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.co... - It's worth its weight in gold.
You can also get the companion to this information in poster form, here: fig-boss.creat... - 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]

❤

[@Mayne-1]

Most appreciated 👍

[@pambennett8967]

And don't put it outdoors when deer are near... they chomp the whole tree down to the nub

[@bobhemmings7034]

My wife comes from sicily, her brother gave me a fig tree in a pot about 30 years ago they call it figo tarta, something like a brown turkey fig, it was planted outside and withstood many winters here in England, it would give us figs year after year, no pruning no fertilizers, no cutting back, grew to full size about 15 foot high, took many cuttings from it, gave to other family members and friends, still taking cuttings from them, easy peasy. very helpful vid as we are now growing in large tubs.

[@adamwise3113]

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

[@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]

@@dilnavazsaadat9306 kñ

[@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!!!

[@JAD1DAD]

We are in west central Alabama, Zone 8b. Our trees are planted in the ground. In 2023, we had breba figs on the trees in February and got a very late deep freeze in April that killed every tree back to the roots. In 2024, we had another cold wave that took them all the way back.

[@seanmorgan2678]

I live in zone 6 and I cut my figs to 1 foot above ground and cover completely with mulch. They come back strong every year and produce tons of figs. I only get the main crop though. But, I get loads of them. It did take a couple years for them to get big enough roots to ripen the figs. I do also thin them out to 6 to 8 branches and grow bushes instead of trees. I think the key is establishing a big root system. I also think building a mound around the figs and keep adding to it also helps expand the root system over time.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Ross u r a great teacher i have learn alot what u said about what happened to my dead n sick figs is so corrected. Ross the figboss way to go man your knowledge and expertise has helped alot of us.

[@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…

[@Abbasshahsso]

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

[@IHWKR]

Im glad you mentioned how much time with trial and error you can be saving people with this information. Definitely earned the 👍

[@RossRaddi]

I'm glad you're benefiting from it. 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.

[@reivenwolf]

I live in the Texas Panhandle zone 7a and I'm wondering which fig tree would be best for my area? I have one in the middle of my front yard, I'm not sure what kind it is but it is struggling valiantly to survive our freezing winters and blazing summers. It has no shade or wind block and dies down to the roots every winter. I feel really bad, after watching your video I know I haven't watered it enough or fertilized (since I planted it about 3 years ago). Would you suggest I dig it up and replant it where it will get a break from the wind chill? Your video was very informative, thanks so much for that!

[@orangemanbad9723]

Great video. I have no knowledge of plants and growing them. I live in St. Louis. In spring I bought a chicago hardy plant from a big box store. it was just a couple of inches tall. I planted it in a pot and repotted it into bigger pot over the season. It was kept outdoors. A few weeks ago we had snow and it got really cold (around 25). The plant shed all its leaves. I currently have it sitting in my garage. Should I take it outside and cover it? We will get some cold nights with temps in teens. I plan to transplant into the ground in spring.

[@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

[@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!

[@AaronRogers-d1n]

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

[@ninelaivz4334]

He is absolutely right about the effect of too much rain on figs. I have some fig trees brought from Greece. They create delicious figs but if it rains too much in the UK they become a lot less tasty. The best way to describe it is their flavour is diluted right down. And they spoil faster because their skins crack as they are engorged with water And you cannot leave them on the tree in that state because the wasps and fungus will get them. So you're forced to cut them early when engorged with water.

[@luluperezfacio9236]

This is so interesting to me, a light sparked and I want to grow figs. I love figs, I definitely had no idea. There was so many varieties. I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I’m considering growing a tree but I don’t even have any idea what type of fig to grow, one thing for sure it is so hot here literally everything dies so this would definitely be a challenge. I’d love your suggestion on what type to grow. Thank you so much.

[@Karnol428]

Would it be beneficial to bring potted figs into a green house in areas like zone 7 over the winter?

[@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.

[@susantow4632]

Ross what I did insulate for the fig for the winter use the pipe insulate the bottom branches and the use fence hard wire circle around the tree Fill in with leaves stamp the leave tight also did this year for ripening fig I use mirror on fruit tree base r to reflect the sun back to tree also open center this year all my figs are ripping before winter didn’t do that last year all green fig plus 24:58 didnt stamp tight leaves it did die down to 3-4 inches zone 6b

[@jonascoenen8670]

matt white reflects more light than a mirror!

[@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!

[@jennifermarano2593]

Thankyou for the info. I have a brown Turkey fig and it’s struggling but I don’t know how to save it. How do I know if it’s got root rot? I scratched some of the branches and it’s green underneath but there’s no leaves on it. I’m in Melbourne Australia. It’s in a large terracotta pot. Thankyou

[@m.bbukar3129]

Excellent guide, some. Growing figs for the first time in a difficult area - sahel area of west Africa. Very many thanks.

[@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

[@theresamigliore6382]

I have 2 fig trees in a pot. I’ve had them over three years.❤ this is the first year that I had figs growing. I’m wondering How long does it take before they turn purple which means they’re ready to eat. I also put my two plants in front of a sunny window when I return them back for the winter

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@christophertaylor2464]

A lot of good information I think I will need to watch again and take notes. I think I have already done a few of them.

[@RossRaddi]

The blog article in the description has all the notes you need. Thanks for watching.

[@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!

[@chaz6399]

Can a fig tree recover from root rot? If so, is there anything I need to do other than to put it in a healthier environment?

[@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

[@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

[@CrystalKeenan-q9s]

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?

[@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!

[@nicolettecutler1293]

Hi, I bought a Desert Fig that came from the local OSH with fruit on it. I planted in a wine barrel. Those figs ripened nicely. Next season, unsuccessful. I live in a beach climate and don't get hot temperatures except perhaps for one week. Now leaves are falling in early October. There is fruit on the tree, but i don't expect them to ripen, as the tree seems to be going dormant. The last month had been especially cool. (Not freezing, but little sun) what can I do? Is it hopeless to grow a desert fig at the beach? I will fertilize as you suggest. Not sure if my gardener was doing this. I've taken over, as I have more time now.

[@ConstanceDawley]

I’m in Washington State and my fig tree is in full fig explosion. 20 years ago I dug a hole, went to the garden store, bought

[@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.

[@MrSaplana87]

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

[@RossRaddi]

My pleasure!

[@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

[@rogeliomartinez9173]

Procura videos de un Peruano que radica en Japón, ahí verás como los japoneses crecen sus huertas de higo,digamos que más o menos usan el método de la vid,tal como las parras( plantas de uva).Te va a interesar 😉

[@pamsummers1176]

Im suddenly craving Fig newton's cookies! 😋😂 Im not in the right climate for fig trees! So cool to be able to grow tropical stuff!

[@RossRaddi]

What climate is that? They'll fruit very reliably when grown in pots in zones 4&5. Plant them in the ground in zone 6 and higher.

[@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?

[@Serenity07-10]

THANK YOU!! You answered all my questions👏..

[@patriotoftruth-v1w]

I bought 2 chicago hardy this past Spring and I live in Spring Grove PA. I don't have the ability to bring them inside the house for the winter. I do have a shed. I thought maybe I could wrap and insulate them very well and place them in the shed for the winter and water them once a month? 🤔 Also do you have any suggestions for other fig varieties for my area? Thankful to have found your channel

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@carlosdelgadillo2568]

What kind of ground would you guys put a fig in regular soils ,a bit sandy ,mulchy???

[@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!

[@Maria-w4d1q]

Wow! Excellent information and presentation! Thanks Ross!

[@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

[@donnaselden2252]

I started a fig tree from a cutting, this is its first year, it is about 6 feet tall and looks like a big bush. Should I be removing the bottom leaves and limbs?

[@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 😊

[@comedyforDC-ek7fk]

Hi Ross, I have a very big fig tree, and last year and every year we get a wonderful harvest. This year at the beginning of the fruiting season the tree dropped many small black figs. when I asked around I was told I was over watering, yet you say they require a lot of water. I am confused. Right now I water twice a week for 15 minutes with a very slow stream. Please advise

[@bettyfields9087]

Hi Ross my fig tree is loaded but they are not riping

[@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?

[@mulualemchekol7516]

Thank you very much!!fig boss

[@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 ?

[@ca712]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@anneteildefonso3563]

I have a question. My mission fig is very tall even though I pruned last year. Lots of fruits this year so far. I would like to prune it again but I want it to grow lower next year. My question is can I prune the main stem Below where it branch out to keep the height low? I need your response please.

[@carolynjerger5772]

What is the NPK on the slow release fertilizer osmocote that you are using for fig tree

[@RossRaddi]

Osmocote.

[@Blessedbylovingkindness]

Thank you great video have two fig trees got from cuttings, but don't know what kind, can you help me. in the Shanindough Va area the trees did withstand 100 degree weather this summer. Also did report to larger containers this spring.

[@RossRaddi]

Absolutely. Send me photos of the ripe fruits cut open in half.

[@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!

[@NaomiSalsera613]

I'm in zone 6B (Central CT) and my containered Chicago Hardy has lots of not-full-size, unripe fruit but it's been in the mid 40s at night and will soon drop to high 30's (50's-60s during the day). Is there any way to speed up the ripening process or should I just sacrifice the unripe figs and get the container ready for winter storage in my garage?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@sandylove8810]

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

[@richiesacolic436]

Thanks Bro very good information ❤

[@donaldmotichek5829]

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

[@bobzack9750]

Wonderful post, thank you !

[@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👍

[@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!

[@Mdread78]

My figs did that same thing after i did her trimming because of a bad bugs infestation and she was too weak, turned out she needed nutrients and water. I did both and she is giving me literally giant figs now really quick 🙏🏼hope this helps you

[@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...

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Wow you have a lot of fig trees. Let me ask, Do you have squirrels and birds to contend with? We live between Indianapolis and Louisville and would love to grow figs . I'm afraid the massive amount of squirrels we have would eat all the fruit as they do our apples and pears and berries and our flower bulbs.

[@RossRaddi]

Yes. I trap them.

[@giuseppereina7999]

Mira throw pellets work?

[@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

[@TucsonTropicals]

What what about cuttings indoors under a grow light over the winter?

[@RossRaddi]

Absolutely.

[@TucsonTropicals]

@@RossRaddi great videos with lots of information!

[@TucsonTropicals]

@@RossRaddi I’ve got 25+ different varieties now and I can’t stop getting new ones!

[@NCMan]

After listening to your videos about pruning I am even more confused about how to prune. I give a lot of information about how and why and science but all it does is leave me confused. Since this is a video how about a show and tell???

[@RossRaddi]

Send me a picture of your tree with the reasoning why you want to prune. I'll tell you exactly how to prune it.

[@williamcarmack1770]

What about pruning from the soil up

[@KathyBerns]

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

[@KarlB791]

Do all figs have a digested fig wasp within them?

[@RossRaddi]

No. 95% of home grown figs don't.

[@MrSymbolic7]

I am in a constant drought in 100 - 118 degree heat in Southeast , Texas overwatering is basically impossible and when my fig plants produce the birds are always there before me on a ripe fig nd I mean every single time !

[@tarottime3219]

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

[@biker9114]

So what fig can withstand 100 degree heat?

[@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.

[@BabetteLewis]

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.

[@wandabears1]

How do you protect your figs in the winter. I live in zone 5 Illinois and I’ve been told to put them in the garage in the winter.

[@ppierodds]

yep

[@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.

[@jamessharpe-ju4so]

I haven't any figs since I planted it .this year some branches have grown over two foot and they are still growing

[@FelonGrace]

Great video with lots of tips. Thanks 👍

[@augustchien4737]

I bought a really root compacted Monrovia fignominal tree. It was very root bound and I opened it up and tried to tease the roots apart. I riped up some of the roots. Problem is I repotted it into a mix of mulch and mushroom compost soil I got from Lowe’s. Should I be worried about my new tree?

[@RossRaddi]

Hopefully the new soil is well broken down. Otherwise you'll see pale growth and nutritional deficiencies.

[@wayne-brown3578]

WHAT TOWN NEAR PHILLY ARE YOU IN? GLENSIDE PA

[@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

[@rebeccadees2300]

My container fig trees need to be pruned and repotted. They have basically been neglected due to my. health issues. Can you help me choose the best potting soil mix for repotting them until they can be replanted in my yard in the early spring. I live in zone 9. Thank you.

[@ppierodds]

promix avail. at ag centers

[@adielregal8658]

Hi. About 1 year ago I found a small plant growing in potting soil I bought and to my surprise it turned out to be a fig tree. Its growing nicely now but seeing that it wasn't grafted should I rather discard it and grow from a cutting? Please advise 😢

[@RossRaddi]

They aren't grafted typically.