Short inter-nodes distances sometimes confuse me. Sometimes I feel that the leaves must be in a hurry to shoot out early (good growth state) but most probably that is not true because the leaves buds can form only when the node is established so most probably it points to slow branch extension and thus pointing to slow growth state.

What else in potted fig growing culture can cause short inter-nodes distances besides being root-bound or lack of fertilizer?

 Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages of short and long inter-node distances? My own observations may differ from others but I have noticed that cuttings with short inter-node distances have small pith, is more woody and root more successfully. Any comments?

I think it's caused by a combination of genes and environment. I have a year-old tree in a pot that I took as a 7' sucker from a large tree last fall. The nodes from last year are about 4-6" apart. This year's are closer to 2".

On the other hand, two of my potted cuttings grew to about 3' last year.They're two different varieties, but they grew in very similar conditions. One tree put on 9-10 nodes, the other one put on 23.

I thought it was a good thing because more nodes can mean more figs.

More rapid growth leads to longer spaces, and slower growth to shorter spaces. Growth can be affected  by water, heat/sunlight, fertilizer, crowded roots, etc.

Generally, as the season winds down, temps cool off, days are shorter, you fertilize less, decrease water and plants head toward dormancy. Thus, the nodes are always shorter at the tips. Spring flushing, with increased watering, added fertilizer, warmer and longer days, generally leads to more rapid growth and longer spacing. if you have a sufficiently cool period after first flush, the plant will decrease growth, and shorten nodes. When temps re-warm, growth speeds up again. If you looked at my plants (before I took cuttings) last season, many stopped growing with a cool period in August, and then grew a new flush of growth and fruit set afterwards. The plants looked like they had had two seasons, if you looked at the wood - but it was only one season with a hiatus in the middle.

Interestingly, I am certain there are varieties prone to growing short internodal distances despite the theory on growth rate. I have a fig given to me by an elder Italian friend of the family who said that it makes alot of figs. The fig looks like an Italian Honey Fig, green with light interior. It produces abundantly just like he said and for several years now since I've had it, I've observed that it's just a very leafy tree with unusually close nodes. Yet, I have other varieties that are on the other end of the spectrum. Fewer leaves, far apart -less figs. 
I'm curious if anyone has observed the same.

The reason I started the thread is to ensure what I thought could be the reasons for the short nodes. I have two Hardy Chicago plants rooted in spring of 2008. One is in 5-gallon pot & is 6' plus and the 5-gallon pot is placed in 7-gallon pot with soil around it (which I could have up-potted in 7 gallon pot but for time). The 2nd Hardy Chicago plant is in 7-gallon pot directly. It is the one in 5-gallon pot that has short nodes and slow growth but as many fig embryos as in the one in 7-gallon pot. I have the feeling that the one in 5-gallon pot indicates being root-bounded.
I may just at the spur of the moment up-pot it to the 7-gallon pot which is my upper limit because of my age and potted weight.

I just noticed two tiny figs on one node on my Excel.  It may be common, I just don't know, but I have never noticed this before.  If two tiny figs are on one node should I remove one of them to make room or is this fine?

Best wishes to all.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

It is not real common, but does happen. Not a problem.

Leave both on for experience to test the growth pattern of the two figs on the same node compared to the others ( one fig on one node ). Please do mention later what you observe. Common sense tells that since both figs are being served in close proximity, there will be some sharing of the nutrients that may have some effect on growth i.e. causing relatively smaller size. However, plant botany can have its own logic that may be different than the common logic. So check it experimentally.

Thanks Jon and Ottawan.

Our technology is pretty primative right now (no digital camera and using a 10 year old computer with Windows ME) but we are going to upgrade soon and I will post a picture.

Hope both of you are well.

Best wishes to all.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b