Hi everyone,

I've been so thrilled with the success of last spring's (2012) cuttings from my neighbor's tree that I've kinda been afraid to touch them. But now, they're getting away from me and I need to take action.

I intend to grow these in pots, and I think they are Desert Kings, will ask the board later when I have ripe fruit.

So they're getting too tall and I need to prune the main leader.

Any problem with doing that this time of year? I'm in the Pacific Northwest, trees will go dormant in November.

Also, if I cut far enough from the tip, it seems like I could root the cuttings. Yes?

First pic is of one of the trees, second is where I would like to cut, at one arrow or the other.

Appreciate any help.

Robert
Zone 8b, SW Washington

 

i need info on pruning too. please

susie

Yes you could cut it, but it would be easier to care for the cutting if you let it harden first. 
Where in Washington do you live? I don't find many fig growers in my area. 

I would air layer the top, and train to a tree form after the air layer is removed and new branches emerge. It a simple straight forward procedure. The air layered top can be a backup or traded. The attached linked topic is a simple visual documentation of the training process. Also remember to allow enough time for the new branches to lignify for winter dormancy.

<edit> once you cut off the air layer (after about 4-5 weeks) or prune off the top, this is what usually happens within a few months (2 months for this plant)...

Robert, nice looking tree and I agree with Pete on the air layer for an instant additional tree.

I guess my thought was to prune the top back a ways in order to:

Keep the tree from getting taller,
and to force the growth of some lateral branches for next year's breba crop.

So you guys have given me a new question:

Would the air layering technique force out the laterals I want, or would the tree just keep getting taller as the roots formed on the air layer?

Robert
S.W. Washington, 16 miles NE of Portland

It will keep growing until you cut it.