I buried cuttings from two different varieties in shallow trenches filled with sand as a rooting experiment. The trenches are 8-10 inches apart. It is working out as both varieties are sending up shoots.

I was originally planing to take them out of the sand and pot up for later use. But now I am thinking, why not just leave them there? It is a good spot for a tree, full sun near my property line. The question is growing two varieties together as a bush. Has anyone done this? Is there any reason I should not let them grow as one bush?

If it works it would be cool. Both are cuttings from large local fig trees so I know they can thrive here. One is a smallish green and the other a big flat yellow. It would make for an interesting fig bush.

I've never tried this and grow in containers, however, my feeling is that considering people pleach fig trees, often with three or more planted in close proximity - and in a container, I would imagine there would not be any problems for you.

So long as they both are healthy and grow with similar vigor I don't see why not.  The only issue is if you wanted to move one or both later you would have to separate them somehow.

Since they are started off local trees, I can't imagine moving them. I would just start over if need be.

You need to add in a dark one and then you'll have a very interesting bush.  Maybe this is how Col de Dame Blanca-Negra got its start.

gene, you might search the site for growing as fig hedges. most people leave them 3' apart but i spoke to someone
[don't remember who] that had a line of  figs one foot apart.

since you are only growing two, they'll have more space than they would crowded in a hedge.

i would only worry if one hada much larger mature size that would  crowd out the other.

once they grow, please post pics.

Planting 2-3-4 trees in a hole is a strategy that is widely used with a variety of plants, esp. fruiting trees. See Dave Wilson

I have trees that I've pleached using either 2 or 3 trees. They do fine. Sometimes one plant will not grow as fast but pruning (or just letting it go that way) helps with any over growth issues. I can't see why planting 2 plants together would cause any serious problems.

With stone fruits, and such, care need to be taken to plant trees so that they get equal sun, so that one that breaks dormancy early isn't shading out the others and causing them to perform poorly. Plant taller faster growing types in the north side of the hole, and smaller, slower growing types to the south to help with equal sunshine.

If you plant 4 in a whole, for example, what you end up with is "one" tree with 4 different quadrants.

Love it Gene, I might have to think about that. I think it will be awesome as long as neither one is a big sucker thrower. Might have to try that!

Hi Genedaniels,

As long as you have good clippers, it will work out .

Such trenches are used to have trees to be moved to a final place later on or to be traded.
You can leave them there especially if you train one to the left and the second to the right.
If you try to push them both to the center, one will overgrow the second, and the weakest won't be productive and will struggle for life...

If you plan to move them later on, wait until October to lower the transplant shock and have better root ball.

In an 80 liters trashcan, I have one unknown and two young Dalmatie. They don't shade each other, so for now they are all fine.
I just fertilize and water a bit more as three trees are eating at that dirt ... In fact they are four in a cross shape, but the sister from the unknown isn't showing any sign of live  ... But it still isn't late for .

They should both get plenty of sun they way they are sitting. But with that warning, I probably will not go for the third variety. Two is enough and will be a fun tree.

i think you have a winner here, gene.