How to get #ripe #figs in the #UK and how to #pinch figs.

I don't always get ripe figs on my little fig tree so I decided to do some research. This video is a compilation, it is my guide to keeping figs and how to get ripe fruits in the UK.

Here are a list of tips;
1. WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND POSSIBLY GLASSES, the fig can produce a caustic white sap which is an irritant, you will see this in the video.
2. Plant the Fig in a sheltered, warm, sunny, well drained location. Against a south facing wall is ideal where they will absorb the heat and reflected warmth.
3. The Fig likes a restricted root run, which is why it will do well in a pot. Restricting the roots encourages it to make better fruits.
4. The embryonic fruits will form in the leaf axils.
5. In the UK the Fig will try to produce two crops in a year. The early crop (Breba Crop) will come from last years embryonic fruits. The 'main' crop will come from this years embryonic fruits.
6. Figs need 90 to 110 days of warmth to ripen, once the wood starts to harden off (go "woody" or lignify) the fruits will stop developing. Which is why the main crop will seldom ripen. But the Breber crop from last year will do.
7. The fig is hardy down to -10 Celsius but the new growth and embryonic fruits are susceptible to frost so they will need protection if the fig is not in a sheltered frost free location over winter.
8. The fig like as much light as possible to the fruits so consider pruning off excess foliage. I am pruning mine into a two dimensional fan shape.
9. You can pinch out the main growing tip (the dominant, apex bud) in order to encourage side growth and divert energy to the fruits.
10. Do not over feed the fig during the fruiting season but make sure it never dries out (to avoid fruit drop).

I hope this has been helpful, please do subscribe and comment below.

Best wishes

Mark.



#gardens #gardening #marksgardenuk
My Website can be found at: https://www.marksgardenuk.com/
email: [email protected]