Desert King Fig Tree No Branches

Question

I just acquired a 7’Desert King fig in a 2-gal container. It has NO side branches at all and only a few leaves are on the very tip. I want it to branch out so it can eventually produce some figs! I feel I need to cut it down to 3′. How can I best get it to start branching out? Please advise.

Answer 1

You can nip off the tip of the main branch to encourage branching. Pruning at the top of the tree and any branches that are growing up (instead of out) will encourage the tree to grow wider. However, do not take off more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. This article will help with pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/pruning-fig-trees.htm