Fig Trees: 'How Much Sunlight Do Fig Trees Need?'

In the video, I delved into the critical sunlight needs of fig trees. I tackled a recurring question and emphasized that fig trees ideally flourish with as much sunlight as they can get. It's essential for fig trees to get at least five to six hours of direct sunlight, with each variety having its own sunlight needs to bear fruit. One issue I often come across is fig trees that look healthy but don't bear fruit, and this is often due to inadequate sunlight.

This isn't just about the duration of sunlight but also how the tree is trained. I pointed out that dense canopies, with shoots growing upwards, can block the sun. Angling the branches can help in ensuring sunlight reaches every part, which is vital for those with limited sunlight.

Additionally, I underscored that the intensity of sunlight isn't the same everywhere. For instance, six hours of sunlight in Philadelphia isn't as intense as in Boca Raton, Florida. Generally, the further north you are, the more sunlight hours fig trees will need. I recommend that if you're limited to growing fig trees in just four to six hours of sunlight, you should research and select varieties that thrive under such conditions. Not every variety will yield quality fruit in limited sunlight.

Introduction (00:00):
Addressing a common question on the sunlight requirements of fig trees.

Sunlight Preference (00:35): Emphasis on fig trees preferring ample sunlight, with a difference in results between nine and five hours of direct sunlight.

Sunlight Requirements (01:09):
Each fig variety has its unique sunlight requirement to produce fruit. A lack of sunlight can inhibit fruit production, even if the tree appears healthy.

Dense Canopy Issue (01:43):
Highlighting the problem of dense, upward-growing shoots that block sunlight. The solution suggested is angling branches to ensure even sunlight exposure.

Training Importance (02:15):
Stressing the significance of not just counting sunlight hours, but also properly training the fig tree to maximize light absorption.

Regional Light Differences (03:20):
Explaining that sunlight intensity varies based on location. For instance, six hours of sunlight in Philadelphia is less intense than in Boca Raton, Florida.

Optimal Sunlight (03:59):
Suggesting that if limited sunlight is available, one should select fig varieties that thrive in lower light conditions for consistent fruit production.

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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia

[jamesbarron]

103 to 107 here in Texas almost everyday for over 30 days now. I had to put my containers in the shade under a pecan tree. They we’re getting baked in this intense heat and wind. They’re doing way better now.

[margaretmojica]

My Panache, Kadota and Violeta de Bordeaux do not like the boiling July mid-day sun of Bakersfield, California. The fruit on the Kadota got sunburned and dried up. The Kadota was late producing fruit this year because the weather was unusually cool this spring and then July hit with full force. The Panache is growing in a shady location this year and is giving me beautiful fruit. I just bought the Violeta this year and had it in the shade, but in a hot location and had to quickly move it to a shady, cool, location before all the fruit turned hard. The Peter's Honey, Black Mission, and Brown Turnkey do not mind the July mid-day sun and have nice fruit ripening right now, sweet and juicy.

[janetwalsh]

I don't know what kind I have but I cut the branches back each spring and I get more and more figs each year. Its very very sweet.

[SophalChao]

I have two the same verity of figs, one I grow with full sun and another one with some shade. The one under the shade is growing better. I live in Houston Tx. Another fig that I grow closed to the mulberry tree, the mulberry tree is growing bigger and shade the fig. The fig tree that closed to the mulberry bending into one side away from the mulberry tree to get sun light. I noticed the fig tree when it is still pretty young, it will need some sun protection especially in Houston Tx.

[pattiskitchengardenandmore]

Hi Ross, I’m here from Odom’s Homestead. Thanks for the tips on fig trees.🌱🌱🌱

[odomshomestead]

Great information I've learned so much over the years from you and my fig count is raising 😅 thank you

[markvhidalgo]

Been using those red stakes you recommended, they seem to not only give more energy but they help me make a more complete canopy on my single leaders making a very good looking tree 👍

[GrowingWhatIEat]

Great video Thanks for sharing @Odom's Homestead sent me to your channel great content!!!

[itsasickness]

Fantastic information! I feel so much better about how I have my 17 in ground figs planted. The minimum is 6 on some like RDB, Scott’s Black, a few Mount Etna types etc… and my best ones CLBC, I258, Smith, BM, CDDB etc get at least 9 of blazing S Louisiana sunshine. I was a little worried about the one’s getting around 6 but I feel better. Thanks Ross.

[PuentesRE]

Dude I leave it to you, you got the skill and knowledge and I’ll leave my sensibility, plus domination to your knowledge period. You are freakin strong

[cliftonmcandrew]

I live in Bakersfield California. My young trees cannot handle 106° direct sunlight leaves curl up had to put shake cloth over them when they get older. They’ll handle the heat. They’re young trees right now.

[melchiorsternfels]

Hi Ross, in the internet you often find the statement that Osborn Prolific even performs well in partial shade. Could you confirm that? I can only offer 5 hours direct sunlight but in a sheltered position.

[thailandfruitmonster]

Our first fig tree to produce(15 figs) in its 3rd year gets less than 2 hours of direct sunlight and no filtered light. Strength of the sun matters for sure.

[edslim]

Thanks for the quick video. I’ve taken your advice on the other sunlight tutorials, and I think you’d be very happy with the way my plants look. Well maybe they’re too tall, but I’ll fix that in future years. I have two inground trees that are very large. They’re essentially 8 plants each, well separated from each other with plenty of light getting all over. We are fortunate to have eaten a ton of figs already this season. But they’re started a second crop, so there are figs growing all over the place now. I’ve manipulated the hormones as you recommended, and I’m already seeing results. My big concern is at this point in summer, my plants will be getting less than 6 hour sun, and that will Go down fast to likely under 4 hours soon. So I don’t think these figs will fully ripen if I don’t help them out. I release tons of good bug, so the issues I saw last year around insects are much more managed. My plants are thriving in this heat and have never looked this strong. I’d be super sad if I can get them to ripen. Im going to try capri fig hand pollination to see if that helps. But I also want to manipulate sunlight back there. The only potential options I’ve found so far are mirrors or grow lights. The mirror option has proven super annoying so far, but I might go big. Im curious what your thoughts are. I also just realized you do consulting services. It says to contact you on a social media platform. If you do random questions for a fee, I am interested. Im curious about your ideas on how to best manipulate light. And I’m curious about how to pick the best capri fig for self pollination based on my specific needs. Can’t find info on their site. I could be missing it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks again very much for being such a great spreader of quality information.

[kathyseacrist]

Wish you could see my bushes. They are huge with 50-100 figs on each. They have been in the ground for at least 15 years. I've given them hard prunes but they grow back.

[josephjude]

Ross do you think it’s worth going to the Staten Island fig festival? What’s it’s like
Thanks

[brandonmaxima]

Sir how many years does a fig tree will produce fruit from planting ??