Container fig versus in-ground?

10 years ago

Depending on your zone ofcourse,for me they both have there pro's and cons.I like containers better but have drawbacks,fertilizing and more watering.In my case i have some tree's that are outprodusing inground figs,go figure.

I am mechanizing my system so that i do not strained my fragil body anymore(78).

Inground fig i do nothing for them other than pruning and pinching,no watering,no fertilizing,how easy is that.

Featured Answer

TaraMaiden

10 years ago

I have to inform you that the reason potted trees are producing better than the in-ground ones is that figs have to have their roots confined in order to really produce good fruit.

If you go round Southern France, Italy, Spain, you will see wild fig trees growing out of rock walls absolutely laden with figs - yet their roots have barely a cubed foot to cling onto... Figs like to be pot bound, but if you keep them in a container, then they will need some feeding. Left in the open ground, figs will always produce leaves at the expense of fruit.

Fruit production is a safety measure. Because the existence of the 'mother' plant is precarious, fruit is produced in abundance, in order to safeguard propagation of the species, to survive. If the tree has plenty of room to spread its roots, and nutrients available, then it doesn't need to produce as many fruits, and can also produce more suckers instead...

By confining the roots, you simulate critical conditions. Ergo, more fruits....

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Comments (6)

dieseler
10 years ago
Agree totally.

Been at it a long time container growing in unforgiving climate and bringing 30g pots in and out of garage , doing spring fig shuffle but root pruning them is the

most work personally.

One inground not much just pruning and a tarp at seasons end nowadays for winters.

When wife retires we move and no more containers but perhaps 1.

Martin
Suzi AKA DesertDance So CA Zone 9b
10 years ago
I agree that in-ground is much better than containers, BUT the climate needs to support that. We have the perfect climate here for in-ground figs, and most of my figs are in-ground. Some are in pots just waiting for us to find the perfect spot. We have to dig deep, put a gopher basket in the hole prior to planting because gophers are everywhere here.

I agree that in-ground is easier and the trees grow bigger.
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baldeagleomelette
10 years ago
Taramaiden, if one were, in dormancy, to chop roots at a set distance in a circle and install concrete pavers do you think that would successfully confine the roots after the fact?
TaraMaiden
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Chopping roots is undoubtedly going to distress the plant. Frankly, I would favour root-chopping as a last resort. In dormancy, dig the plant up. wash as much of the soil off the roots as possible, then re-plant, (with a stake set at a 45-degree angle and attached to the trunk quite low) having lined the hole with 4 vertical pavers. Leave a small gaps in between the 4 vertical pavers for some roots to gain nutrients from beyond. Make the half as deep again, as a paver, but fill the hole to the level of the bottom of the pavers with good drainage rocks (not bricks or mortar... 'proper' stones.... Put in compost, position the tree, and infil, firming quite well. Stake, and leave.

We did this with a fig tree (brown turkey) we bought. It was around 5' hight. Planted against the house S.Facing wall, In 3 years, it was up to the level of the upstairs windows. The fruit was amazing.
dieseler
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
With my inground a hardy chicago to keep it from growing so much and not producing fruit well i let the branches grow some then prune the ends and prune any buds that appear below or where it was pruned.

In my containers i do not let them get root bound as water will not penetrate well but run to the sides and down and out , it also will stress plant and make it drop its leaves along with its fruit.

Root pruning a hassle but its a way of life for container grown plants.

Keep the balance enjoy the fruits.

Martin