Lyla Lindsey
Fig trees are a great option for those with limited space, as they can be grown in pots. They are heat-loving plants and are generally hardy, but they do need protection from frost, especially when young. In Australia, edible fig trees can be grown in pots, provided they are protected from the cold and have enough drainage. The pot should be at least 50cm wide at maturity, with plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. Potted fig trees can be ornamental and productive, with some varieties like 'Little Miss Figgy' and 'Brown Turkey' being suitable for pots and producing delicious fruit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pot size | Start with a 30 cm diameter pot and advance the pot size in stages. At maturity, the pot should be at least 50 cm wide. |
| Pot type | Preferably green or terracotta-coloured, with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. |
| Soil | Well-drained, tested before planting, and conditioned with organic material such as manure and compost. |
| Watering | Regularly when young, less frequently as the tree ages. Watering can be reduced by using mulch and a lighter-coloured pot. |
| Fertiliser | Feed with a slow-release fertiliser and continue to feed throughout the growing season. Use an NPK ratio of 14N-5P-22K. |
| Pruning | Lightly in winter, keeping some old wood to avoid cutting off future fruits. Hard pruning may be needed for well-established trees. |
| Pests | Susceptible to fruit flies and fig leaf beetles. Nets are recommended to protect against fruit flies. |
| Varieties | Dwarf varieties such as 'Little Miss Figgy' and 'Celeste' are suitable for pots. 'Brown Turkey' is also popular for pot culture. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pot
When selecting a pot, opt for one that is about 6 to 8 inches wider than the nursery pot your fig tree was growing in. Starting with a pot that is too large can lead to drainage issues and overwatering. As your fig tree grows, advance the pot size in stages, increasing by a maximum of two sizes each time you reppot. A mature fig tree will typically require a pot at least 50 cm wide, or even larger—up to 60 cm wide and deep to allow the roots to spread.
The colour of your pot is also worth considering. Terracotta or green pots are preferable to black pots, which tend to heat up excessively in the summer. A lighter-coloured pot will also help keep the soil moist for longer, reducing the frequency of watering.
Finally, select a pot that is aesthetically pleasing and complements your outdoor or indoor space. Potted fig trees can be delightfully ornamental, with their characteristic leaves and delicious fruit.
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Preparing the soil
Testing the Soil:
Before you begin planting, it is essential to test your soil. Remember that each soil type is unique, and understanding your soil's characteristics will help you modify it accordingly. Conduct a simple ribbon test and pH test at least six weeks before planting your fig tree. This will give you insights into the soil's composition and acidity or alkalinity levels, guiding any necessary adjustments.
Soil Conditioning:
For general soil conditioning, incorporate organic material such as manure and compost into your soil. Dig these amendments into the soil and then let the site rest for about six weeks. This process will help improve the soil's structure, nutrient content, and water retention capabilities, creating a more favourable environment for your fig tree's roots to thrive.
Choosing the Right Pot and Potting Mix:
Select a pot that is at least 30 cm in diameter, preferably in green or terracotta colour, as black pots tend to heat up excessively during the summer. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil. Use a Terracotta and Tub Mix (Debco) or a premium potting mix with fertiliser, keeping in mind that the tree will grow in this mix for several years.
Planting and Backfilling:
Place your fig tree in the centre of the pot, ensuring it is at the same planting depth as it was in its nursery pot. Then, backfill the remaining space in the pot with the chosen potting mix. The soil level should reach the height of the pot, and the tree's root ball should be level with the soil line. Leave about 2 inches of space between the soil and the rim of the pot for convenient watering.
Mulching:
Add a layer of mulch to the surface of the soil. You can use organic mulches such as straw-based mulches (sugar cane, barley, pea straw), Lucerne Hay, or straw and wood chips. Mulching helps insulate the potting mix, retain moisture, and promote healthy root growth. It also gives your potted fig tree a neat and attractive appearance.
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Planting the tree
To plant a fig tree in a pot, you'll first need to select an appropriate pot and the right type of fig tree. Choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil. The pot should be about 6 to 8 inches wider than the nursery pot, and you can upgrade the size as the plant grows. Most fig trees will eventually need a pot that is at least 15 to 20 gallons in size, but you can start with a 30 cm diameter pot and advance the size gradually. Avoid black-coloured pots, as they tend to get too hot in the summer. Dwarf fig trees are a popular choice for pots, with varieties like 'Little Miss Figgy', 'Celeste', and 'Brown Turkey' being suitable for containers.
Once you have the right pot and tree, follow these steps:
- Place the fig tree in the pot at the same planting depth as it was in its nursery pot.
- Backfill the remainder of the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. The soil should come up to the height of the pot.
- Stake your fig to ensure strong, upright growth, especially if it is young, as figs are susceptible to wind damage at this stage.
- Add a layer of mulch, such as straw-based mulches like sugar cane, barley, pea straw, or wood chips. Mulching helps retain moisture and promotes healthy root growth.
- Water your plant well with a seaweed solution. Young fig trees require regular watering as they are sensitive to dry spells.
- Feed your tree with a fertiliser. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and continue feeding throughout the growing season on a fortnightly basis.
- Protect your young tree from frost by covering it with fleece or hessian and spraying the leaves with a leaf protectant like Yates Waterwise DroughtShield.
With proper care and attention, your fig tree will thrive in its pot and reward you with delicious, fresh figs in a few years!
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Feeding and fertilising
First, it is important to select a suitable potting mix. Choose a premium potting mix with fertiliser, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. This mix will provide your fig tree with the necessary nutrients for its initial growth.
Once the initial fertiliser expires (usually after about six months), you should fertilise your fig tree again. The best time to do this is once it starts to grow after winter. Look for a fertiliser with an NPK ratio of around 14N-5P-22K, which you should be able to find at your local garden centre.
When your fig tree is actively growing in spring, you can feed it with a slow-release fertiliser like Osmocote. You can also add a small handful of Dynamic Lifter or a similar product. Continue to feed your tree throughout the growing season on a fortnightly basis with a Phostrogen or Seasol/Powerfeed combination.
In terms of feeding, it is important to keep your fig tree well-watered, especially when it is young as it is sensitive to dry spells. Water your plant deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. You can also use mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. Apply fresh mulch at the beginning of spring and consider using straw-based mulches such as sugar cane, barley, or pea straw.
Additionally, you can feed your fig tree with liquid fertiliser. Apply this once every autumn and spring, using a product such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Liquid Fertiliser. When your tree is flowering and fruiting, increase the frequency to weekly feedings with a product like Yates Thrive Naturals Citrus & Fruit Liquid Plant Food to promote fruit production.
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Maintenance and care
Fig trees require regular watering when young as they are sensitive to dry spells. As the tree ages, it becomes more resistant. To keep the soil moisture levels up, apply fresh mulch at the beginning of spring. Potted trees dry out faster than planted trees, so using soil wetters, mulch, and a lighter-coloured pot will keep the soil moist for longer.
To prevent Fig Leaf Beetle, keep the tree well-watered and fed. Regularly monitor the tree for beetles, and if you see any, pick them off by hand and destroy them. To prevent borers, which are the larvae of moths, butterflies, and beetles, keep the tree well-watered and fed.
In spring, feed your fig tree with a slow-release fertiliser, and continue to feed it fortnightly throughout the growing season. In autumn, feed your tree with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Liquid Fertiliser. When the tree is flowering and fruiting, feed it weekly with Yates Thrive Naturals Citrus & Fruit Liquid Plant Food to promote fruit production.
In winter, when the tree is dormant, you can repot the plant into a larger pot. Once you have reached the maximum-sized pot, root prune the plant and repot it into a fresh new potting mix every three to four years.
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Frequently asked questions
Dwarf fig trees are the best variety to grow in pots, as they are pint-sized and can be easily kept in pots. Some of the best dwarf varieties include 'Little Miss Figgy', 'Celeste' and 'Brown Turkey'.
The size of the pot will depend on the size of the tree. A good starting point is a 30 cm diameter pot, which can be upgraded in stages as the tree grows. At maturity, your fig will need a pot at least 50 cm wide.
Potted fig trees require regular watering, especially when young. They should be kept in a sunny spot and well-drained soil. To keep the soil moist, apply fresh mulch at the beginning of spring and use a lighter-coloured pot.
