Q: "How Fast Do Fig Trees Grow?" 5 Tips for Controlling their Growth
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 2024-03-31

In this educational video, Ross thoroughly investigates the growth rate of fig trees, a topic of great interest to new fig tree enthusiasts. He starts by acknowledging the question's complexity, noting that fig trees typically grow faster than other fruit trees in temperate climates. Yet, Ross highlights that the growth rate of fig trees can vary greatly. Drawing from his extensive experience with a variety of fruit trees like stone fruits, apples, pears, and more, Ross demonstrates how fig trees are exceptional in their rapid growth. He emphasizes that various factors can either speed up or slow down this growth, making it an adjustable element in fig tree cultivation.

Ross delves deeper into the importance of understanding and managing fig tree growth, particularly in relation to space limitations and the potential for the trees to grow excessively large. He shares his personal experience with managing 60 closely planted fig trees as a practical example. Remarkably, these trees, initially only 6 inches tall, grew to heights of up to 15 feet in just one season. The video underscores the vital role of pruning in controlling this growth. Ross explains that incorrect pruning or insufficient winter protection can trigger a robust growth response from the base of the tree. Additionally, he addresses the hormonal effects of pruning, which influence both the growth rate and the fruit production of the tree. Concluding the video, Ross summarizes the factors that affect fig tree growth, including location, soil moisture, and pruning methods, and encourages viewers to delve further into the subject on his blog.

For more on learning about how fast fig trees grow, check out this detailed companion guide on my blog: https://www.figboss.com/post/planting

Introduction (0:00): 
The video starts with an introduction to the topic of fig tree growth rate, emphasizing the complexity of the question and stating that fig trees generally grow fast.

Growth Comparison (0:33): 
Ross compares fig trees to other fruit trees in temperate climates, highlighting figs as one of the fastest-growing species, but noting that growth rate can be influenced.

Growth Control (1:09): 
Discussion about controlling fig tree growth, considering concerns about space and size, and the potential for the tree to become too large.

Observational Evidence (1:39): 
Ross suggests observing his own fig trees as evidence, mentioning having 60 trees planted closely together and their significant growth from 6 inches to 15 feet in one season.

Pruning Impact (2:17): 
Explains how improper pruning or lack of winter protection can lead to rapid growth from the base, emphasizing that hard pruning can stimulate faster growth.

Hormonal Effects (3:28): 
Discusses how pruning affects tree hormones, impacting fruiting and growth rate. More fruits result in slower growth, and vice versa.

Growth Factors (4:03): 
Lists factors affecting fig tree growth, including location, heat units, soil moisture, pruning techniques, and length of the growing season.

Container Growth (4:39): 
Notes the limited growth of fig trees in containers, with an example of a tree in a 5-gallon pot growing 6-12 inches in a season.

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