The video explores techniques to encourage fig trees to become everbearing, meaning they produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season. Key to this process is the fact that fig trees can bear fruit on new growth, so each leaf produced may lead to a new fig. This extended fruiting season is especially beneficial in climates with long growing periods, like Philadelphia, where figs can ripen from July to November. Achieving continuous production requires two main factors: steady growth and consistent soil moisture. Ross emphasizes that fig trees should be grown in a sunny location, with any nutrient deficiencies addressed, but prioritizing proper soil moisture is essential, especially in dry climates where regular irrigation can be necessary.
Pruning is another important factor in sustaining continuous fig production. While winter pruning stimulates growth for the next season, it should be balanced to avoid excessive pruning, which can impact tree hardiness. A controlled combination of winter pruning and summer pruning, such as pinching or topping, encourages the tree to branch out and produce additional growth with fruiting potential. For varieties naturally inclined to balanced hormone levels, like Ronde Bordeaux, these trees can sustain fruiting even after significant pruning. By following these practices of balanced pruning and ensuring moisture, many varieties of fig trees can be made to produce fruit consistently, extending harvests across the growing season.
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Zone 7A – Greater Philadelphia
Introduction (0:00):
Explanation of everbearing fig trees, which produce continuously throughout the growing season due to their ability to fruit on new growth.
Long Season in Philadelphia (0:36):
Figs have a longer season than other fruits, providing harvests from July to nearly November in Philadelphia, with four trees producing continuously.
Breba Crop Advantage (1:16):
Varieties with a breba crop offer an extended season, starting earlier with this crop.
Warm Climate Benefits (1:55):
In warm climates, a long season and ample soil moisture are more important than specific varieties for continuous production.
Requirements for Continuous Production (2:29):
Adequate growth and soil moisture are essential for consistent fig production; dry soil halts growth, which impacts fruiting.
Importance of Soil Moisture (2:57):
Irrigation is crucial in drier climates like Arizona or Southern California to maintain growth and fruiting.
Fertilizer and Sunlight (4:09):
Sufficient sunlight and correction of any nutrient deficiencies are necessary for optimal growth.
Hormone Influence via Pruning (4:45):
Pruning affects hormone levels; summer pruning discourages growth, while winter pruning promotes it.
Winter Pruning Caution (5:19):
Excessive winter pruning can compromise tree hardiness, increasing vulnerability to cold.
Balancing Winter Pruning (5:52):
Find the right balance in pruning specific to each fig variety to avoid reduced fruiting.
Summer Pruning (Rivers Pruning) (6:25):
Topping or nipping during summer encourages branching and further fruit production.
Pruning Methods for Everbearing Habit (6:54):
Combining minimal winter pruning with summer pruning can yield a continuously fruiting tree.
Heading Cuts for Encouraged Growth (7:30):
Heading cuts in winter can encourage growth; adjust pruning depth each year to optimize results.
Espalier and Severe Pruning (8:38):
Espalier and severe pruning (cutting to a few nodes) can promote continuous fruiting for certain varieties.
Example of Pinching Effects (9:13):
Moro de Caneva and Ronde Bordeaux trees exhibit additional growth and fruiting after summer pinching.
Continuous Growth Indication (10:31):
Vigorous upward growth with fewer branches indicates hormonal imbalance, prioritizing growth over fruiting.
Rivers Pruning in Action (11:04):
Success with Rivers pruning technique is shown with trees like Green Michurinska, producing continuously after pinching.
Summary of Keys for Everbearing Habit (11:42):
Effective pruning and soil moisture management, rather than specific fig varieties, enable continuous production.