Training
Young trees are pruned to develop a tree structure that
supports the limbs that ultimately support the heavy
fruit load during the season. The goal of training is
to develop a sturdy tree and a canopy that is capable
of producing large crops and fills its allotted space.
Training occurs during the first 2 to 3 years after
planting and should be completed before fruit is allowed
to set.
Figs can be trained to the open center or delayed open center where the center is open and has
3 or 4 main scaffolds with no central leader. A delayed vase had wider spacing between scaffold branches
than an open center. Because figs are prone to winter injury in colder climates, it is best to
grow
figs as a bush, where they can push enough new growth to produce a crop after cold injury. They
should be pruned in late winter to keep in bush form by cutting back to about 8 feet. Remember that
exposed
limbs on young trees sunburn easily. Protect exposed limbs with a 50:50 mix of white interior latex
paint and water or whitewash. |
A
vase-shaped open center tier |
