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Should I fertilize my fig sapling?

I planted a fig sapling last autumn. It seems to be doing alright- it's got a few tiny buds growing. Should I add fertilizer? What kind? When?

Also, how long does it take until it starts to bear fruit?

All Day Breakfast asked in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report

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  • Dsc_0339_small
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    Master Gardener Andrea

    You didn’t mention which variety you a growing? Here’s some general information about figs from Raintree Nursery, specializing in disease resistant fruit trees, berries, nuts, and ornamentals.

    Fig trees should be planted in a warm location and can tolerate shade but prefer sun. Figs usually takes 2-4 years to produce fruit. Figs do not need much fertilizer. When shoot growth falls below 6” per year, 1 pound of nitrogen can be given to mature trees during the winter. If you over-fertilize you will sacrifice fruit production and end up with lush vegetative growth minus the fruit. Figs don’t require a lot of water once established. Do, however, irrigate during dry periods in spring and summer.

    I have been growing a fig tree in a container for the past 3 or 4 years. Even with the extreme winter temperatures we experienced, my tree survived. Ideally, I would have pulled it into the garage, but given it’s location on a back patio, it wasn’t possible. My tree has never been fertilized and produces great fruit. Enjoy.

    Master Gardener Andrea answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Gold-head_small
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    No.

    Fertilizing your tree may actually retard the growth and maturation of fruit; you might get lush growth of leaves but nothing else. At the very least, I would wait until a year has passed, to see how much the plant is growing without it. One site I found says fertilize if you're getting less than 12 inches growth on new branches per year, but that's in a different climate, so I wouldn't expect that much.

    It's early days yet; if you've got buds, your tree is doing great even if they haven't unrolled and produced a million pounds of fruit by April 1. Early days. Don't panic unless it hasn't leafed out in a month.

    In this climate you might not get figs for three years.

    Fnarf answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
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  • N684325377_6966_small
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    Fertilize every year. Now would be a fine time, or whenever, really. Use some worm castings or any low-N fertilizer. Don't overdo it.

    Might get a few figs each year for the next 4-5 years (even this year, if it's happy), until it really gets going. Prune it every couple of years. Figs grow like crazy and aren't picky on how they're pruned. My tree got tall quick and was a bit top-heavy, especially when bearing fruit. I had to stake it. Enjoy your little slice of Eden!

    Adam Michelson answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
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