more than I had been, so I did that this past February. Well, now it is out of control getting wider and wider and not getting taller at all. It does show some fruit. Please advise me on how to remedy this, and how to correctly prune. I have to do something now because it is heading towards other raised planters... help!!! And thank you!

[@RossRaddi]

That's the problem with fig trees. Prune them too hard and they get out of control! This video about halfway through will explain how to get fruit while also maintaining a good size: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-wpI14aZ2nb68

[@randylynnr]

I put my figs in pots in my garage. I feed it water once a month. It wakes up and they are beautiful n full of fruit. My garage is heated and air conditioned. It gets sun from the windows in my door.

[@3basra]

I see that there is a cherry tree in your garden. How do you take care of it because I have two and it bloomed in the spring, but all the flowers fell even though I applied fertilizer 101010 and also put calcium nitrate and I did not see any result ☺️

[@ca712]

do I need to make my fig cuttings go dormant over the winter in zone 7a

[@kevinhebert2149]

I have an old fig tree growing in the backyard. Apparently at some point a shoot grew straight up the center and is now about 7 feet tall with a diameter of about 4 inches. Should I just leave my tree within the tree?

[@warrenalbert9336]

Here we have had over 30 days of 115 or more up to 119 in the phoenix area . My Fig tress is dieing and I dont kn ow if it is the heat of under or over water. I have a timer to give sprayed water for 10 mi nutes at 7:30pm but I raised it to 17 minutes today. But all but 10 % of the leaves dried up and fell, and all the tiny fruit has dried up and fall if you touch them. So can you tell me if it is the heat, over or underwatering please?

[@kathikass2184]

I am in zone 7 and want to move my in-ground brown turkey fig to another sunnier spot in my yard. Is it too late? What fertilization does it need? Thank you!

[@kylefamilyhomestead7007]

Great tips! Where is a good place to buy cuttings?

[@RossRaddi]

I sell 1500 cuttings every year from Nov-January. You won't find many outside of that time frame.

[@kylefamilyhomestead7007]

@@RossRaddi Ok thanks for that. I’m new to figs so I’m still learning. Mike

[@williamcarmack1770]

What about pruning from the soil up

[@alienmona2525]

Hi Ross I live in zone 6b Springfield Mo I got lots of figs in container but problem how can I keep them in winter no green house ?

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

Hi Ross! I'm so glad I found your channel. I live in Gerogia Zone 8b (formerly 8a). I have a couple of fig trees in 5 gallon containers that I'm currently over wintering in my shed (with a window). The temperature doesn't stay below 45 degrees for long because I'm also overwintering other plants, and sometimes, I use a heater to keep temperature up. If I understand you correctly, I can store them in the containers unprotected unless the temperature gets below 15 degrees. Is that correct? Also, at what temperature does a fig tree die back to the ground? I don't want them to have to start growing all over again. Also, I was gifted some fig cuttings on veterans day and they're beginning to develop leaves. Do you have a video on growing cuttings and up potting them? I currently have them in solo cups and would like to figure out the next size container I should move them to. Thank you kindly.

[@RossRaddi]

Hello! That is correct about the potted figs. Ideally they are kept between 15-50 all winter. Otherwise they'll wake up prematurely. Check out this article in regards to the in ground trees: www.figboss.com/post/fig-tree-hardy

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

@@RossRaddi Thank you very much!

[@petermascetta4982]

Ross. I follow you carefully. Two things I need help with. How to and when to up pot. I tried moving some this spring early and lost several of my two year old plants. When to prune. Spring or fall??? Thanks

[@RossRaddi]

Cheek this out, Peter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXrdZn5veJKUi6s

[@TwilightVaramek]

i ended up ordering a fignomenal dwarf fiog tree wich a lot of stuff i fou8nd said they are ok to take inside in the winter wich for me is nescarry as somone living in zone 4 hopw ever they do still have a dormancy mode so now im trying to figure out how would i keep it dormant through the wintyer the coolest place in the house is in the basment wich gets to about 65 were the rest of the house sits at about 80 all winter sense the person i live with likes it hot and our front and back porch are not insulated so if it hist 30 below zero outside its going to be the same in the porches especily sense every single window leaks and one of them the entire window fell out . in temrs of sun burn i have a 40% shade cloth i intend to set up come spring becuase i will be growing dragon fruit as well

[@user-je5dd1ic1t]

I live in st.pete.,fl. I'm having a problem with rust. I've been told to spray it with copper which I've done a couple of times. I would love to hear your thoughts on this problem. Thanks, jdb

[@schayban16]

I live in St pete too and spraying copper will make things worse... the roots use fungi to grow and copper will prevent your trees from growing

[@rope719]

Question, with a very dense planting, about 2-3 ft spacing between trees, how do you open up the center of the tree without crossing branches with adjacent trees?

[@RossRaddi]

Hehe, you can see the dilemma. Imagine that all of the tree is just one big tree with branches positioned carefully within the tree.

[@user-mc7gx5ch9l]

Or what fig should I grow here in the very hot northern Florida area? I appreciate your expertise!

[@RossRaddi]

Celeste, Smith, Colonel littmans black cross, LSU purple. It's tough in Florida, but those have a better chance to succeed than most.

[@summerhannah9378]

I've had a Celeste and a Turkey fig planted outside for 8 years now....never fruited much. They grow bushy...about 10' tall. Each spring we've taken down the dead brown old canes to make room for new growth, which becomes dense. What are we doing wrong? I assume, after watching your video, we need to make sure they're not so dense in the middle. I haven't taken down the old canes yet....waiting for your answer!

[@davidjones8312]

drj Westfield Wisconsin we can get a -35 here in Wisconsin what fig name should I plant for Wisconsin?. Thank you for your time and help.

[@arabellalunkes4532]

What are the numbers on your fig fertilizer? We don’t have ur brand here. Ty! Great video!

[@RossRaddi]

A 10-10-10 or a 20-10-20 is what you want. Just try to get something close to that ratio.

[@rapha-elalternativetherapi5716]

Here’s the problem for zone 5, we can’t plant outside because our winters will kill them. Some of us need to keep them inside.

[@erikasmith4427]

I also live in zone 5 and I have them in big planters ( I have two ). I bring them in the house before the first frost and take them outside in late spring when the temperature stays in the mid fifties at night. I should add that we trim the trees in the fall to help them stay healthy and more productive. When they are inside the house during winter they are kept under grow lights.

[@AnnSmith-tm4lo]

I have a fig tree question. I have 3 cedar trees on my property, I am in North Louisiana, I know that cedar will harm some fruit trees but will it harm figs? I have heard some kind of rust will happen.

[@Ang.0910]

I moved into a new house that has a fig planted in grown. It puts out new shoots from the ground every spring and dies back in winter but it’s never fruited. Do all figs fruit? How can I get it to fruit.

[@luzm1039]

What do you do once the leaves are sunburnt 😢?

[@unit4unit439]

i am purely growing mine in a container on my desk under a strong grow light year aro7und.. its atcualy figging now its supposed to be everbearing and can fruit year around if kewpt indoors and fertalized so thats what i am doing

[@gailwiles9537]

My fig has fruit on before the leaves. I could have sworn I’d removed all the fruit that was left on from last year. It’s only been planted in the ground for 2yrs and not had a decent crop, it’s only produced tiny fruit, which I’ve left on the tree. Should I remove those at the end of the fruiting season? Anyway, my main question is the fruit that seems to have come up before the leaves, what should I do with them? TIA for any advise you can give to me 😊

[@brettnielsen3924]

Hi Ross, greetings from down under 😁. I’m south of Brisbane on the east coast which is a subtropical climate. Can you please suggest some varieties that might do well in such ? Thanks, Brett

[@RossRaddi]

Hey Brett, What nurseries do you have access to there?

[@brettnielsen3924]

@@RossRaddi Hi Ross thanks for your reply…..there’s a few small nurseries around the area but nothing substantial….

[@randylynnr]

What to do for sun burn if I don’t have a shady area

[@christynapier-bailey9358]

Couple questions about your in ground fig trees. I’m in 8b so in ground is desirable. So far only my brown turkey has been planted out but I want to espalier one on my south wall. You seem to have one right next to the house but most of my research seems to say that will cause foundation damage? I have also seen many brown turkeys near the house. So Is it a varietal thing or just pruning for reduced size? I have in pots a Celeste, black mission, violette de Bordeaux, beers black, Nero, and maybe a couple of Others. Any advice on one within 6ft of the foundation?

[@RossRaddi]

95% of the information on the internet about fig trees is incorrect. I haven't seen any evidence of a single fig tree be the reason for damage to a foundation yet I know of and personally am growing 100s of trees next to structures.

[@lindajustice2000]

Where do you purchase the tall pots that you use for your smaller plants? They look to be 4”x9” or so.

[@RossRaddi]

Greenhouse mega store

[@BillynBertie]

Not sure I understood your point about avoiding summer pruning as this could unbalance the metabolism of the tree and delay or prevent fruit buds. In another fig growing in containers video the advice was to pinch out the apical bud on July 1st as this would promote fruit bud formation down the main stem, creating the figs that would ripen, hopefully by the end of the summer season before any frosts. Should I NOT do this? If so, what should I do to promote embryo bud formation if my trees are showing no sign of this? Thanks if you can advise, or anybody else here!

[@RossRaddi]

I'm not sure where the confusion is. Did I advise against summer pruning? That would be my mistake. One of the mistakes in this video is growers make excessive winter pruning leading to hormonal imbalances. Not summer pruning.

[@BillynBertie]

@@RossRaddi I might have misheard that part, but I thought you were suggesting it was a mistake to pinch out the growing point unless there was clearly an embryo fruit bud as well as a bud for a new shoot. My trees are all just new this year (except for three established ones of traditional varieties) and I am therefore very keen not to do the wrong thing and prevent them from producing their first fruit. I will take care not to over prune in winter. Thanks.

[@lewisleung7062]

Hi Ross, I’m in Minneapolis, a zone 4. Somehow, I’m successful in getting my 2021 small fig tree, the Chicago hardy, to 3 feet this summer and bearded 10 fruits. The first one was tasteless, the other other 9 all turned dark brown to black, and they tasted awesome! Now, my question is even inside my garage could have temp below 0 F when the polar vortex coming down. From what you described that I shouldn’t put it in the basement, but that’s the only option I have. What other options would you recommend in this case? After all, the plant needs some moist and can’t be let dry through the winter, right. Even the garage, not heated, would be below freezing, and the soil may freeze up, would that kill the roots and the plant too?

[@Romans15.32]

I have this same question. I have one turkey fig but would like to try some other varieties. He is saying - no basement. That is where mine is. In an unfinished basement near a window. I do put ice in the pot to water it periodically as if it were getting snow water. It survived the basement last year and thrived this summer. I did not have the problem of it budding early. I am 75 miles NW of Chicago on the Wisconsin border and we get cold here. Another fig friend told me he just puts his potted fig tree in the garage over winter. I did that last year with a Chicago fig and it died. Yes the pot froze, it's an unheated uninsulated metal butler building. So I'm perplexed. He didn't offer any solutions about where to move it to. ???

[@faizalabrahams7704]

Hi Ross, I live in South Africa. I planted an apple tree two years ago. Last year a fig tree and a lemon tree started growing right next to the fig tree. What should I do ? Would like to leave them like that but might cause problems in the future. Any suggestions?

[@RossRaddi]

Sounds like they're seedlings. I would get rid of them. Fruit trees should be grafted to get high quality fruit.

[@MrWaynerd]

hey man, i live in the low valley of southern arizona and i was wondering, can i grow pretty much any variety of figs down here? all i currently have are a few brown turkey figs but i would like to expand the variety

[@RossRaddi]

Hot and dry is perfect for any fig variety. Grow the best tasting ones: www.figboss.com/post/the-best-tasting-fig-varieties

[@bitas.959]

Thank you so much for this video. I have 4 fig trees, and I had them for about five years. Every year they produce a lot of figs, but they do not ripe at all. What is the solution ? I live in a dry desert in Arizona with very hot summer and very cold winter. Thank you

[@RossRaddi]

Do they fall off prematurely? Where did you get your fig tree? Can you send me photos of your tree?

[@bitas.959]

For some reason it doesn’t let me to send you photos. But I did it by cutting from a very good fig tree from my own area. They don’t fall off, there stay hard and rocky till the end and sometimes they become like cotton ball at the end. But never ripe.

[@harleyhaulinrvlife5890]

Bought a home with well established fig tree. What would you recommend for Ambrosia beetle problem? The tree is older, trunk about 10inches diameter and about 15 ft high. Sprayed tree last year, but there is bark coming off. Hate to cut it down. What would you do?

[@thatbme35]

Clip and root health branches some can be cut down to the ground and grow back. Root some health clones.

[@QuiltingQueen-tm7pe]

Just planted my 2 year old fig in the ground .I grew it in a huge pot and moved it indoors for winter , where it dropped leaves and Went dormant. I covered it with a blanket anyway and watered it only a couple of times. I put it in the ground this year. I panicked when I saw brown spots. I got a copper fungicide and sprayed it well. Can you please do a video on disease identification and treatments?

[@RossRaddi]

I've got plenty on sunburn, FMV and rust.

[@QuiltingQueen-tm7pe]

@@RossRaddi fig mosaic virus? Pictures please! Can you also tell me about wasps. Are there some figs that must have a wasp 🐝 to pollinate ? I need to leRn so much about figs. My Italian grandpa had one tree he babied. I am in NJ

[@LoamReaper]

"A former greenskeeper, now about to become the Master's champion."

[@christinechiu8951]

Hi Ross, I have a mature fig tree that was planted about 4’ away from my house. Will the roots of the tree damage the foundation? I live in zone 7 in New Jersey. The tree bears a lot of fruits every year, do I need to remove the the tree all together? I am miserable for the mistake I made by planting the tree too close to my house!

[@Iz0pen]

If it’s not right on top of a water or sewer line you’re probably fine. Relax and enjoy your figs👍

[@lindajustice2000]

What potting mix do you recommend for your figs?

[@RossRaddi]

Pro-Mix HP.

[@esmeraldareitz849]

I’m struggling to control soil gnats. I’ve used neem oil with dish soap with no luck. Any advice?

[@RossRaddi]

Decrease soil moisture!

[@maryjane-vx4dd]

I just bough a Chicago fig that will be grown in a greenhouse. The tag says it fruits better with a cross pollinator. What variety woud be good for a zone 5 that gets 20° sometimes end of May. I live in a northern Utah valley. I would also like to air layer some to see if they'll survive and fruit unprotected outside the greenhouse

[@RossRaddi]

Figs don't need pollination. You only need one variety.

[@PhuongHa-xr2ef]

Can I use 12-14-11 slow release fertilizer? Thanks

[@RossRaddi]

Absolutely. That's close enough to a 10-10-10. Regardless, be consistent early in your growing season with it.

[@beskamir5977]

So where are we supposed to store them overwinter if not the basement? My garage would probably get too cold and likely fluctuate too much in temps too and I don't have a greenhouse that'd be warm enough either. My basement can drop to under 10c during the coldest parts of the winter and that's probably not ideal for fig growth either so I'm not really sure where you'd recommend storing them. My current plan is to put them in the basement with growlights and just hope that 4ish to 14ish c would be a fine temp range for figs, possibly I'd bring them in after they've had a couple months of dormancy? Or would it be better to extend the season for them by bringing them indoors and then putting them out in late winter when it's consistently above -10c? Or just bring them in as an evergreen tree and skip the dormancy all together? Last year my fig was still really small so I brought it upstairs during the coldest parts of winter and it seemed to really like that but this year it's going to be quite a bit larger so I'm not sure I could do that.

[@RossRaddi]

This article explains a lot of options and why you want to avoid the basement: www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks

[@beskamir5977]

@@RossRaddi Thanks for replying but it still sounds like basement is the best option for me as long as I address consider the potential temp issue. Could watering them with cold water or putting ice on the soil be a decent hack to prolong their dormancy? My basement's pretty cold during the coldest parts of winter... at night it can drop down to just several degrees above freezing and possibly just a degree or two right next to the door where the figs would be. Actually it's possible it got cold enough last winter that my fig, mulberries and cherry-plum seedlings all briefly went dormant from it? The only other factor could have been severe under watering but that doesn't make any sense, right? They had a growlight for 8ish hours so it couldn't have been a lack of lighting either. I seriously thought I'd killed them when all their leaves just dried up and fell off (as expected from severe under watering) but a month later (or several months later in the case of the cherry-plum) they were all alive again with only a few not making it. The fig was immediately brought upstairs when I noticed the mulberries and cherry-plum losing leaves so before it had a chance to lose its leaves. Which I guess was probably a mistake since it likely needed a bit of dormancy and ultimately lost all of that year's leaves anyway before growing back newer ones shortly afterward.

[@ellatessler1634]

I live in NJ, the climate is close to Philadelphia. What variety of fig do you recommend?

[@RossRaddi]

Any of these: www.figboss.com/post/my-best-fig-varieties-as-of-2022

[@annamontone8952]

What is the best fig for zone 9b in Florida?

[@RossRaddi]

Celeste, LSU Purple, Smith, LSU Scott's Black!

[@Workinggirlhomestead]

my tree is fruiting but seems a long time for the figs getting big and riping