When to prune dormant figs

7 years ago

Hi Everyone,

Just put my Figs in the garage last night. At least 6 of them are huge and bent over since they’re hitting the ceiling. They definitely need pruning...what would be the best time and does anyone have a recommendation regarding rooting the cuttings? I’m in northern nj which I believe is zone 7.

Also the unheated , but attached garage is 52 degrees. Do you think it’s too warm? It’s in the 20’s outside today and we’re expecting snow.

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & warm/humid S z6

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

jersey21,

I prune my pot cultured fig trees before I bring them into my fruit cellar for the winter. I did that chore last week. You want to maintain the temperature between 32°F. - 45°F. most of the time all winter long....kind of like the temperature in your refrigerator....cold enough to keep the trees dormant, and warm enough not to cause freezing damage. The advantage of having a winter storage place as you have, is that you can grow any fig there is, even the frost sensitive ones, since they will experience no winter damage inside.

Even Chicago Hardy grown outside, inground, needs plenty of winter protection, yet still can have lots of winter damage in spite of the protection. Just make sure you grow only early maturing fig trees because of our shorter growing season. Late ripening figs just do not have enough time to ripen in short growing season climates.

Moses

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Comments (9)

Jason (Zone 10b, San Diego)
7 years ago
You can prune figs pretty much anytime, but when dormant is best.

For instructions and guidance on the best ways to root cuttings, check out the ourfigs forum. They have a sticky that goes over the various ways.
jersey21 thanked Jason (Zone 10b, San Diego)
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TheyCallMeDave
7 years ago
link?
bluemoonlight
7 years ago
So what happen to fog tree if one prunes fig tree that is not dormant yet ?
jersey21
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Moses for all the info. I have several varieties...Chicago hardy, petite negra, black triana, italian honey, Celeste, letizia and an unknown variety from a friend. It was her Dad’s and it’s been in this country for over 50 years, but originally from Italy. I have about 11 trees and had more Figs than I knew what to do with. Of course I shared a lot and people loved them!

We had a ton of snow last night and it was pretty cold. Since I was shoveling I left the garage door open and that brought the temp down to around 45 degrees so I think I’m good now.

Jason...that was a great link with a ton of info. It will give me something to do in the long cold winter months! I’m going to prune within the next week or so. Do either of you know what I should do with the cuttings now? I’m thinking they probably need to be kept dormant til the spring. I will try to seee if there’s anything on the website regarding this.

Thank you both for your help!!
Matt z5b - Greenhouse 10a
7 years ago
@blurmoonlight. It would be like topping it. if it's still actively growing it'll shoot out a new branch or figs will pop up. The in ground fig I have might go dormant in Dec-Jan I will prune it then as it stands 7 feet +.
susieqz
7 years ago
i find it odd that potted trees need such high temps. my inground wrapped trees have withstood -1 with negligable damage.

what is the lethal temp for potted figs?
dieseler
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Susieqz your correct they do not need such high temps if tree's are couple years old.

Gets in the teens in our garage each and every year.

Some may get tip damage no big a deal.

Now if one can keep around 32 that is great but will not heat garage for that here.

Martin
uteas
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Dieseler, I have a quick fig identity question for you. First, let me say how pleased I am to find you here. I purchased fig cuttings years ago from you and these cuttings have grown into my two prized trees. But, they both bear different color fruits. This brings me to my second question. Could please help me id the two fig varieties...the first fig comes from the photo immediately below it. The dark purple fig comes from the second tree. When I purchased them from you, they were all listed as Black Madeira cuttings. I am grateful to you for your help with this and I'm sorry to trouble you. Many, many thanks!