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Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 9:17 am
by Paulneill
I have heard that fig trees can be defoliated . But I'm unsure about it because the new leaf always comes from the end of the branch and there are no dormant buds beside the leaves as far as I can see Also how do they cope being trunk chopped . Any advice would be great
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 9:26 am
by Handy Mick
Figs are the best for any of these you wish to carry out, however I would probably wait till just before spring, unless you are in a no frost area.
You should get a copy of Leong kwong's book about figs from Bonsai South.
Mick
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 10:10 am
by Gerard
I work to the minimum overnight temperatures, if it falls below 12-15 degrees leave them alone (unless you have a green house). I usually defoliate in October or November and can do it a second time towards the end of summer if I get around to it.
Repotting Dec Jan or Feb.
When defoliating cut the leaf off and leave the stem. Remove the strongly growing tips of the branches. This is the best chance to wire your figs as well.
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 3:24 pm
by bodhidharma
I have just cut down and repotted some of mine and they are doing well. It is humid in Central Victoria and i have a protected area. Would not be defoliating at this time of year in Melbourne but do not know about Sydney. It should be fine to cut back to two sets of leaves though.
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 5:38 pm
by kcpoole
too cold in Sydney now. It is getting down 10 - 12 overnight
I work figs when the overnight temps stay about 15- 16 deg. for me that is around Early Oct thru to late march
Ken
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 6:09 pm
by pasquale
Paulneill wrote:I'm unsure about it because the new leaf always comes from the end of the branch and there are no dormant buds beside the leaves as far as I can see
They will bud from the base of the leaf's stem (the petiole). If you do as Gerard says and just cut the leaf off but leave the petiole, you won't damage the new bud. As the others have said, wait till it warms up.
Re: Fig defoliate and trunk chop questions
Posted: April 30th, 2011, 8:52 pm
by NathanM
I usually do a first defoliation in September, or October if I'm lazy
Then often get another two defoliations in between then and March
It is typically warmer earlier here though. You can also cut back hard. But again, not until it warms up again.
Figs are very hardy, and very good growers. I love them
