3ManiFig

Today we are going to talk about pruning
Some individual are obsessed about pruning. So we are going to set things straight for those who wonder how and when to prune.
The best time to prune fig trees is during their dormant season in late winter or early spring (typically January through March) after the harshest frosts have passed but before new growth begins. Pruning at this time minimizes sap loss and prevents accidental cold damage.
1) When and How to Prune
• Dormant Pruning (Late Winter)This is the optimal time for major structural pruning and shaping. Because most fig varieties produce fruit on "new wood" (the current season's growth), pruning during dormancy encourages abundant new branches in the spring.
• What to remove: Cut away dead, diseased, or crossing branches, as well as any suckers growing from the base.
• How much: You can heavily prune fig trees by removing up to 30% to 50% of the tree's branches. This keeps the tree at a manageable height for harvesting and opens up the canopy for better sunlight and airflow.
2) Minor Maintenance (All Year Round) You can, and should, remove dead or diseased wood whenever you spot it during the year, regardless of the season. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall. Trimming too late in the season will force the tree to push out fresh, tender growth that will be easily damaged by the first winter freeze.
3) Early Summer (Pinching) For younger trees, you can do "tip pruning" or "pinching" in early summer by removing the growing tip of a new shoot once it forms 5-6 leaves. This encourages branching and creates a bushier tree with more fruiting sites.
4) Tools You Need; Always use sharp, clean, and sterilized pruning tools (like bypass shears or a pruning saw) to avoid spreading plant diseases

The Golden Riverside fig, officially designated as UCR 278-128, is a highly esteemed, exceptionally large honey-type common fig variant developed by the University of California, Riverside. It distinguishes itself among collectors due to its production of remarkably large fruits that maintain a firm texture and intense sweetness, thereby avoiding the common pitfall of excessive water content characteristic of numerous other oversized cultivars. Within the fig community, a notable naming discrepancy exists that warrants awareness when sourcing this variety: The authentic Golden Riverside (UCR 278-128) features a shorter neck, retains a slightly greenish-yellow hue on its exterior, exhibits a distinct leaf pattern, and boasts a dense, syrupy honey-melon flavor profile. Conversely, a different variety was initially distributed under the name 'Ben's Golden Riverside' or Golden Rainbow, characterized by a strawberry-kiwi flavor profile and an elongated neck, which was later officially renamed Robert's Golden Rainbow. Key characteristics of UCR 278-128 include an intense honey sweetness with subtle melon-berry undertones and a thick, jammy pulp, accompanied by very large, rounded to slightly flattened fruits with striking golden-yellow skin when ripe. As a common fig, it is self-fertile and does not require a specific wasp for pollination. It is particularly noted for its strong, early-ripening main crop, rendering it highly reliable for growers in northern regions. Additionally, it is a vigorous grower well-suited for container culture, although its relatively open eye may pose challenges for commercial production. The Golden Riverside fig is reliably winter-hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 and can survive in Zone 6 with proper protection.