Growing a fig tree without containing the roots (and which variety is most vigorous?)

[Russel Sprout]

Hi all

Our neighbour had to cut a tree or two in their garden where it meets the corner of ours, which has now left a large gap we want to cover. We've been thinking about what to put there and are thinking of a fig tree...

I understand that it is a good idea to contain the roots of figs so that they produce more fruit rather than foliage. But because we are growing this for cover and privacy, we want it to grow large quickly. So we are thinking of growing it and letting the roots run free.

What I wondered is whether we are still likely to get at least some fruit growing it like this. How much of a difference does it actually make in terms of how much fruit you get?

Also, are there any particular varieties of fig that are more vigorous and faster growing than others?

And finally, the spot in question is well sheltered but a bit on the shady side. Once it gets to over 6 foot, it will get a lot of sun because it will be taller than the fence. But until then.... Are we stupid to be thinking about growing it in a spot that is predominantly shady from ground up to 6 foot?

Many thanks. This forum has really been a godsend

Max

[Jay-ell]

How tall a ladder do you own? The figs fruit on last seasons growth so if you're letting it grow unfettered that growth is going to be high up so that's how far you're going to have to stretch to pick the fruit.

[veggiechicken]

My fig has suckered itself many times. I've chopped the top off it and turned it into a hedge because I can't reach the top fruit (as Jay-ell says).
Its not very good for privacy as its leafless throughout winter. They're just starting to appear now.

[Jay-ell]

My fig has suckered itself many times. I've chopped the top off it and turned it into a hedge because I can't reach the top fruit (as Jay-ell says).
Its not very good for privacy as its leafless throughout winter. They're just starting to appear now.

I hope it's in full leaf for the 6th May

My figs (in pots) are just starting to open their buds. The figs developing on them are near the tips of last year's growth. Last year I went through and removed all the figs that wouldn't ripen so that they could concentrate on the crop this year.

[veggiechicken]

May have to resort to rhubarb - bigger leaves

[Snoop Puss]

The other thing to remember is it will spread into their garden. Not just the roots but the branches. It's an ongoing job keeping a 'free-range' fig under control.

[BUFFS]

I have mine in an old plastic dustbin cut down to about 2ft, about 50/55 ltrs volume of john innes No3, after about 10 yrs it is 6ft tall and about 7/8 ft out each side, trained as fan, it has nearly 40 fruit on it at the moment, but it does sit facing the south, as it would not prosper round here otherwise. my plant is a Brown Turkey, which I got as a small 3ins cutting , just paying postage. if you are going to be keeping it in shade it will have to be tough..

[fishpond]

Hi Buffs
Is your fig container free standing or part buried---do you have a piccy?

[Muddy_Boots]

Have you thought about planting a Kiwi Fruit I've read somwhere on here it grows vigourous and gives alot of coverage, I an vaguely remember someone calling it 'a thug' as it grows very fast.

[Jay-ell]

VC has one growing through her greenhouse.
Mine hasn't turned thuggish yet - still haven't got the main laterals laid down so it may be a while till it gets thuggish. Kiwis are vines so you would have to build a trellis first.

How about Leylandii? Just make sure it gets pruned and managed properly

[veggiechicken]

I'm the Thug owner - or was! http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_66036.html
Sorry the attachments are missing but it really was a monster - it would tap on the first floor bedroom window
Like the fig, its leafless in winter so not much good as a screen.

[BUFFS]

[QUOTE=fishpond;1527200]Hi Buffs
Is your fig container free standing or part buried
It is freestanding,sitting on bricks,for drainage, on slabs beneath that, just think of 3/4 of an old style dustbin. I put a handful of BFB on in march and feed tomato fertiliser fortnightly from the start of June. In Feb o break off all the small buds off the tips of the branches, it then puts out loads more figs..whatever you decide, good luck as fresh figs taste great..

[chrisdb]

How about Leylandii? Just make sure it gets pruned and managed properly

Whatever your problem is, there's a solution less likely to make your neighbour shoot you in the face than leylandii. The problem is that the maximum height is unknown but 20m+ and even if you personally manage to get the pruning regime right (which isn't easy because they won't take hard pruning) if you ever move the next person will probably be less capable or less motivated and then you've blighted the lives of half the street for decades. The things should be on the same lists as Japanese Knotweed.

If you want a fast growing but more easily manageable hedge, privet, portuguese laurel or almost any elaeagnus would be a better bet. Some of these also have the benefit of stopping at a saner height if neglected. A number of elaeagnus species won't exceed 3 - 5m, for example. Some elaeagnus also can fruit, although the best medium sized shrub for fruiting is unfortunately deciduous (elaeagnus multiflora).

[veggiechicken]

I was about to make a radical suggestion - forget fast growing trees and have a fence. Instant privacy and you can grow whatever you like against it.....................

Then I read that when the "fig" grows above 6' it will be taller than the fence and be in the sun!

Does this mean that you already have a screen between you? I'm confused about what you're trying to achieve Run it past me again in words a chicken can understand!

[fishpond]

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