I did some research on the Japanese method of fig cultivation this past summer and thought that you might be interested in seeing some amazing photos from a variety of Japanese sites.    As many of you might be aware, some of the best information in English about the Japanese methods can be found on the Hawaii Fruit website.  http://www.hawaiifruit.net/index-figs.html   Go to the bottom of the page under the section "Figs (Ichijiku) in Japan" and check out each of the links fully.  There are some writings and lots of pictures.   On this page which is located in the above link, make sure you explore all of the photo links buried within - http://www.hawaiifruit.net/Figs-Japan.htm 

Thanks for this post. Looks fabulous that the main trunk is so close to the ground. Such a system would make winter protection easier.
Juliana
Austria

Very interesting. I just looked at the first few links. They all seem to be the same variety. What do people think that is, brown turkey?

I also agree that their method would probably be a great way to grow fig trees in a colder climate. The trunk can get quite large and mature and still be easily protected in the winter.

Thanks for posting!

Joe

Hello,

INGEVALD HAD DONE IT AGAIN!
Looks like a regular hoophouse fig growin' machine.

Thanks,

Bass, my interpretation about why you would espalier fig trees like that would be the same reason for grapes:  The closer the fruit is to the main trunk and root system == the shorter distance nutrients must travel to get to the fruit == more goodies directly to the fruit and less energy used to get it there.  Less energy spent means more energy to put towards fruit production.

This is my non-professional opinion about why you would also do this for figs.  I've heard many a vineyard keeper say that deeper roots and well-espalier'd vines = more concentrated fruit flavor on a healthier piece of fruit.

Just my 2¢, if anyone knows this is myth or urban legend or something, let me know.

I can feel it.There will be lots of spare cuttings after members of this forum starts trimming their fig trees  ;-).
It seems like good idea to keep it low to the ground especially in colder climates ,much easier to cover for winter protection.

Are there any native Japanese figs in Japan? I ask because I'm about to go to Yokota AFB for six years and would like to find some to grow.

From what I little detail I know about the history of figs in Japan, I would say that there are no 'native' figs since they originated in the Mediterranean region.   I think that I read once that a new hybrid or hybrids have been created.    Take a look at the first few paragraphs on this document from Hawaii Fruit - http://www.hawaiifruit.net/Figs-Japan.htm  I think that is the best answer that I can come up with in regards to your question about "Japanese" varieties.  I hope this helps.

Great Info, Ingevald.
The following may be related to this thread.
http://www.hawaiifruit.net/cf/index.html

The production in some of the links you have listed almost looks like growing a crop of Brussels sprouts!
I have been thinking about trying at least one plant with the main trunk parallel to but close to the ground for easy winter covering on top and the ground heat from the ground for protection.

Nice Collection of links Byron as usual. In the fig varieties a Monograph there is one fig listed as a Japanese Variety " Horaigaki " wich was a cross of Hâtive d’Argenteuil by Roeding No.2 but apparently its nothing special.

How do you think they train them to grow horizontal like that?

Joe

  Here are some more links that might be very useful and may either satisfy your curiosity or drive you seek more information on this interesting topic.     The first two links are very important in regards to the pruning method.    I have one other link/photo somewhere that shows how the long vertical branch is gradually brought down to a horizontal position and tied off, but can't find it at the moment.   Anyway, the other links also show something about pruning and most can be run through Google translator to get a better idea of what is going on.    

This is quite interesting, I have two cuttings that are growing in that shape right now I will give it a try just to see what happens. Thanks for posting all the interesting links was definately worth reading.

I wonder if "Hirta du Japon" (aka Pastillier) has anything to do with being a Japanese cultivar?

THANKS AGAIN INGEVALD. A real game changer.
Good timing for the 45 trees I have en-hooped & my ?should I tree? or ?should I shrub? dilemma.
Am now leaning heavily toward the former !
Now if I can just get it to stop raining (we get Pitanga's storms 3 days later)...

It sounds like there is some interest in experimenting with this method.   I think that the best document on the method is this one that I had posted above http://www.geocities.co.jp/NatureLand/1913/itigiku/itigikusentei.htm and partially translated here http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.co.jp%2FNatureLand%2F1913%2Fitigiku%2Fitigikusentei.htm&sl=ja&tl=en    It essentially shows two methods - the horizontal method and the standard method, leaving the tree in more or less a normal tree shape.    You will notice in the last few pictures (not completely translated) that this is essentially the "pinching" method of pruning that has been discussed on the forums.   It took a some extensive digging to find these essential directions.

I am very interested in learning about this , but I need a translation of the translation. I can't really make out what they are saying and the pictures don't show up .Do I need to go somewhere other than Google translator ?
Thanks ,
Kerry

Hi Kerry ,
i use Babel Translator Web Page translator easily found if googled, but many times from other languages things dont always how you say read like we are use to in english as many times there are no english words for what you are reading.
In translating these pages is a good example i have noticed.

Thanks for the tip Martin , Babel Fish translator is working better for me than Google translator on these .
Kerry

Ingevald, I added them as Link Nos.110-123

Hello

I was looking at the links given.

I understood that growing is done in 40 liter containers,  feeded by NPK 15-15-15  48 grams per container within 8 months.
I could not translate or guess  what does  the below 3 points mean.

1- 6.../...  means  at the black writings  left of the photo.
2- 2400 .. / 10a  means   at the black writings at left of the photo
3-npk  15-15-15 feeded  but what does 750.... means   written atleft side of the photo  in blue color

As the doc is loaded as a picture no google translation possible for me.
Do you have any information fr the a/m  3  questions please ?