Growing a fig tree without containing the roots (and which variety is most vigorous?)...
January Man
Posts: 212
Hi all
Our neighbour had to cut a tree or two in their garden where it meets the corner of ours, which has now left a large gap we want to cover. We've been thinking about what to put there and are thinking of a fig tree...
I understand that it is a good idea to contain the roots of figs so that they produce more fruit rather than foliage. But because we are growing this for cover and privacy, we want it to grow large quickly. So we are thinking of growing it and letting the roots run free.
What I wondered is whether we are still likely to get at least some fruit growing it like this. How much of a difference does it actually make in terms of how much fruit you get?
Also, are there any particular varieties of fig that are more vigorous and faster growing than others?
And finally, the spot in question is well sheltered but a bit on the shady side. Once it gets to over 6 foot, it will get a lot of sun because it will be taller than the fence. But until then.... Are we stupid to be thinking about growing it in a spot that is predominantly shady from ground up to 6 foot?
Many thanks. This forum has really been a godsend 
Max
Posts
Brown Turkey is the variety most suited to the UK climate as it is hardier than others.
I have a friend in Belgium who grows them in the ground and between his house and the neighbours' so it doesn't get full sun all day. He gets figs and also babies so it must be happy.
I had one of his babies and grew it in a pot but my garden then was more exposed and the tree was often frozen to death but then re-grew from the roots each year. I eventually moved it to the ground in an unheated greenhouse and it went mad with lots of growth and fruits.
In this new garden we have inherited a large, overgrown fig planted out in poor ground. It was very healthy and leafy when we arrived in October but not a fruit in sight so I gave it a severe talking to and pruned out a lot of stems to open it up and it is now covered in small fruits and new leaf buds.
I suggest you give it a go. Even if you don't get many fruits you'll have an attractive plant with lovely foliage. If you do get a cold snap forecast you can protect the small plant with fleece till it gets big enough to cope.
This is what the RHS advises - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=106