Hi,

I am wondering when potted figs in zone 6A (CT) start to produce figs?  I have some large plants that I expect to produce this season but so far I don't see any discernible figs.  Nodes are forming, but I'm not sure if they are figs are branches.

Also, what is average amount of time for a fig to mature once it is identifiable as being a fig?

Hi Andrew,

I have some varieties that have not produced in over 4 years. A fig tree when very young (less than five years in my book) is unpredictable. Some varieties will produce almost immediately, while some others, might take much longer to produce. Then there are some varieties that might not be too happy in a pot. I have many of those shrubs that are over four years old and still waiting for some fruit. I don't really know if there's a formula. As an example, you could have a Celeste, but not all are equal. I had two strains of Celeste, one never let me down since I got it, while the other one kept dropping its fruit. I eventually let it go.
I have two strains of Col de Dame. The UCD strain despite some claims that all UCD figs have FMV, is a wonderful producer while the other one whichl was supposed to be FMV free has'nt produced in over four years. I have no answer for this.
I you have a proven producer in pot, patience is perhaps your best bet. This year I was surprised by one of my trees which I was about to discard. After four years it finally produced. So continue to feed your trees, and I'm sure that eventually they will surprise you.

Usually mid to late July before there are easily discernible figs. And end of August-September for them to fully ripen. But like Sas said there is a lot of unpredictability

I have had similar experiences to what Sas noted.   If a fig doesn't produce after 4 years and if it isn't my fault for neglecting it then it is gone.  I do love figs that start producing after 2 years!

As to your 2nd question;

Rule of thumb is figs main crop usually follow embryo --> figlet stage --> ripe fig;
~30 days from embryo to figlet stage. (this is where the embryo turns into a figlet is only visible after the 30 days)
~60 days or longer  in figlet stage where it slowly gets bigger close to its final size.
~90 to 120 days total from embryo to ripened fig

My mt. etna figs formed their figlets in late June and I expect they will start ripening main crop in end of August and continue ripening figs until hard frost.
My other figs some have formed their main crop figlets already and some are just  showing figlets now and will ripen accordingly.

If a fig hasn't formed its figlet by mid July in my zone then it is very unlikely that it will have time to ripen.

That's my take on it others have their own understanding.
 Hope you are seeing figlets very soon.

I'm in the same boat. Most of my figs are potted from 1- 4 years old. I've got almost nothing at all as far as figlets. I neglected watering this year and have not fertilized yet so I guess it's my fault. I'll fert this weekend and I've got the irrigation up and running. Fingers crossed that we get something. Z6B

Hello again,

 It all depends on the type and having up-planted from 1 to 5 gallon containers.

I have several rooted from cuttings in the fall that have figs growing. Osborne Prolofic, Desert King, Terramo, local unknowns and a couple others are starting to pop.

I have a GM-172 from Harvey in January. It is up to a 5 gallon bucket, @ 5' including the bucket and is starting figs. Massive leaves, here in Wallingford.

The locals are in ground and the Tarantella has not shown figs yet. Though the Tarantella was just up-potted 3 days ago.

If you have time to kill, hit me up. I've gone overboard but it's impressive.

Mike

Hi,
Here the figs 've got to pop up before 15th of July to have time to ripen ... for the fast ripening strains.
For slow ripening strains like bourjassote I dont stnd a chance in my Zone.
Hoping to get some Panache (bourjassotte family) though ... who knows... might happen !

Thanks for all the information.  I got my first 2 cuttings June last year and they started to produce by the end of the summer.  Most dropped, but 2 remained over the winter and I ate my first today.  It was juicy and sweet enough that I want more.  There is one more you can see in the top right corner!  I acquired a dozen more plants at the beginning of this year (a Chicago hearty dropped a little fig in March) thanks to many folks on this site (Mike and Shirley and indirectly from Harvey).  I assume that since the tree produced its first year, it will produce a little better this year (year2).  But after hearing 4+ years, I guess I may be a little impatient.  At least I know if I don't see anything by mid July, then I'll be looking at 2017.
Andrew


 

Now I'm just jealous.  NONE of my trees from last year grew like that.  You've got the Fig Finger!

Congrats on getting the trees to grow so much. The one with the ripening fig is huge.

I can't see the tree in the brown pot- middleground clearly, but it looks like it's in a pot too big for it's size; Are you expecting it to be a fast grower?

Have you fertilized at all or lately?

I top dress with 14-14-14 Ozmocoat, a couple handfuls of lime, and cover with pro mix and water in.

Every two to four weeks I will fertilize with liquid Miracle Grow.

so far so good
There seems to be a large variation in people's recomendations

Figinfever, The plant you are talking about is a Smith and is over 24 inches tall without pot.  Last week the leaves must have gotten too heavy and it pulled the main branch down.  You can see it drooping between the 2 smaller black pots to its left.  Maybe Smiths have flexible bark and need support?  I will tie it to an upright stick.  I have heard good things about Smith and wanted to give it a try even though I am not expecting much success in my climate (6A).

Verynew, When I posted my lonely 2 figs, I never expected to make anyone jealous.  I do not have a green thumb, but I have power lines going across my property.  While there are debates about health risks for people, I think the plants really benefit.  Plants seem to do very well here compared to my previous homes.  My tomato plants are over my head and have hundreds of green balls I am waiting to ripen.  Last year was first growing anything and this is my first year with a garden.  I am happy with my results, but it is definitely not me ;-)

I can't wait to have enough figs of multiple varieties to be able to compare.  I am guessing it will be a couple more years before that happens.  In the meantime, I will continue to read posts from others and have nothing of any value to contribute.

Hi Mike,
I repotted everything in the spring with fertilized potting soil so no extra fertilizer for most plants.  The 2 plants from last year were given a handful of tomato fertilizer at the beginning of the season.  As my friend Mae from Scotland told me: "The fig doesn't know its not a tomato!"  Its probably funnier when its said with a Scottish accent.  That sounds like a lot of fertilizer to me, but I know nothing;-)  All 4 of the plants you gave are doing very well.  The white fig plants have huge leaves.  Thank you.  I cant wait for more figs!

So now I have my first fig problem.  I had 2 breba figs ripening.  I picked the riper of the 2 and it was pretty darned good.  I was waiting for the second fig to ripen and a heavy rain storm came through.  I checked the fig after the rain and it was cracked wide open.  So now I am wondering, did the fig crack because of the water absorbed through the roots or does it get absorbed directly through the fig?  If I get more figs growing later this season, I should move the pots inside when a storm rolls through?
Thanks, Andrew

Through the roots mostly if it has a closed eye. I believe some will come in from open eyes. People have mentioned a problem with rain/humidity with open types

They will split just like your tomatoes when it rains after a real dry spell.

Many people will cover their pots to control the moisture, especially as the figs are ripening.

Congrats on your first fig!

Thanks Mike,

That is what I was asking, can I just cover the pot with plastic or do I need to bring them in whenever it rains.  I'll cut some garbage bags and give it a try.  I planted my first garden this spring and have 20 tomato plants.  Haven't had the misfortune of having any split because none have ripened.  I do have a bunch of green ones that should ripen end of next week.  If you want any, feel free to stop by and take some anytime.  20 Salem Road, Woodbridge.

So here is an update and maybe a question.  Its been about a month since I took the pictures above.  In the picture, I had 2 Brown turkeys (Up front with breba and in the back right).  these 2 started to fig last year where they also grew like crazy.  This year, the leaves look healthy, but almost 0 new growth.  without new growth, no new figs.  Since I had 4 or 5 last year, I was expecting 6-12 this year but nothing.
Meanwhile, many of my cuttings started in October and December have figs growing.  The Smith in the light tan pot grew and has 6 or so figlets emerging.  So what happened to the 2 Brown Turkey's and also my Hardy Chicago?  No new growth?  I'm not complaining, because I'd much rather see figs on Smith and Petite Nigri than BTs.  but I am wondering why these guys stopped growing?  I thought they might be root bound and I up potted 1 of the Bt's in a 55 gallon barrel, but I am thinking something else might be going on.  Is it common for some plants to have explosive growth while others have noting right alongside each other?  Is it common for last year's stars to be this year's dogs?
Should I be worried about the BT's or just assume they are saving their energy to grow next year?

I would say they must be root bound.

I suspect the same happened to some of mine. With a regular fertilization plan they grew like crazy last year (some friends that saw them in September, wouldn't believe they have been rooted in February), but now they some of the most vigorous are struggling. They almost stopped growing.

I have to up pot them to see if i am right, but now i will have to wait, at least until late fall.