I have an excell variety tree that is I believe 5-6 years old. Despite growing into a pretty sizable tree (8 ft tall, multi trunked, 2 inch diameter) it has never shown signs of even starting figs.

The tree gets about 6 hours of mid day sun, so not optimal but other varieties in the same spot fruit just fine.

It would be one thing if it produced tiny figs that didn't grow properly but it has no signs at all.

I'd like to use the spot for something else if this thing is never going to fruit.

Is it possible for some trees to be duds? This came from a forum member, so I am assuming it has a good lineage.

Any thoughts?

I have a 3-4 year old tree the same has about a 5-6 inch trunk and if I let it would be 15-20ft super growing! I moved mine from a shady spot to a direct sunlight with max daylight say 8+ hours and still no figs :( the same tree that mine was a shoot from in PA is loaded with figs every year I'm in FL. I started grafting it but I may loose my patience next year and remove it. I have first year plants that are loaded with figs very frustrating.

pinching will help. search pinching.

I pinched the entire tree this year. Made it shoot out a few branches but that's it.

Hi,
I would fertilize and water more during the growing season.
You should see figlets, even if they don't ripen.

Only dud I have is my "madeleine des deux saisons".
She was damn bushy like 15 stems. Beginning of this season I cut and potted 6 stems in different pots.
One daughter produced 2 figlets that ripened . The mother plants had sign of figlets but either they dropped (rootbound) or hail knocked them down or damaged them that they had to fall.
There is always next year... I'm now deciding if I remove more rooted stems leaving only 3 or if I remove them all and plant the fruiting potted one at that place, or another potted one that had stronger growth... or wait and see ...

I have a similar situation with a tree I got from a generous member three years ago labeled Green Ventura. The tree looks extremely healthy but never puts out even a hint on a fig. I think this winter I am ago to try and root some cuttings from the tree and see if the offspring will bear fruit.

After 5-6 years I would compost not worth the time. But if you want to give it on other try , in spring fertilize with a flower fertilizer ( bigger # in the middle) like 5-10-5 or 10-30-10

I had a tree in a 7 gallon container and after four years showed no sign of figs. The this year I was surprised. Not sure what might trigger fruiting yet.
My Madeleine des deux saisons was the most productive tree in pot last year. This year's production slowed down since I did not fertilize on time.

Time to start to learn how to graft.

I think you've been more then patient.

~if that tree was mine it would be gone forever ~to many fast fruiters to get.i have cuttings that i rooted that fig at 7 months see what i mean,why would you keep that tree. ? ~

thanks for the comments.  Perhaps i will make it a hardiness test and see if it survives the zone 6 winter without protection.  if so i will rethink it in the spring.

See Luke 13:8