How to Grow Huge Figs

Watch Professor Odd Job's first how-to video for quick and effective tips to help you expedite the growth of your figs using items you likely already have at home. Please like and subscribe for more how-to content from Professor Odd Job!

[@jasonanders7003]

Thank you for making a short , efficiently explained video.

[@professoroddjob]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roman1295]

“Blessing little figgies” 😂

[@professoroddjob]

🙏🙏🙏😆😆

[@maroosk]

🤣🤣❤❤❤❤

[@ross-smithfamily6317]

I LOVE it!! ❤❤❤

[@birdieloo6168]

❤️❤️🙏🙏☺️☺️

[@haladraj]

you can remove 2/3 of the leaves to get the tree to direct its power towards ripening the figs. The same thing as tomatoes.

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll try it.

[@ishawooapass]

Thanks for the info!

[@JohnSmith-fj3uf]

Haladraj, I think it is more complicated than that. Near the tip the leaves portions and sugars are moving in the sap as raw materials to make leaves faster than the leaves are making those raw materials to grow leaves. So somewhere near the tip of a growing shoot there is a net inflow of sap to build new leafs. Farther back there is a net outflow of sap from mature leaves that gets used to feed roots branches, new leaves and figs. So you can pinch the very new stuff late season (not sure how far back to go) and there will be a little more sap for figs. But pulling off mature leafs would leave less sap for the plant to grow and make figs. Then there is the question of what to do if foliage is very dense so it shades itself. If there are leaves in the dark they might be wasting energy getting fed by leaves in the sun.

[@haladraj]

@@JohnSmith-fj3uf Thanks for the details. It sounds more complicated than I thought. Where I live, a 3-year-old tree can make up to 2000 figs per season not per year, that much of fig wouldn't ripe with heavy foliage, we remove the lower leaves and those that grow on top of each other. and yes the tree stops growing but the step keeps all figs in place and all ripe well.

[@diontury7585]

Excellent video!!! Thank You old timer for passing on your wisdom and knowledge 🙏 🙌

[@professoroddjob]

Old timer? 😂😂😂 thanks for watching. More to come.

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching. Good questions, the figs ripen in early October here in New Jersey. So I use this method in the middle of September before the cold weather arrives. Some of the figs ripen on their own but the oil speeds up the process.

[@albusha5150]

Hi, I am originally from Albania and we have plenty of figs there. There are two main kinds of figs: one is in mid to late June and they are big like pears sweet and juicy, light green and purple color and we call them ancient figs and then we have second kind that ripe in August and September and those we call them white and black. There is no need to do what you've done to your figs because they get ripe on their own as we have plenty of sunny days in the summer. I suggest if you can take a trip to see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[@professoroddjob]

@@albusha5150 hello my friend from Albania. I only use this method when it’s late in the season in order not to lose the crop. Once it gets cold here, this is the only method to get them to ripen. Thanks for watching.

[@tammiedunbar6166]

I live in Metropolitan Atlanta in Barrow County the figs in this region start to ripen in Mid July. They ripen rapidly and you have be diligent about picking them or else the over ripe fruit attracts different insects,wasp, yellow jackets.

[@professoroddjob]

@@tammiedunbar6166 thanks for sharing. It’s usually warmer in Atlanta which helps the ripening. Here in New Jersey, the figs start to ripen late September.

[@tammiedunbar6166]

Do the birds compete with you to get their share of your figs? I'm going to hang CD discs in my trees to try and deter them. I put netting over my Celeste fig tree and they still pecked at the ripen figs.

[@JillianJHanna]

I never would have thought to do that. So cool!!

[@barefeeting]

Great video, I will do this to my figs this year.

[@professoroddjob]

Good luck. More fig tree tips coming.

[@JohnSmith-fj3uf]

I agree the figs that are too late to ripen before cold weather will take energy from figs you will eat. My comment was really directed at someone who suggested removing 2/3 of tomato leaves. Enjoy your figs .

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for sharing

[@Pokerwhizz]

Thanks for this great tip, love & light

[@professoroddjob]

I’m glad , thank you for watching.

[@SlackerU]

Brilliant, I'll be doing this after this round of rainstorms.

[@cpwolfe23]

Thank you, Professor!

[@professoroddjob]

You’re welcome, thank you.

[@kamauwikeepa7308]

Yes! I found that our trees are always loaded, but not much ripening, so I'll definitely try this. Taking the tips off is awesome and I will do that now next season. We have a lot of old trees growing wild and used to fruit and was considering pruning, but now I will try removing the tips. I hope I've got it right. Thank you for New Zealand.

[@professoroddjob]

Hello New Zealand, thanks for sharing, check out the video I have on pruning, it word quit well. I already have figs in May, so I expect to start picking figs by July.

[@MrJaybird3316]

wow. I need to try this!

[@professoroddjob]

Works well. Thanks for watching.

[@lostpony4885]

Will try, thanks!!

[@professoroddjob]

Thx for watching

[@professoroddjob]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching.

[@alfredopampanga9356]

Valuable advice

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you.

[@josphineawino]

Wonderful !!! I'm watching from Mombasa Kenya

[@professoroddjob]

Welcome to my channel. Thank you for watching. Stay tuned for more gardening videos.

[@monicasmith9215]

Thanks 😊

[@professoroddjob]

Welcome 😊

[@mssavedin92]

now that is a fantastic tip, thankyou so much

[@professoroddjob]

You're very welcome!

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching.

[@mssavedin92]

@@professoroddjob Thanks for posting sir. :)

[@KunyongPlantito0824]

Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching.

[@sunflowerz54]

Fascinating

[@HergerTheJoyous]

Just planted two myself...thanks!

[@professoroddjob]

Great. Good luck.

[@NatureHerbsandTea.]

Very nice ❤️ 👌 👍 Thank you ❤️

[@professoroddjob]

You’re welcome.

[@hydrogreen1111]

Fascinating. I just started growing six fig trees on my balcony in planters. There are 8 figs starting to appear much to my delight. That's all it takes to ripen the figs faster? Just a dab of olive oil like that?

[@professoroddjob]

Congratulations on your new fig trees. If they ripen naturally, you don’t have to use the oil. I only apply it late in the season before the cold weather sets in so I don’t lose the figs.

[@justjules-pourlyequipped9303]

Thanking you ❤💖❤

[@professoroddjob]

You’re welcome.

[@garydiamond6078]

been doing this forever it works

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you for sharing.

[@rwally3able]

Thankyou!!!!!

[@professoroddjob]

You're welcome!

[@rafael2661]

Good video but these are very VERY young fig trees, my Father has two on his property and I remember eating figs every year, delicious! However, the circumference of the trunk and branches tells me that tree is probably 2 to 3 years old at best… the trees need time, and I would definitely let it mature past five years, so the Branch is getting very very sturdy… you will not be disappointed 🎉

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for sharing, I have 2 trees, the one in the video is about 7 years old, the other one is 9 years old. They produce a good amount of figs but I use the oil late in the season before the cold weather sets in.

[@user-cx2gu1hu6l]

A little dab will do you! Great video

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for the visit

[@timmmmmmmmmmy1]

Brill cream user😂.

[@terryjones8588]

This is clever. How did you stumble upon this trick?

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for the question. I was looking into what makes the figs grow and ripen and I learned about the ethylene gas that makes that happen, so I figured if I close the eye and trap the ethylene gas inside the fig it should expedite the process. So I tried it and it worked.

[@professoroddjob]

Yes, I put out a video 3 months ago on pruning. Check it out, it’s very helpful. I already have figs 2:08 coming out. I it out a video yesterday showing the trimmed bush with the fresh growth. Good luck.

[@professoroddjob]

Sorry for the spelling goofs! Fat fingers on the phone keyboard.😂😂😂

[@gianfrancopaladino961]

Awesome video going to try and grow some figs. Do you have any problems with birds or squirrels eating your figs?

[@professoroddjob]

Not at all. I’ve had 2 fig trees for the past 6 years and now they produce lots of fruit. Good luck.

[@anthonykoutroumanis4327]

Very nice tip, when is the best time to put the oil on the figs? How early in the season? I leave in Connecticut. How earlier do they ripe from normal time? One month two months? Thank you for your answer in advance.

[@professoroddjob]

Also, they start growing in may but not ready for picking until September/october. So give them a chance to get bigger before using the oil.

[@ahmlit]

Subbed 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👊

[@gordonmitchell729]

Great information thank you. I will definitely do this and as my fig tree is in an awkward spot I wondered if I could take some cuttings and plant in a better location? Is there a specific way to take cuttings and prepare for planting? Thank you 🖖

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you for watching the video. The gigs like direct sunlight, not too much water. You can take a fresh cutting and start it in a large pot. Once it produces leaves it could be transplanted into the ground.

[@gordonmitchell729]

@@professoroddjob this sounds easy enough thank you. My fig tree is under a 100 foot Walnut tree. It gets the morning sun and shares the shade with some grape vines but it looks like it’s in need of its own garden. I will try your suggestion thanks again 🏆

[@professoroddjob]

@@gordonmitchell729 that seems to be the problem, my trees are in the sun all day.

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

i love figs!!!!

[@professoroddjob]

Delicious and very healthy.

[@chadashley1434]

My fig bush hasn't been producing.

[@professoroddjob]

Sorry to hear that. Make sure it’s in a sunny area, water a couple of times a week., mulch around the base, prune dead wood. That should help.

[@mehr-sepehr]

wow !!! fig blessing with olive oil what a combination❤😂

[@professoroddjob]

Maybe I should go to seminary school!!!😂😂😂😂

[@birdieloo6168]

Holy Moses, your tree is loaded with fruit!! Are fig trees supposed to be so bushy? Bought a fig tree last year…so far it still resembles a very young tree and hadn’t bushed out. This is a new experience for me. Thank you for the info!!

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching the video. I prune it in September to keep it small but it gives plenty of figs. Check out my other videos on pruning. It already developed figs as of 2 weeks ago.

[@tammiedunbar6166]

Even though a young plant can have figs developed on it. The plant really starts to fruit heavily once it's roots system gets stronger and if its planted in the ground and the feeder roots spread out near the surface and absorb water& nutrients within the drip zone of the plant. I planted my figs trees in (2017/18). My Celeste fig was the first plant to start bearing fruit in (2019). The brown turkey & Louisiana green varieties thus far have had more foliage on them than fruit. I'm going to prune them next year in late winter before they break dormancy. This year I pruned one of the brown turkey plants. And noticed that on the new growth I see more small figs developing this year than previous past years. When I'm driving around in my growing zone (8a or b) At times I see on others properties huge fig trees with heights of 10 plus feet. I see the owners on ladders harvesting the friut.

[@DerafsheKavian]

Hello there, how old is that tree? Great tip on expediting the ripening.

[@professoroddjob]

The tree is about 4 years old. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe to get more updates.

[@lulabelle4760]

Here in PNW my figgies ripen late summer early fall. I will give this a try! Your fig bush is beautiful❤ Have U pruned it to keep it shorter and bushie? Ive not seen a fig bush before🤣 going to look at your channel now!

[@meredith3588]

I'm curious, too. Did you prune your fig to be this short or is it the type of fig that is naturally small?

[@timmmmmmmmmmy1]

I'd about bet that's all 1st year growth from an older root system. Not as bushy as I've seen. Cool hack that I'll have to give a try on any that may not ripen 👍👍.

[@professoroddjob]

I like to keep it small and bushy so I can reach the fruits. It produces quite a bit.

[@professoroddjob]

It’s actually 7 years old. I get some new growth and some on the older growth then I trim the dead parts.

[@lulabelle4760]

@@professoroddjob so could I start pruning my fig to make it shorter and then just prune the new growth to the desired height and it will get bushy over time? Thank U for your first reply. I truely love how your fig looks 💖

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Excellent tips! And what a lovely, healthy and productive fig tree! BTW the white sap irritates my skin and stings almost like nettles so I can't speak for everyone but it's probably best not to touch it with bare hands!

[@professoroddjob]

I appreciate the tip about the sap. It’s best to wear gloves. Thanks for watching the video.

[@timadams8687]

G'day mate You could also use a cotton bud

[@professoroddjob]

What ever works for you as long as you seal the eye. Thanks for the question.

[@LittlePieceOfHeaven.]

Thanks for the tip ! What zone are you ?

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching. I’m in zone 7a.

[@LittlePieceOfHeaven.]

@@professoroddjob Thank for the reply. I hope to see more of you :) Garden tips . How you overwinter, prune your figs etc. New Subscriber :)

[@professoroddjob]

I cover the fig trees with a tarp for the winter. I usually prune it just a little bit in the middle of February. Stay tuned as I have many garden tips coming soon. Thank you.

[@professoroddjob]

Not bad. Up to 30 F degrees . However, I cover them in the winter to protect them from extreme cold and snow.

[@user-nx8ii4ef7f]

That was impressive if true! UK

[@professoroddjob]

It definitely works, give it a try and let me know. Thanks for watching.

[@user-nx8ii4ef7f]

@@professoroddjob Promise!

[@lauriepolden6594]

I actually moved to a house and inherited 3 fig bushes… I know NOTHING about them but I did notice the rabbits love them and they aren’t doing well this spring😮 I think I pruned them wrong or something last fall…😢

[@professoroddjob]

Check out a video I put out a couple of weeks ago on pruning. Make sure they get lots of sun. Good luck and let me know what happens.

[@mofomoco]

Does this change the flavor at all?

[@professoroddjob]

Not at all, I use just a drop of oil. I also rinse the figs once I pick them.

[@garyburner4362]

When you say it's September.. remember that we are watching from different places in the world..say where you are..

[@professoroddjob]

Good point. I’m in New Jersey, USA. Thanks for watching.

[@georgecapra]

How you protect the fig tree from frost in the winter ? Thanks

[@professoroddjob]

I have a video on that topic. Please look at it and you’ll see how i protect my trees.

[@mominthe209]

I have a big fig tree in the back yard that produces 2crops a year. I’m guessing a bird or shoe transported a fig to the garden area several years ago since a tree has been growing there. I was going to cut it down and then I saw it had figgies on it. I’m hoping that it’s a different variety that a bird dropped , but 99% sure it’s not. I’m going to try the oive oil technique today and see what happens.

[@professoroddjob]

You’ll be Surprised by the results. Good luck and let me know the results.

[@professoroddjob]

Love the little figgies.😂😂😂😂

[@raebenning6453]

Does delaying placing olive oil on the figs stagger the cropping?

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you for the question. Not really, I only use the oil if it’s late in the season and before the cold weather sets in. The cold will slow the growth/ripening very quickly.

[@econ0003]

Does speeding up ripening affect the flavor, texture, sugar content of the fruit?

[@professoroddjob]

Great question. Not at all, I do this late in the season just before the cold sets in so I don’t lost the crop. I didn’t notice a difference in the flavor or the texture. Thanks for watching the video..

[@econ0003]

@@professoroddjob Thanks for the tip, I'll have to try it this summer.

Just a curiosity: what's the variety of the fig tree?

[@professoroddjob]

Brown turkey fig tree. Absolutely delicious. Thanks for watching the video.

[@superinvandrare9326]

Does this really works? i need to try this

[@professoroddjob]

Yes it does. Give it a shot.

[@francus7227]

How old is this tree? Was it from a cutting or seed? Thank you. I tapped the thumbs 👍 button to feed the algorithm monster.

[@professoroddjob]

The tree is 5 years old. It was planted as a small tree and not from a cutting. I also have a larger one few feet away from it that’s 7 years old. They’re both producing lots of figs.

[@francus7227]

@@professoroddjob So nice of you to reply.

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for watching. There will be more backyard tips coming soon.

[@Myway953]

Hello . Was this video made in Ireland .. 3 straight days of rain .

[@professoroddjob]

Hello, this video was made in the New Jersey, USA.

[@WolfeTone17-98]

I'm in Ireland and I have a fig tree so looking for tips on how to maintain it.

[@professoroddjob]

This tip works. However, wait until late in the season to allow the figs to mature. I’ll keep posting more videos once the figs start to grow.

[@jkbc]

did u use a clean qtip ;-)

[@professoroddjob]

I think so!!!! 😂😂😂

[@JessePup]

When can I eat the little figgies? Asking for a friend.

[@professoroddjob]

They are ready now.

[@raregrowsNJ]

sounds like the oil would help to keep the ants out too?

[@professoroddjob]

It really, the ants are good for the figs. They actually help the pollination. Just wash them before you eat them. Thanks for watching the video.

[@neilleggat4422]

Olive oil or extra virgin olive oil or doesn’t it matter??

[@professoroddjob]

Any type of oil will do.

[@kp76333]

How cold hardy are fig trees?

[@professoroddjob]

Up to 30 degrees F. I usually cover them up here in New Jersey in the winter to protect them from frost, snow and extreme cold. They are 5 and 7 years old and they have been very fruitful. Good luck.

[@kp76333]

@@professoroddjob thank you very much!

[@professoroddjob]

@@kp76333 you’re welcome and thank you for watching.

[@syed89]

Does this trick work on peaches as well???

[@professoroddjob]

Not sure, I don’t have any peach trees, give it a try and let me know. Thanks

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

hmmm....canfigs grow in Miami,FL?

[@professoroddjob]

Absolutely, fig trees love the sun and warm climate. Florida will be perfect. Thanks for watching.

[@farkinarkin5099]

Accelerated Breba?

[@professoroddjob]

Yes the old shots and some new. Thanks for watching.

[@yvotyme]

I love figs! However I found out that I’m allergic to the leaves! Worst than poison ivy reaction. My skin was covered with deep cuts, terrible itching ,just gruesome. So beware..

[@professoroddjob]

I’m sorry to hear about that. I personally never had any issues with that but I do understand that some people might be allergic to the leaves. I appreciate the info, so everyone reading this please be careful.

[@dentatusdentatus1592]

Did it work? 🤔🤔🤔

[@professoroddjob]

Absolutely!

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

There's a side-by-side comparison in the last part of the video of the un-oiled, un-ripened figs, and the oiled, and clearly ripening figs, so I would say yes it definitely worked.

[@lilianchoy1501]

What is the nameof this fig, it is very productive?!

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you for watching. It’s Brown Turkey fig tree. They produce quite lots of fruit even though they’re small.

[@mustafasalam7286]

❤️🇮🇶

[@professoroddjob]

Thank you Mustafa

[@professoroddjob]

You’ll be amazed at the results. Check out my video on pruning. Thanks for sharing.

[@AngelaH2222]

Please be careful with that fig sap, when you get that on your skin on a sunny day it reacts and blisters..

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for looking out!

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for the tip, I personally have not experienced that but it’s good to know.

[@AngelaH2222]

@@professoroddjob my dad often has problems with fig sap, though he does have delicate skin, it's one of those plants that can cause phytophotodermatitis (the sap is like an anti-screen)

[@professoroddjob]

Thanks for the valuable info. I hope your dad is ok.

[@ekscentar1]

The fig is a very aggressive plant that doesn't need any care in order to have a lot of large fruits. My neighbor cut down the entire 10-meter tree at our request, because the fruits and leaves were falling on our roof. Our gutters were clogged and we constantly had to clean them. Just from the bare tree stump, the whole bush with many new, hard branches grew again, and in addition, several new plants were born in a radius of as much as 10 meters! I'm thinking of buying some sulfuric acid, maybe that would finally solve that problem. All this trees gives a lot of huge fruits every summer that only sparrows enjoy, because the neighbor doesn't care about the fruits at all. One year sparrows ate overripe fruits, so they got so drunk that they screamed like crazy, I've never seen anything so funny 😂

[@professoroddjob]

That’s really funny.😂😂 my trees are small and more like a bush. I trim them down to the size I like so they don’t get as large and they produce enough figs to enjoy throughout the summer. Thanks for sharing.

[@mr.zafner8295]

WHAT CAN YOU SPEAK UP Oh never mind, I just turned the subtitles on. Thanks for the video man. Instructive

[@professoroddjob]

😂😂usually people tell me to stop talking.

[@gvv1mhh]

Does this shit actually work?

[@professoroddjob]

Absolutely, give it a try .