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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > A little pruning help
 
 


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RobBanks

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi everyone,

I've been so thrilled with the success of last spring's (2012) cuttings from my neighbor's tree that I've kinda been afraid to touch them. But now, they're getting away from me and I need to take action.

I intend to grow these in pots, and I think they are Desert Kings, will ask the board later when I have ripe fruit.

So they're getting too tall and I need to prune the main leader.

Any problem with doing that this time of year? I'm in the Pacific Northwest, trees will go dormant in November.

Also, if I cut far enough from the tip, it seems like I could root the cuttings. Yes?

First pic is of one of the trees, second is where I would like to cut, at one arrow or the other.

Appreciate any help.

Robert
Zone 8b, SW Washington

Inline image Inline image

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Robert Zone 8b, Washougal, WA Currently growing: Negronne, Stella, Atreano, Hardy Chicago, Desert King, Lattarula
susieqz

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
i need info on pruning too. please

susie
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susie 
wish list:  nothing. i can't grow cuttings  . right now, i have  6 trees showing no signs of fmv. i'd like to keep it that way' 

i was told that if i couldn't deal with fmv, i should grow peaches, so i got a peach tree to live with my clean figs.
americanfiglover

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Yes you could cut it, but it would be easier to care for the cutting if you let it harden first. 
Where in Washington do you live? I don't find many fig growers in my area. 
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Jarrett
Spokane, WA ZONE 6A
Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present
Everyone should have a green thumb
Figs: Nero600m
ascpete

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
I would air layer the top, and train to a tree form after the air layer is removed and new branches emerge. It a simple straight forward procedure. The air layered top can be a backup or traded. The attached linked topic is a simple visual documentation of the training process. Also remember to allow enough time for the new branches to lignify for winter dormancy.

<edit> once you cut off the air layer (after about 4-5 weeks) or prune off the top, this is what usually happens within a few months (2 months for this plant)...
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newnandawg

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Robert, nice looking tree and I agree with Pete on the air layer for an instant additional tree.
RobBanks

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
I guess my thought was to prune the top back a ways in order to:

Keep the tree from getting taller,
and to force the growth of some lateral branches for next year's breba crop.

So you guys have given me a new question:

Would the air layering technique force out the laterals I want, or would the tree just keep getting taller as the roots formed on the air layer?

Robert
S.W. Washington, 16 miles NE of Portland
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Robert Zone 8b, Washougal, WA Currently growing: Negronne, Stella, Atreano, Hardy Chicago, Desert King, Lattarula
americanfiglover

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
It will keep growing until you cut it. 
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Jarrett
Spokane, WA ZONE 6A
Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present
Everyone should have a green thumb
Figs: Nero600m
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