My husband and I are remodelling our garden and I would like to have a fig tree for the back yard. Our yard is south facing but we have limited space. I was wondering what type of fig tree was best suited for our area (New Westminster) and if the root system is more of a tap root or does it branch out closer to the surface. This would affect where I might plant it. In reading some of the past postings it appears that fig trees can be pruned to fit the space they are in as well. Can you keep them at a manageable height as well? I was thinking of about 12 feet. Thanks for any feedback. We're just beginning to venture out with some different plants and trees for our yard and appreciate having this forum for postings.
We have a 'Desert King' which is very fruitful- and the fruit is good quality, too (I wasn't impressed with 'Brown Turkey' fruit quality). We have found the key to success is summer pinching of the growing tips- allow the new growth to get 4-6 leaves, then pinch the terminal. Keep doing this until early August, then allow the branches to grow. This encourages the figs setting late enough that they overwinter well, and ripen early August the following summer. We also remove old wood (caliper of 2"-3") to the ground occasionally to encourage younger, more productive wood. Plan on a large bush, not a single stem tree.
Dispite it's moniker, Desert King is a great performing fig for our climate. It also lends itself well to pruning as you've discribed. Cheers, LPN.
Here is a photo of one of three figs on our property. We have only been here a year so I can't suggest and age, but from the condition of the property I can surmise that it likely has received little pruning over the course of its life. It prodces two huge crops of thin-skinned green figs each year. As for the roots, they are pretty superficial and spreading, but they are relatively soft and non-invasive. Figs can be easily pruned at about any time of year to control size. Be careful when you prune as it can effect fruit production.
Thank you for your reply. The Desert King sounds promising. We will have to look into it. Have you had a Black Mission Fig tree at all. I quite like these figs for taste as well. Thanks again.
How large has your fig tree gotten? I was hoping to keep it to a 10-12 feet and a reasonable spread as well. Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for your reply and the photos. It's nice to hear that figs are relatively easy to prune and control in size and shape. Your figs look like a nice size too!
