Fertilizing early figs in containers

Ghostfig

Ghostfig

Well-known member
Some of my figs woke up early because I had to take them inside due to the extreme cold. These are not cuttings, but actual trees in pots. Do I need to fertilize them now? I know I need to start watering them more, but I wasn't sure about feeding. If so, liquid fertilizer or long term granular fertilizer? Many of them are sporting new figs. I'm assuming breba crop? Thanks for your help.
 
Most of my 40 + figs in pots are waking here in Southern AZ (way ahead of time). I plan to water them all with Liquid fertilizer from here on out so the growing trees can immediately uptake the nitrogen & nutrients they need for vigorous growth. You can also apply a granular, slow feed at the same time, as it will take a few months or more before the plant can fully use those nutrients. Right now you want to to feed as fast as you can to promote rapid growth.
 
If growers are fertilizing their rooted cuttings with a diluted solution, you can probably use the recommended ratio noted on the bottle of your chosen water soluble fertilizer. I would definitely use a well balanced slow release fertilizer i.e. 4-4-4 NPK monthly. Whatever you did to ripen main crop figs in the summer can be applied to ripen brebas now. I believe if the trees aren’t fed adequately the brebas will drop.
 
Ghostfig said:
Some of my figs woke up early because I had to take them inside due to the extreme cold. These are not cuttings, but actual trees in pots. Do I need to fertilize them now? I know I need to start watering them more, but I wasn't sure about feeding. If so, liquid fertilizer or long term granular fertilizer? Many of them are sporting new figs. I'm assuming breba crop? Thanks for your help.
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I would be hesitant to give fertilizer promoting growth unless you have lights to support the growth. You want to avoid the leggy grow that usually comes with waking up early and insufficient lighting.
 
You do not have to fertilize them. Doing so will promote growth. If weather stays too cool outside, that can create an awkward situation with a lot of growth, not enough light, and not enough space.

Trees will not die without fertilizer, potted trees can go for years without it. Most plants do not take in chemical fertilizers very well, there is a lot of waste with them, because plants are more reliant on microbes and natural forms of nitrogen. So it is not a dire situation to not feed them at this time.

You may get some signs of deficiency, but rarely is that ever a nitrogen deficiency. Early growth is dependent on stored nutrients from last season anyhow.
 
Ghostfig said:
Some of my figs woke up early because I had to take them inside due to the extreme cold. These are not cuttings, but actual trees in pots. Do I need to fertilize them now? I know I need to start watering them more, but I wasn't sure about feeding. If so, liquid fertilizer or long term granular fertilizer? Many of them are sporting new figs. I'm assuming breba crop? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
If they are getting good light then start feeding half strength fertilizer or put them on a diluted liquids fed program until you can bring them outside for the season. I would not apply any sort of dry fertilizer on top as a top dressing until the are fully outside. If they are not getting good light where you have them indoors a small full spectrum grow light may be something to look at.
 
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