Convincing arguments advocate sparing a fig tree. Before you struggle with figs that are too small or unripe, read these tips for a higher yield on the fig tree in the bed and container. This is how you properly use a fig.
How can I maximize my fig tree?
To thin out a fig tree, cut back strong growing shoots to 5 cm above a promising fruit. Thin out dense fruit cover. You pinch off herbaceous stingy shoots. Cut back this year's side branches to 6-8 leaves. The best time is mid-August.
Why should you prune a fig tree?
If you want to harvestmany large figs until autumn, you should use a fig tree (Ficus carica). When pruning, the exuberant growth on the fig tree is throttled and the energy is diverted into the ripening fruits.
Fig tree does not value large fruits
A fig tree strives tirelessly for bushy, richly branched growth. This applies equally to planted figs and figs grown in pots. Increased shoot growth and bud formation for next year's fruit production comes at the expense of fruit ripening this season.
When is the best time to prune a fig tree?
Best time to prune a fig tree is early toMid-AugustIn midsummer a fig is full of juice, recognizable by its strong growing shoots. So that the ripening fruits don't lose out and end up as fruit mummies in winter, you should cut back the fig tree in mid-summer. Carrying out the pruning at a later date can, in the worst case, destroy the fruit sets for the next harvest.
How do you prune a fig tree?
Proper thinning of the fig tree consists ofpruning overly long shootsandthinning fruit sets. How to do it right:
- Put on gloves.
- Cut back strong shoots on the fig tree to 5 cm above a fruit that will be ready to harvest in the coming weeks.
- Thin out a third of the unripe fruit on branches with a dense fruit population.
- Remove leaves that shade ripening fruit.
- Cut this year's unbranched side branches back to 6 to 8 leaves.
- Pinch off herbaceous shoots in the leaf or shoot axils with two fingers, comparable to pinching out tomatoes.
Tip
Pruning the fig tree in spring
The best time for maintenance pruning on the fig tree is in February/March, before the leaves emerge. Please wear gloves to protect yourself from the toxic latex. The first step is to thin out dead, crossing and inwardly growing shoots. You should cut branches with frost damage back to he althy wood. If the main shoots are too long, shorten them to the desired length.
