Growing Figs

(Question)

Hi there. I have built a greenhouse to winter over my fig plants. I have four plants. 3 are planted in the ground inside the greenhouse. The other is in s large pot that I put out on the patio in late spring and bring it into the greenhouse in the late fall. The fig plant in the pot is doing substantially better than the three plants in the greenhouse. Any idea why?

The greenhouse faces west and get a good amount of south sun and sun all afternoon. The roof is 8×8 made of polycarbonate greenhouse glass. I also installed and exhaust fan that kicks in if the greenhouse reaches 105 degrees. Keeping the fresh. During summer it is open but with screens all around. In the winter I keep the heat just above freezing. Any advice or ideas would be appreciated. Can send pics if that helps.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto master Gardeners with your interesting inquiry.

Greenhouse raised plants often look quite different from genetically identical outdoor specimens. This is due in part to their response to climate differences, including the quantity, quality, and duration of light they receive. Polycarbonate glass produces a slightly diffused light which helps prevent burning/scorching the plant which may affect the growing of your plants.

Another benefit of growing  figs in containers  is that you can restrict the growth of the roots. Figs like to be pot bound. In southern France, Italy, Spain where figs grow wild, one can find fig trees growing out of rock walls absolutely laden with figs – yet their roots have barely a cubed foot of soil to cling onto. By confining the roots you are ensuring that you get more fruit production. Figs planted directly in the ground will always produce leaves at the expense of fruit. Containers are also a lot more flexible, as you can position them in a set place in your greenhouse for the majority of the time, but also move it outside, in a sheltered spot on a patio, in the height of the summer.