Fig trees

[Lala56]

Hi there..
I planted a fig tree last year, and read today that you should curb the root run. Why is this? I haven’t done that.....will it cause a problem? Help!! Thanks....

[veggiechicken]

Hi Lala and welcome.
I've moved your post to our "Feeling Fruity" Board where it will be seen by more people.

Confining the roots helps the plant concentrate on producing fruit. There's advice at https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/ho...w/growing-figs

[BUFFS]

I don't see where you live but as I understand it, the unlimited root growth will lead to masses of foliage but not much fruit, by limiting the root run makes the plant put out more fruit to ensure it has seedlings. I have mine in a large half dustbin with drainage holes in the bottom, against a south facing wall, on the west coast of Scotland, and we have 30-35 fruit growing on it, stem tips broken off in feb, to promote side shoots with figs on, a handful of BFB over the surface in March, which the rain will wash in, and then its just pick the fruit...simples...

[Issy]

I have one also in a big container against a fence - was told to prune it in February but can see no growth on it at all - the lady who sold it said it would branch out but nothing!!

[nickdub]

I have one also in a big container against a fence - was told to prune it in February but can see no growth on it at all - the lady who sold it said it would branch out but nothing!!

Doesn't sound good - do you think the roots might have got frozen in the winter ?

[Issy]

Thanks Nickdub. Do you think it would be a good idea to move it into the tunnel??

[nickdub]

Thanks Nickdub. Do you think it would be a good idea to move it into the tunnel??

No I'd leave it for now - if its dead its too late and if it isn't, then it will start new growth from the base.

One of the problems with growing trees/shrubs in containers is that they can more easily be frozen all the way through the root ball, than would be the case if they are planted in the ground.

[BUFFS]

I have one also in a big container against a fence - was told to prune it in February but can see no growth on it at all - the lady who sold it said it would branch out but nothing!!

you only need break off the growing tips of each stem to promote fruit from side shoots.

[BUFFS]

No I'd leave it for now - if its dead its too late and if it isn't, then it will start new growth from the base.

One of the problems with growing trees/shrubs in containers is that they can more easily be frozen all the way through the root ball, than would be the case if they are planted in the ground.

it might depend on the type of fig, I have a Brown Turkey and that saw -16deg for weeks in 2010 and -13deg for weeks in 2011 and it was given no fussing, just left to its own devices..

[Jay-ell]

From what I understand confining the roots of a fig help keep the tree small and encourages it to produce fruit rather than branches and leaves. I've a couple planted in large pots buried in the ground 2 years ago (I dug one of them up to move it last year and forgot how big the pots were - the bottoms have smashed bricks in to hopefully stop the roots growing through them.

Only a couple of figs this year but they were little twigs when I got them and I'm just getting the shape at the moment.

[Issy]

Well all is not lost - I can see tiny shoots - so being very optimistic ! Managed to get two figs last year and they were delicious - really hoping to get more ! So looking forward to baking a fig tart!