My Pastor's Fig Tree

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newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1453919851	Reply with quote #1

Around 7 years ago, I gave my Pastor a fig tree. It has grown from a cutting to its present height. Although it looks spindly, it is still living and has grown buds already,,, before spring. Pastor is concerned and wants to make sure it doesn't die. How can he make sure it grows branches and leaves and continue to produce figs?? Should it be pruned?? If so, how much?? The first thing I plan to do is straighten the stick that's holding it up. Any more help is more than appreciated. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1453919942	Reply with quote #2

Also, the tree lives in his church office in a south west window. It has never been moved from that spot ... except to go from on the table to the floor. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1453920040	Reply with quote #3

More pics __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

GeneDaniels

Registered:1384021772
Posts: 1,014

Posted 1453920522	Reply with quote #4

Yes it needs pruned IMO. All fruit producing bushes and trees need pruning. I suggest you take those long whips and count 3 nodes from where they start and then cut the rest off. It will then start branching and probably will produce fruit this year. __________________ Zone 7b (Central Arkansas) Seven trees in the ground: Hardy Chicago, Celeste(?), LSU gold, Italian Black, Southern Brown Turkey(?), Strawberry Verte, and Unk yellow. Trees in pots: VdB, CdD, and Sicilian?

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,712

Posted 1453920627	Reply with quote #5

I'm not a pro at how to prune correctly, but if it were my tree, I would do something like this. The yellow lines are where I would cut. Then, look at the root ball and determine if it needs pruning or moved up to a larger pot. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

GeneDaniels

Registered:1384021772
Posts: 1,014

Posted 1453920771	Reply with quote #6

Very good descriptive pic Frank! __________________ Zone 7b (Central Arkansas) Seven trees in the ground: Hardy Chicago, Celeste(?), LSU gold, Italian Black, Southern Brown Turkey(?), Strawberry Verte, and Unk yellow. Trees in pots: VdB, CdD, and Sicilian?

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1453920895	Reply with quote #7

He needs to get it outside into the sun if he ever wants it to be healthy and bear fruit. If it's been in that pot for a long time it needs to come out, have its roots trimmed so they're not tangled and choking each other then get fresh soil in a larger pot. Knowing your general location would help in giving you the rest of the plan. Keeping it cool now will be beneficial. You don't want a lot of leaves yet. Knowing how long it's been in that pot and a photo of the roots will also help. You may need to prune the top but show us the roots first before you make that decision. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1453921302	Reply with quote #8

I should have added that we're in Columbus, Ohio... zone 6 and it is 31* outside right now. I appreciate all the information and welcome more. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453924034	Reply with quote #9

The tree looks good, Newfignut! It's nice! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1453924509	Reply with quote #10

Soil question,,,, what type of soil is best ?? __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

ricky

Registered:1444161045
Posts: 214

Posted 1453930026 · Edited	Reply with quote #11

I am new to fig tree, Fig tree need lots of sun light and bear sweet fig, Does this fig tree bear figs? there are one kind of fig tree that do not need lots of sun light, It is called "Fiddel leaf fig tree", Once awhile , I saw people selling it for $5 on Craigslist __________________ - BC, Canada, PNW Zone 8 with windy ( Zone7 - branches damage at winter) - Wish list - Granthams Royal, RdB, any heavy breba varieties or early one crop varieties.

Garlic_Mike

Registered:1442372397
Posts: 251

Posted 1453954370	Reply with quote #12

Probably was not ripe yet (hard). rcantor is right on. The tree should not go outside until you don't get frost anymore. Ct 6b around early May. If you put it out earlier and it gets cold, bring it in till it passes.

chucklikestofish

Registered:1391263141
Posts: 1,316

Posted 1453993754	Reply with quote #13

Quote: Originally Posted by rcantor He needs to get it outside into the sun if he ever wants it to be healthy and bear fruit. If it's been in that pot for a long time it needs to come out, have its roots trimmed so they're not tangled and choking each other then get fresh soil in a larger pot. Knowing your general location would help in giving you the rest of the plan. Keeping it cool now will be beneficial. You don't want a lot of leaves yet. Knowing how long it's been in that pot and a photo of the roots will also help. You may need to prune the top but show us the roots first before you make that decision. ~i was going to add root prunning ever 4 years it's overdue~ __________________

SarinaP

Registered:1446747779
Posts: 93

Posted 1453999393	Reply with quote #14

I would also cut off those little suckers (careful to keep roots on them) and plant them separately. __________________ Growing in Zone 7a: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_uY4GZ90-gNAdZFS0enckqojLQT2-8cp2pcsRp-Bdqg/edit?usp=sharing Wishlist: leaning toward French cultivars!

chucklikestofish

Registered:1391263141
Posts: 1,316

Posted 1453999667	Reply with quote #15

Quote: Originally Posted by newfignut More pics __________________

chucklikestofish

Registered:1391263141
Posts: 1,316

Posted 1453999733	Reply with quote #16

Quote: Originally Posted by chucklikestofish Quote: Originally Posted by newfignut More pics ~i turned picture right side up, i was getting a sore neck,hope you don't mind the adjusting~ __________________

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1454000692	Reply with quote #17

__________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

vito12831

Registered:1256950611
Posts: 840

Posted 1454020463	Reply with quote #18

Hello fignut. The first thing I would do is cut the lower branch off (and make cuttings) Then root prun it and up potted,cut off a third of the branches. When you up potted,put the stake on the other side of the trunk and straighten the trunk. Good luck. Vito

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454274687	Reply with quote #19

First of all, that picture of that fig with the large leaves is beautiful !!! @^@ And, yes, he's had figs on it before. I cannot say that I know the shape of the tree before now, as I've not been in his office. But, since it's never been trimmed, it looked nothing like this one pictured. I do plan to try my best to bet it in order, though. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454338280	Reply with quote #20

Quote: Originally Posted by SarinaP I would also cut off those little suckers (careful to keep roots on them) and plant them separately. Those suckers are attached to the trunk,,,, deep down under the dirt. I'm not sure if I can get them off... digging deep!! __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454338538	Reply with quote #21

Quote: Originally Posted by Dave How often are you making these cuttings?? Does each stage represent years 1, 2, 3 & 4 ?? __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454344557	Reply with quote #22

The deed is done!! This tree has been named "Timothy Lazarus" I didn't get the plant centered, but, it is straight. Next transplant, I'll make sure of it.I did get the suckers off and planted. I'm not sure why the pictures came sideways. I did hold the tablet correctly. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1454395698	Reply with quote #23

Looks great. Did you check the roots of the main plant? It might be worth it to submerge it in a plastic tub of warm water and rinse all the soil off to be sure some of the roots aren't choking others. Spraying the roots with a hose will also help get the soil off. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454423716	Reply with quote #24

No, I did not. It certainly would've made things a bit easier. I transplanted the tree at church in the upstairs lobby, so, water was the last thing on my mind. I will remember that for the next time. Thanks for the tip. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,712

Posted 1454438649	Reply with quote #25

Great job! I hope it does great for you all this year. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454439730	Reply with quote #26

So do I, but, at least I will have cuttings to grow and use for practice. My goal is to produce a lovely tree like the one pictured above. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1454439907	Reply with quote #27

and, chucklikestofish, how do you turn pictures around?? __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1456758200	Reply with quote #28

Here are some updated pics ... I'm such amateur, I don't know if I should be proud. This is my version of the Aqua Globe. my grandfather did this when I was a kid. A large bottle with a small neck ,,, yep, this one was from a local establishment. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1456758417	Reply with quote #29

It's getting figs already, Pastor's excited __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1456758560	Reply with quote #30

Getting leaves __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

chucklikestofish

Registered:1391263141
Posts: 1,316

Posted 1456758694	Reply with quote #31

Quote: Originally Posted by newfignut Getting leaves ~looking good~ __________________

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1456894489	Reply with quote #32

Looks great! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1456894608	Reply with quote #33

Ps: I like that you named it Timothy Lazarus! Its a fitting name since it is caming back to life. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1456901075	Reply with quote #34

Lol.... Timothy is Pastor's middle name, the church secretary suggested Lazarus. Pastor calls it Lazarus. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

SarinaP

Registered:1446747779
Posts: 93

Posted 1456915461	Reply with quote #35

It looks great! So glad you got the suckers too! __________________ Growing in Zone 7a: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_uY4GZ90-gNAdZFS0enckqojLQT2-8cp2pcsRp-Bdqg/edit?usp=sharing Wishlist: leaning toward French cultivars!

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1456958687	Reply with quote #36

The suckers are planted in other pots and are doing well __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1459790858	Reply with quote #37

and, here's Lazarus !! He's doing well and Pastor is pleased. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

SarinaP

Registered:1446747779
Posts: 93

Posted 1459821943	Reply with quote #38

Looks fantastic! Yay! __________________ Growing in Zone 7a: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_uY4GZ90-gNAdZFS0enckqojLQT2-8cp2pcsRp-Bdqg/edit?usp=sharing Wishlist: leaning toward French cultivars!

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1459951050	Reply with quote #39

I like that you're raised onto that pedestal. It should get more direct sunlight there. __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1462201519	Reply with quote #40

Yes, it is raised up on a VERY nice pedestal,, a lucky thrift store find. Iron legs and all. I told the custodian when the tree is tall enough to stand on its own, the stand belongs in my home!! __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1462201589	Reply with quote #41

Here's another pic. I'm still learning, cannot get more than one pic in a post. __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

binbin9

Registered:1387923330
Posts: 220

Posted 1462205169	Reply with quote #42

looks great. My only suggestion would be to rotate it every week so that it's doesn't grow leaning towards the window. __________________ Renton, WA My Seattle Garden Blog \| Fig Addiction WISH LIST: Genovese Nero Rafeds \| UCR 187-25 \| Black Tuscan \| Black Triana \| Jack Lilly \| Barbillone \| St Rita \| Tauro \| Jin Ao Fen \| Lampeira Preto \| Any fig over 100grams =)

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1462207130	Reply with quote #43

Hey, it's looking really nice!!! And, so many figs now! Nice job! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

newfignut

Registered:1200088639
Posts: 44

Posted 1462211122	Reply with quote #44

I do turn it,, I think others are touching it to, though __________________ Zone 6a - Ohio

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