Can figs be pruned in summer? When is the best time to prune?

Fig tree pruning has many functions. Generally speaking, pruning useless branches, overly dense branches, and some diseased branches can concentrate the nutrients of the plant, promote the beautiful shape of the plant, and increase yield.

Fig pruning in summer

Figs can be pruned in the summer because their branches grow fast and continue to grow branches for most of the year. If summer pruning is not performed, the branches will inevitably consume a lot of nutrients, affecting the amount of secondary fruiting.

Fig pruning method

1. Thinning branches

When thinning fig branches, you should choose dense side branches, thin branches, and leggy branches. These branches usually rarely bear fruit, and they tend to turn yellow and fall off after bearing fruit. When thinning branches, make sure the cuts are smooth. If there is frequent rain, apply a healing agent to facilitate wound healing.

2. Topping

Figs can be pinched in mid-May when the new branches grow to more than half a meter. New buds will sprout about half a month after pinching, and the fruits will begin to bear around July-August. If pinching is done well, the fig yield will be high.

After mid-August, the growth rate of fig branches slows down, and you can do another pinching. This pinching can promote the ripening of fruits on the branches, increase the weight of single fruits, and sprout new branches again, improving the tree shape.

3. Remove the buds

Bud removal refers to removing excess side buds from the branches of figs. You can choose 2-3 evenly distributed buds on each main branch. Don't leave too many buds, otherwise it will waste nutrients and affect the results. If it is a strong fig, bud removal can be postponed appropriately. After the buds have grown for a period of time, remove the buds that are too strong or too weak.