Fertilize Fig Cuttings – water soluble – High nitrogen for cuttings
Feeding Fig Trees
I’ve had great results with 4 heavy feedings starting shortly after bud break at intervals of once per week. This year I’m trying 6. That was with a 9-45-15. I can’t say for sure exactly how much each tree has received. However, once my bag of 9-45-15 is gone, I’ll be switching to a 10-5-8. That by my estimation is the right fertilizer ratio for figs. Maybe even a 10-4-12. I’m still undecided. Additionally this year, I will be foliar spraying at one month intervals Dyna-Gro Protekt even into the fall. Which is a 0-0-3 with silica. Literature states some spectacular benefits from silica and anecdotally seems to be worth it in figs. Especially for those of us that have issues with rust. I’m hoping this product will aid in better lignification, cold hardiness and overall plant health. Ph should be around 7 and there’s an argument to be made for something between 7-7.5 for better uptake of magnesium. Lime for the micronutrients is highly recommended and of course make sure all of your bases are covered in terms of micros.
What you don’t want to do:
There’s very little reason to apply nitrogen feedings after you have your desired fruit set. Nitrogen is the main factor in annual shoot production. While necessary, too much will ruin proper lignification and lower fruit quality. You will without any doubt see more cracking in your fruits and I know some will think that’s beautiful, but your fruits will not taste more beautiful. Ideally you want your trees to completely cease growth after achieving your desired fruit set. This is accomplished with ceasing nitrogen and decreasing watering after fruit set. For some of us that’s nearly impossible. It’s certainly possible in containers, but getting that right is again the most ideal scenario.
The importance of regularly fertilizing fig trees, specifically in containers, using a slow-release fertilizer.
Proper Watering
Overwatering and underwatering fig trees can be problematic, especially for trees in containers. If using plastic cups use 3 0z water when needed.
Canopy Management
Dense canopies can hinder fruit formation due to lack of sunlight.
Importance of Pruning
Excessive pruning can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to more growth rather than fruiting. Maintaining apical and lateral buds is crucial for fruit formation.
Preventing Late Frosts
Highlights the detrimental impact of late frosts on fig trees’ new growth.
Maintaining Dormancy
Skipping this process can lead to a weaker tree in the spring due to increased pest pressure and insufficient care.
Sunburn Protection
The issue of sunburn in fig trees when transitioning from low-light to high-light environments. Sunburn reduces photosynthesis and can set back the growth of fig trees.
Premature Harvesting
A cautionary discussion on the harvesting of figs too early, including the advice that the indicator of fig ripeness lies in the softness of the neck, not the color, honey drops, or cracking. An emphasis is made on the importance of allowing figs to fully ripen on the tree, as store-bought figs are often picked too early, resulting in a significant loss of flavor and quality.
Proper Pot Size
A mistake often seen is keeping figs in small pots, which restricts their growth and negatively impacts fruit production.
Improper Winter Storage
Improper winter storage or inadequate cold protection can cause the branches to die back, a mistake that can be easily avoided by following recommended guidelines.
Fig trees need to be kept above 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and suggests avoiding warm, unheated basements as they can lead to premature wake-up of the tree.
Choosing the Wrong Variety
Different fig varieties have different tastes and growth characteristics, so choosing the right variety for your climate and conditions is crucial to successful cultivation.
Here’s a simple 3-step process to ensure you harvest your figs at the optimal time:
Step 1: Look for figs on the tree that exhibit the visual indicators of ripeness mentioned earlier.
Step 2: Gently squeeze the necks of these figs to assess their softness.
Step 3: Pick the figs with the softest necks.
Every fig grower must learn the feel of their fig varieties’ necks when they’re ripe. Once you have mastered this skill, you can enjoy the full flavor and nutritional benefits of homegrown figs, harvested at the peak of their ripeness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting a Fig Tree
Prepare the New Pot: Before removing your fig tree from its current pot, fill the new pot with enough soil so that when the tree is placed in it, the top of the root ball will sit about an inch below the rim of the pot. This extra space will be saved for amendments and a mulch layer.
Remove the Fig Tree from its Current Pot: Make sure to tip the pot sideways or upside down and let gravity do the work. Do not yank or pull too hard as this can damage the root system.
Inspect and Tease the Roots: Check the root system for any signs of root-knot nematodes. If the roots are densely tangled or circling (a condition known as being root-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers to encourage them to grow out into the new soil. Don’t touch them otherwise. Place the Tree in the New Pot: Gently place the tree into the new pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the rim of the pot. Backfill With Soil: Add more soil around the root ball, filling the pot until the soil level is the same as it was in the previous pot. Firm the Soil: Firm the soil around the root ball to ensure good contact and to remove air pockets. Don’t worry, the soil should still be loose enough to allow water and air movement.
Water Thoroughly: After repotting, water the tree thoroughly, allowing the water to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This will help settle the soil around the roots. Apply Fertilizer: Once the tree has been watered, apply a slow-release fertilizer around the tree’s base. Consider other micronutrients like Silica, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium & other trace minerals
Add Mulch: Finally, add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. This will help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and encourage beneficial soil organisms. Monitor the Tree: For the first few days after repotting, keep the tree in a shaded area and keep a close eye on it for signs of transplant shock, such as wilting or dropped leaves.
Repotting a fig tree does require some effort, but it is certainly worth it when you see your tree thriving in its new home. The larger space will give the roots room to grow, resulting in a healthier, more productive tree.
Pros & Cons of Larger Pots
Room for growth: Larger pots provide more space for the plant to spread its roots, which can lead to more vigorous growth and a larger, healthier plant overall.
Heavy and difficult to move: One of the most apparent downsides of larger pots is that they can be quite heavy, especially when filled with soil and a large plant. This can make them difficult to move, which could be a problem if you need to bring plants indoors during winter or want to rearrange your plants frequently.
More soil needed: Larger pots require more soil, which can be more expensive. Also, if you don’t have a good-quality soil source, filling a large pot can become challenging. Risk of overwatering: Larger pots hold more water, which can increase the risk of overwatering if not managed properly. This is especially a concern for plants that prefer well-draining soil and do not like to sit in water. Fig Tree Soil Requirements
When it comes to the optimal health and productivity of your fig tree, the importance of the right soil cannot be overstated. The soil acts as the primary influence on the health of your tree as it contains its nutrients, water, and microscopic life. A fig tree’s success is largely contingent on a well-draining soil mix that supports root health and facilitates adequate nutrient and water uptake.
Fig trees, in particular, have an extensive and fibrous root system, which means they require a soil structure that supports the roots while allowing for a good amount of air and water movement. This can be achieved with a well-draining mix with slightly larger particles than those typically found in regular potting soil.
A few popular soil choices for fig trees include compost, worm castings, peat moss, and coco coir. While these materials provide an excellent base, they are also quite dense and can sometimes retain too much moisture, leading to waterlogged conditions that can result in root rot. To counteract this and improve aeration, mix in other materials such as vermiculite, perlite, small pieces of bark, shredded bark, or rice hulls.
So, you may ask, how can we strike a balance? The goal is to create a soil mix that, when watered, retains just the right amount of moisture while still allowing the excess water to drain away and air to reach the roots. This balance helps prevent waterlogging and ensures the roots remain healthy and free from rot.
Pro-Mix is a well-liked commercial option that provides an excellent, well-draining environment for fig trees. However, feel free to experiment with creating your own mix using some of the materials mentioned above until you find what works best for you and your tree. To summarize, the ideal soil for a fig tree in a pot is a well-draining mix that balances moisture retention with aeration. Ensuring you have the correct soil type will set your fig tree up for success and contribute to a bountiful harvest.
Up next, we’ll discuss the best fertilizers for your newly repotted fig tree, so keep reading! Best Fertilizer for Fig Trees in Pots
After successfully repotting your fig tree, it’s essential to provide it with the necessary nutrients for optimum growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer can significantly aid in this regard.
Fig trees thrive when given a well-balanced NPK fertilizer. The acronym NPK stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), which are the primary nutrients required by plants. A 10-10-10 or a 10-20-10 fertilizer would be ideal as it covers all the necessary nutrients in balanced quantities.
To make things simple, I recommend slow-release fertilizers because they gradually provide nutrients to the plant over an extended period, rather than delivering them all at once. This ensures your fig tree will receive a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
In addition to a well-balanced NPK fertilizer, fig trees also benefit from specific micronutrients. Silica, found in vermiculite or diatomaceous earth, can be an excellent addition. Consider using green sand or rock dust, which provides a broad range of micronutrients in higher quantities.
Fig trees have a particular liking for magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. These nutrients can be added using gypsum, oyster shell, or lime. If you conduct an analysis of a fig tree’s leaf or the fruits, you will find that these nutrients are typically found in higher quantities in the leaves and fruits.
To read more about fertilizing fig trees, read this detailed article, here:
In the next section, we will look at the correct watering technique and frequency for your fig tree in a pot.
How Much Water Does a Fig Tree Need?
Watering is an essential aspect of caring for your fig tree, particularly when it’s grown in a pot. Getting the balance right can be a bit tricky – too little water and the tree may dry out and wilt, too much water and the tree might suffer from root rot. Let’s delve into the specifics of how much water your fig tree needs.
Fig trees prefer evenly moist soil, but it’s important not to overwater them. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to the leaves turning yellow and dropping off. At the same time, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering can stress the tree and stunt its growth. After all, water is the on or off switch of a fig tree’s growth.
During the warmer months of the growing season, I water my container fig trees twice a day for a total of about half of a gallon to a gallon of water every day per 5-gallon-sized pot. If rain is in the forecast, that may decrease my watering quantities and frequency significantly. During September temperatures cool down in the Philadelphia area and rain is more frequent. At this time, I may not water at all. Keeping an eye on the temperature and rainfall is critical for achieving consistently moist soil moisture.
When you do water your fig tree, make sure you water it thoroughly. This means watering until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot. Thorough watering encourages deep root growth, which in turn will help the tree be more drought-tolerant.
It’s also essential to have a pot with good drainage to ensure excess water can escape. This helps to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and reduces the chances of root rot.
For more on watering fig trees, read this in-depth article, here:
The next section will explore transplant shock and how to prevent it. Being aware of this potential pitfall can save you from potential plant heartache down the line.
Transplant Shock – A Common Mistake to Avoid
Transplant shock can be one of the most significant risks your fig tree faces during the repotting process. It’s a term that refers to a variety of stress-related symptoms, such as wilting, yellowing, or dropped leaves, that your plant might exhibit after it’s been moved to a new environment. The good news is that transplant shock can be minimized, or even prevented, with careful repotting practices. Here’s how:
Be gentle with the roots: Fig trees have a fibrous, delicate root system. During the repotting process, try to maintain as much of the original soil around the roots as possible to prevent root damage. If the tree is root-bound, gently loosen the outer roots before planting it in the new pot.
Ensure proper root-to-soil contact: After placing the tree in its new pot, pack the soil firmly around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil, enhancing their ability to absorb water and nutrients and reducing the risk of transplant shock.
Water correctly: After repotting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. However, be careful not to overwater, as fig trees are susceptible to root rot.
Use mulch: A layer of mulch on top of the soil can help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and improve the soil’s overall environment, reducing the chances of transplant shock.
Limit initial sun exposure: After repotting, place the fig tree in a location with filtered light or partial shade for the first week or so. Gradually acclimate the tree to more sunlight to avoid sun stress on top of transplant shock.
You’re Now Ready to Repot Your Fig Tree
Repotting your fig tree is an essential task to maintain its health and productivity. As a grower, you have the power to create the perfect environment for your fig tree to thrive. Through correct pot selection, the right soil mix, balanced fertilization, and careful watering practices, you can ensure your tree will grow vigorously, providing you with a bountiful harvest for years to come.
With the comprehensive guide provided in this article, you now have all the tools you need to confidently repot your fig tree, setting it up for successful growth.
Black mission fig trees are ideal for the environment in Tucson. They are drought-tolerant and produce a significant amount of fruit after about three years of initial growth. If you’re considering a black mission fig tree for your home, talk to your landscaping company’s certified arborist to find out how if this kind of tree is right for your landscaping and how you can help it thrive.
Choosing a Season and Location
Typically, black mission fig trees should be planted in the fall or early spring. This will give them an opportunity to establish themselves before summer temperatures soar. These trees do best in an area of the yard in which they will get a lot of sunshine. Your landscaper can help you choose a location that is both healthy for your tree and that complements your existing landscape design.
Watering
Although black mission fig trees are drought-resistant, they will need to be watered to thrive. During the summer, they should be irrigated once per week. You may need to increase watering during extreme heat waves. During the other seasons of the year, watering every two weeks should be sufficient. However, if unusually warm weather occurs, consider increasing your watering schedule.
Maintenance
As with all types of trees, working with a certified arborist is the best way to keep your black mission fig tree healthy. The tree will benefit from light fertilization during its growing season, which is May, June, and July. About half a pound of nitrogen fertilizer used over that period of time and watered in should be sufficient. An arborist can also prune your tree as necessary to ensure it continues to thrive.
Grow Medium: Coconut core (use purified water) and pearlite
Wash (and scrub) cutting
Wrap parafilm/grafting tape around the top half of the cutting that will be above the soil line. Ensure your cutting has at least 2 nodes above soil line and 2 below.
Make a fresh cut at the base of the cutting and score the bottom sides.
Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone like clonex.
The Direct Potting method is easy to follow, even for beginners, and does not require misting systems, humidity chambers, or domes. What separates this method from others is that you’re “directly potting” the cutting into a 1-gallon-sized container. Therefore, up-potting during the rooting process can be avoided.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Direct Potting method: Prepare your cutting: Select cuttings that have at least a couple of nodes. Make a cut approximately 1/4 inch below a bud, and create a long cut or a “score” along one edge of the cutting, where more roots are likely to form. Wrap the cutting: To prevent the cutting from drying out, wrap the portion that will be exposed above the soil with a material like Parafilm, stretching it as you apply it. This will allow the buds to easily push through the material. Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, which can simply be a mix of 60% peat and 40% perlite. The soil should be damp but not overly wet.
Plant the cutting: Insert the cutting into the soil, making sure that at least one node is below the soil level. Avoid planting the cutting too deep into the pot, as the bottom portion of the pot can become too wet and cause the cutting to rot. Water
Water the cutting thoroughly, and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Keep in the shade
Keep the pot in the shade until the cutting is rooted. Fertilize
Fertilize the fig tree to provide any missing nutrients.