I-258 case study

[Figgin' A]

To all the experts out there, please weigh in:
This I-258 was allowed to grow too tall before branching out. It was rooted last December and managed to ripen a couple of figs.

Tree branched out at 4’ and at steep angles. The black and red lines are respectively 2’ and 3’ above soil line.

- Would you leave the tree as is and notch the main trunk at say three different spots?
- Would you cut the main trunk, lose all the parapet, and start over? If so:
- Where would you cut?
- If you cut at 3’, would you notch as well?
- None of the above, other suggestions…?

On another note, I am considering bringing this tree and a BMKK inside into the family room mid January and let it wake up early… any thoughts on this, pros & cons?

@Figgin' A

Far from being an expert, but I will chime in. You can definitely leave it as is. This would be how many fellow fig growers grow their trees in my area. I was at my friend's father's greenhouse a few days ago, and most of his trees look just like yours.

Personally, I like my trees with short main trunks. Even with short trunks, they manage to reach 6-8 feet. If this were my tree, I'd head at 16"-18" and notch the buds that I want to wake up to ensure that the tree is balanced. If you don't, the tree will likely wake up just the upper buds, with some at less-than-optimal locations. If you keep the top, its apical dominance will interfere with the lower branch growth. I experienced it many times. Good luck!

 

[Gladstone1969]

@MFJFIGS I’d airlayer/Marcot the entire tree above 18”. That will force branching below like notching. When done plant the top as a more mature shorter tree with branch spreaders, and the bottom will also become a shorter branched specimen. Two nice specimens!

 

[MFJFIGS]

You could try for a Mario style upside down rooting with all that top growth.

View attachment 3293

Yeah, the 3' mark looks good. Looks like a great grower for you.

Friends,

Say I marcot the branches and after they root I plant it upside down… what happens with the new growth, and will the tree readjust and correct the position of fruit to branches? Or will they grow upside down for ever?

 

[Figless]

Wow I cannot believe that would be the case. I submit as evidence my Malibu Greek unknown cutting which I planted upside down. Eventually it did correct after about 6 months of growth. In my own self defense it was my first year propagating fig cuttings, and it only happened once out of 125 cuttings

 

[MFJFIGS]

Out of a few hundred cuttings, one Sweet George was rooted upside down. I laid it down flat when I up potted into 5-gal pot. That turned out to be perfect since the new growth was up vertically at 90° and roots grew from both sides of the cutting. The tree grew so aggressively over the summer.

 

[Figless]

I will be sure to remember your method of corrective planting if I should be so careless as to do it again. It seems you had much better results faster than I did, just waiting for the plant to correct itself

 

[MFJFIGS]

It was not an easy decision and may not be the right one. You all shared solid and exciting options, and I had to select one that better suits my needs and objectives. Thank you so much!
I cut the main trunk at about 3’ above soil line. Next, I will do ≈ three notches then step back and monitor the tree as it sits next to a south facing double window.