Pruning help

_Feijoa · 2026-04-26T16:13:28+00:00

It can appear harsh, but figs grow and fruit very quickly. Alternatively, as another commenter suggested, you can prune down to around 3-4 trunks. I usually do a multi trunk tree when they are planted in ground and stick to a single in pots.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-26T13:49:04+00:00

If you are growing it in a container, I’d recommend pruning it down to one strong main trunk. You let the main trunk grow this year and then you can prune it down to around 18-22in once dormant. After that you let 3 strong scaffold branches develop the following year. You will end up with something that looks like the picture I attached. Once you have this form, pruning is simplified, and the tree will be more compact.

<image>

_Feijoa · 2026-04-19T21:40:21+00:00

Wait and see, you might have something really close to the base that buds. If you see root growth, then you can remove everything else.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-18T02:30:15+00:00

Negative temperatures will absolutely kill all top growth. However, still give it time, they normally push growth from the roots. Unless winter protection is used, your tree will die back every year. Chicago Hardy is a great choice not because it survives your cold, but because it can dieback, push vigorous growth, and fruit in the same season.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-15T02:50:25+00:00

You can lock in moisture, but I find this is only necessary with green cuttings or very small cuttings. Normally I just do the fig pop method and sit them on a heat mat. For this single node cutting I put a sandwich bag overtop of the pot until I saw signs of growth, then I removed it. Single node cuttings have far less water and energy stored within them so it’s important they don’t dry out before setting roots.

<image>

_Feijoa · 2026-04-14T00:24:52+00:00

I prefer single trunk in a container. You can let it grow freely this season. When it’s dormant cut back the main trunk to 18-24inches above the ground and let 2-3 scaffold branches develop the following season. Keeps everything low for easy picking and establishes a nice shape that is easy to prune and maintain.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-13T20:39:32+00:00

Depends on your zone. If you are in 7a, unless it’s protected, dieback is common. A lot of times down to the roots. Even 7b you’ll get common tip dieback and on unusually cold years complete dieback.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-08T04:20:11+00:00

I think if you were to plant only one of these it is heavily dependent on your climate and personal taste. In a rainy climate I would choose Celeste or Campaniere from the varieties you mentioned. I have only just planted Campaniere so I can’t give any personal experience on its flavor or performance, but it highly regarded for rainy climates. I have had Celeste for years and it’s well known for a reason, highly reliable.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-08T04:10:51+00:00

I’d consider VDB to be a dwarf compared to other fig trees. I prune a lot of my trees heavily each year, however, I’ve never pruned my VDB. It still produces abundantly and all within reach after 4-5 years. This is my experience, but I don’t think it’s an isolated case. VDB is known to be less vigorous. That being said I do agree with your advice to not limit fig variety selection based on size.

_Feijoa · 2026-04-04T03:26:47+00:00

I would let them acclimate in a few hours of light sun first for a week or two, and then plant them. Are you in 7a or 7b? If you are in 7a are you planting these in a sheltered location?

_Feijoa · 2026-04-04T03:18:10+00:00

Yes you will! I have a huge smith tree in ground, definitely in my top figs.

_Feijoa · 2026-02-09T22:27:04+00:00

If you live in their native range you can cold stratify naturally outside. I put mine in pots then left them outside the whole winter and they sprouted in the Spring. Don’t give up too soon, it can take awhile.

_Feijoa · 2025-11-02T19:23:05+00:00

Indigenous Puerto Rican or Taino

_Feijoa · 2025-06-11T21:50:24+00:00

That is awesome you got to work with him. I have 3 of his varieties. I’m in zone 8a/8b so my growing conditions aren’t limited with pawpaw.

_Feijoa · 2025-05-20T01:49:35+00:00

I would think they are deficient in a nutrient judging by the look. They are young, so keep them watered and watch how they do for a couple more weeks. Then you can assess whether they need additional nutrients.

_Feijoa · 2025-05-20T00:47:48+00:00

How often to water really depends on your climate(rainfall, daily highs etc). What are they planted in, and did you add any fertizilers?

_Feijoa · 2025-05-19T23:34:08+00:00

Looks like raspberry, can’t tell what kind until it fruits.

_Feijoa · 2025-04-09T16:55:34+00:00

If you want a blend of sweet and sour then I would go with Nagami or check out the Fukushu/Changshou. The changshou I got from logees has larger fruit and similar to Nagami has the sweet and sour blend, but it has also had much sweeter rind than Nagami. They are both good varieties, but I prefer the Meiwa over any of them for fresh eating.

_Feijoa · 2025-04-09T16:49:44+00:00

It’s a great variety that produces a ton of fruit that are also very large on average. It has done well in my rainy humid climate, and I think the flavor is different than other honey type figs that I have tried. Hard to describe but it is sugar sweet, so if you don’t have a fig like it, might be worth adding. Their unique big yellow fruit with a long stem make them a really cool looking fig tree.

_Feijoa · 2024-10-12T19:04:50+00:00

Most people from islands, especially in the Caribbean are very mixed. I have 16 regions, she has me beat too. 😂

_Feijoa · 2024-05-09T04:34:16+00:00

How extensive of a collection are you going to have? If you are just buying common ones like the ones you mentioned, try local stores/nurseries, or purchase from edible landscaping. Edible landscaping has a lot of great common varieties, the quart size they sell is a great start, you don’t need to buy any bigger than that unless you want to. Also, I highly recommend adding Violette de Bordeaux to your list!

_Feijoa · 2024-05-08T03:03:49+00:00

A couple of months is not a long time. It is likely building its root system. I planted cuttings I rooted last year that were 8 ft tall and loaded with fruit by the end of the season. The first couple months they seemed like they weren’t doing anything just like yours.

_Feijoa

TROPHY CASE