Hi, while waiting for Spring and Jons cuttings list, I experimented with one of my Atreano trees.  I kept it in a pot, @ 50*F, in the dark at the beginning of dormancy and then increased daily increments of light. This was to see what if it would put on a breba crop.  Sure enough, it did and it has been moved to a 65* F location, full light, and watered with a diluted fertilizer. Question is, if the figs grow to maturity, will the main crop still form and when?  Will both the ripening breba crop be present as well as the main crop?  If this tree was growing in a warmer location, then I know the answer would be yes.  But it is in a large pot and I am giving it an artificial "Spring".

The tree is 6 ft tall, multi branched, carrying about 40 brebas, with most being about 2 inches long.  The breba figs are all elongated in shape.  The leaves are just beginning to break bud.

I am just having a spot of fun, experimenting with this tree.  I chose this tree because it has shown an astounding energy in growth ability and fruit production.  It started to crop with abundance at the 4th year.  Also shot up in a sudden growth spurt to its current height of 6 ft.  I just love this tree and it's figs have a flavor I enjoy.  This one came from RR.  I have a backup, in case this exhausts the tree. 

I know Herman would say to "knock them off" but I'm just too curious and want to see what will happen and how they will taste. I plan on pinching when the 4th to 5th leaves form. 

Can a fig tree growing in a pot, have enough energy reserves to produce both crops?  How much and how often should I fertilize to support all this output?

Thanks, Eve
Buffalo, NY 5-6

I would water with something safe like compost tea. Stay away from chemical fertilizers as there could be problems down the road.

Good Luck!

Thanks Wildforager, I want to see if I can get both crops to ripen. I will try the compost tea. I airlayered several for friends from this tree last season. I still have one extra-it's yours if you want it. This Atreano is different from my other Atreano. Super productive with a deep red color to the interior of the fruits. And sweet with figgy flavor.

Eve

Hey Eve,

I'm looking forward to our meet up in August. I should have some new things for you as well. I got some new cuttings and they're rooting as we speak. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Eve, from my experience:

** the figs tasted bland. Just not enough heat to give it the ummmph factor.
** the limbs have a tendency to stretch and they become "leggy" in appearance.
** just too much work to move them in & out to acclimatise them. Slightest cold
     will send fig into dormancy or the green tips killed even in early-mid spring.
** have to be very careful with watering. Too much water without good sunlight to
     dry pots can result in root rot. Fertilizing schedules & strengths are other
     considerations that have significant impact on plants growth indoors.
** leaves can easily be sun burnt.

Just sharing my experience. It may be different in your zone and I will never do it again.

Best of luck with rooting Wildforager. I'm going fig hunting in the D.C. area again at the middle of February. Hope to get some nice cuttings to root for the August trade.

Thanks Paully, for sharing your experience. I'm going to continue my experiment but will pay close attention to the cautions that you mentioned. You gave me good advice. This might end up as a waste, or maybe not. Meanwhile, watching these figs develop, is good Winter fun for me. Everywhere outside, it is cold and bleak with the snow-but I look at this tree and the sight of the light green leaves popping out and the hard little figs forming and even the smell of the fig tree- well I guess it's part of the fig addiction and part of longing for Spring.

Eve

Yes Eve, its additive. I have a collection that uses all my garage space & patio room. So far my wife have not complained much as she loves fresh figs. She only wants me to be more neat on my storage techniques. Have fun trialing.