Went away for a weekend and lost a lot of leaves and figs on my outdoor potted Chicago Hardy. Northeast summer went from rain all the time to no rain just like that. Timely video.
I watched so many youtubes about irrigating the fig trees, this is the most appropriate and useful youtube that i watched so far. Strongly recommended for those who suffer fig drops or leave drops issue
Ross great video. Last month my leaves started to yellow and fall off the tree. I gave each tree a 1/2 cup of lime granules and fertilized the trees. The leaves stopped yellowing and falling off the trees. The trees now look healthy and my early figs are producing great figs.
Sorry to get back to you so late. When trees are no longer dormant, I give them 1/2 cup each of lime and alfalfa granules and water. I will repeat mid-season if leaves turn yellow. My regular fertilization routine starts then. I use a 2 gallon water can and add 2 scoops of Jack's/Wal-Mart or Miracle Grow 24-8-16 high nitrogen granules, 2 scoops Epson Salts, 2 oz Alaskan fish fertilizer, 4 oz of Bloom City cal/mag liquid which i purchase off of Amazon. Stir well. I do this for 3-4 feedings. Then for the rest of the season I use the same four ingredients, except, Instead of high nitrogen I switch to 15-30-15 high phosphate for figs to bloom. i stop fertilizing after August 1st @@aeastman59
Zone10b,5 gal Home Depot buckets, watered every 12hrs for 3min, 0.5gal, currently with supplemental watering/compost tea, trees are about 2-3yrs old from cutting. Soil is almost always moist due to biological activity. Fantastic drainage due to using decomposed granite in base soil mix. Looking to cut back once figs swell b4 ripening
Thanks so much this happened to my Brown Turkey Fig tree for we have had and are having temperatures of 110-117 these past few days. My tree is doing much better. Phoenix AZ
Central NJ, never watered or fertilized my trees ever, they have been around for 25 years and always produced a lot of figs each year. They do need winter protection though, it's hit or miss without.
growing fig trees look so easy and yet difficult, they are so sensitive to the environment changes, i.e Heat, Sunlight, soil, water. Some Fig trees grow well in abandoned properties and grow so difficult when they received too much attention.
I don't have any browning but the leaves on all of my figs from cuttings rooted this winter are yellow and have stalled in their growth. I'm growing in 10 gallon tall grow bags and in soil composed of just natural soil conditioner with granular fertilizer. I've tried watering with fertilizer every few weeks based on your recommendations but no change.
Thanks Ross. I have a few trees that get leaves like this every year and I could never figure out what it was. They’re in ground in a spot that gets no water whatsoever
Hey I’m from Bensalem, PA. I love your videos and watch them often especially since I’m still newbie to figs. I wanted to know if you sell figs? I want to make fig jam and was able to get my hands on a bunch last year from a friend but would like to just buy some this year and hopefully next year I will have enough of my own to make some. Thanks in advance. And again, great videos, I have referred to them a whole lot and learned a lot!
Hi Ross your trees look beautiful. Thank you for this video, I’m having them issues now and used a water meter and stuck all the way into dirt and it’s very wet should I let it dry all out before watering again? Also what size pot do you have your big trees in? Thank you
Thank you Ross, very helpful video, I love fig trees and I just got my first one, I live in Colorado zone 5b and mine is in a pot, I’ve got 18 figs growing currently and I’m about to cut the first one, my concern is the winter weather, any recommendations on how to preserve the plant during winter? Many people suggest indoors in a dark cool spot like a basement, but how about watering? The plant is dormant is watering a necessity? Thank you in advance for your reply.
I'm in zone 6a and my potted fig trees are indoors from November to early April. During this dormancy they get watered about once per month to ensure soil doesn't completely dry out.
This article I wrote covers all of your questions: www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks
Thanks great info I think I am over watering my fig tree. The leaves are turning yellow but the tree is full of figs. My tree is about 5yrs old. Phoenix AZ
I use the grey and blue spot spitters. think it's 3.6 and 12 gph. Like I said in the video, it works out to 1/4 or a 1/2 gallon of water per 5 gallons of soil.
My wild turkey fig had a massive crop last year. However, the figs never matured or ripened correctly, then all fell off of the tree. The tree its self never looked sick or dried out. What happened? Zone 10b.
Ross, can you do the same video but for winter storage when we get to that season? I have no clue whether to water/ fertilize in the winter and I lost some trees this past year.
I've got quite a few videos over the years on the topic. Search for Ross Raddi Winter figs. You'll get some good hits. Also read this detailed article. It's good to have a plan now: www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks
Thank you@@RossRaddi . Your linked post says "Before I get into a few alternatives, I would be remiss if we didn't talk about preparing your fig trees for winter storage...[deleted]... Additionally, I would prune them if necessary, give them some food, water them in very well and mulch the containers. This will allow you to forgo watering them during dormancy (at least for 3-4 months)." Those last 2 sentences are what I was looking for. However, this advice is actually exactly what I did this past winter and I lost 1/2 my trees. I've now replaced most of them but am nervous about the upcoming winter and whether I need to change the strategy.
@@JMIKES The only way they die is if the soil becomes too dry or more commonly too wet in storage. Before that, they should be subjected to temperatures around 25F to allow them to properly go dormant. Temps lower may damage the tops of young trees, but on mature trees I let them dip down to 15F regularly before putting them away for good.
@@RossRaddi Interesting. OK, thanks. They were kept in my unheated, detached garage last winter, so I know for sure they were dormant. I watered them maybe twice all winter, which I thought was necessary after the soil appeared too dry. Maybe then they were too wet? IDK. Hopefully this winter goes better. I'm going to put them in a new location closer to the house. Thanks for all the tips. I'm in a similar zone as you; I'm over in the Lehigh Valley near Bass, so your videos are always relatable/helpful.
can you recommend a well draining soil? Was using Just Natural but they no longer have it available in my state. Pretty hard to find quality well draining soil these days.
My figs are still hard bc I dont think they were getting enough water. I just started 40 min watering every 3 days in Texas. I am hoping to get some figs I though they would be soft by now.
What does it mean when I see tiny brown spots on a few bigger leaves? I’m in Texas with these 101 degrees and I water every day after 7:30pm. It gets morning and evening sun in ground. I count to 10 seconds when I water my baby fig tree. No fruits yet.
I only have 1 fig tree - black mission. Fruiting for the 1st time. I noticed that there are roots (about 1" diameter) on top of the soil. Why is that? Any answers/suggestions?
If you don't want yellow leaves do this: Half Miracle Gro(feeds plants 6 months) potting mix mixed with Half Perlite number 4 size(1 inch pieces). Your soil will be very airy and drain super fast getting all the oxygen it will ever need and your fig tree's roots will never be saturated in soggy soil. Feed your fig trees with Miracle Gro Shake and Feed as a top dressing 3 times per year. Another tip if your fig tree has signs of FMV that are not due to mites and is due to lack of nutrition 1. Remove all the soil from your container and replace with half Miracle Gro potting mix(feeds plants 6 months) and half Perlite number 4 size (1 inch pieces) and feed them Miracle Gro all purpose water soluble fertilizer every day for the next 8 weeks or until FMV is gone.
if i could get the damn animals off mine i might get some figs. everytime they are almost ready they disappear. i have mine planted downhill from our lower septic drain field. they love it. blueberries too. love the channel
How do I control squirrels eating my figs? They also eat the figs not even ripe. I have feral cats outside that control the rats, & mice. But the squirrels are out if control. I used traps, that worked yrs ago baited with peanuts, & peanut butter. Those don't work anymore. My fig trees are 20ft tall Black Mission, Kadota, & Brown Turkey.. all grow xlnt outdoors in the ground in my area in Southern CA. (15 mins from Malibu Beach)
Good soil can cover a multitude of sins but at 100f+ every day for over a month is challenging everything I know about plants. Not to mention all 20 of my fig cuttings were started at the same time this past spring and growing in the same size pots but some can take the heat and water and some can’t. Some were looking so bad I had to plant them in ground so the roots didn’t cook. I was trying to grow this first year in containers to trial them or at least wait for fall or spring to plant but I feared loosing them. Fingers crossed. Oh btw great information as always
This is confusing.. why do figs do so well in areas of drought and poor soils? I've been in Spain and seen them healthier than I've ever had, growing out of a dang rock. Figs are complicated lol
Good stuff as usual Ross. Love the passion you fig eating son of a bitch. My Figoin is loaded this year and I can't wait to try one. Would love for you to do a review on Bass' Favorite Fig and if you think it's the same as Calderona. I have many premium figs and Bass' Favorite is my absolute standout variety.
Went away for a weekend and lost a lot of leaves and figs on my outdoor potted Chicago Hardy. Northeast summer went from rain all the time to no rain just like that. Timely video.
It's been weird for sure. Two hot dry days is enough for damage though.
I watched so many youtubes about irrigating the fig trees, this is the most appropriate and useful youtube that i watched so far. Strongly recommended for those who suffer fig drops or leave drops issue
Ross great video. Last month my leaves started to yellow and fall off the tree. I gave each tree a 1/2 cup of lime granules and fertilized the trees. The leaves stopped yellowing and falling off the trees. The trees now look healthy and my early figs are producing great figs.
this is whats happening to mine - how did you fertilize your tree?
Sorry to get back to you so late. When trees are no longer dormant, I give them 1/2 cup each of lime and alfalfa granules and water. I will repeat mid-season if leaves turn yellow. My regular fertilization routine starts then. I use a 2 gallon water can and add 2 scoops of Jack's/Wal-Mart or Miracle Grow 24-8-16 high nitrogen granules, 2 scoops Epson Salts, 2 oz Alaskan fish fertilizer, 4 oz of Bloom City cal/mag liquid which i purchase off of Amazon. Stir well. I do this for 3-4 feedings. Then for the rest of the season I use the same four ingredients, except, Instead of high nitrogen I switch to 15-30-15 high phosphate for figs to bloom. i stop fertilizing after August 1st @@aeastman59
Zone10b,5 gal Home Depot buckets, watered every 12hrs for 3min, 0.5gal, currently with supplemental watering/compost tea, trees are about 2-3yrs old from cutting. Soil is almost always moist due to biological activity. Fantastic drainage due to using decomposed granite in base soil mix. Looking to cut back once figs swell b4 ripening
Great video! I’m taking notes. 📓Thank you!
You're so welcome!
Thanks so much this happened to my Brown Turkey Fig tree for we have had and are having temperatures of 110-117 these past few days. My tree is doing much better. Phoenix AZ
Central NJ, never watered or fertilized my trees ever, they have been around for 25 years and always produced a lot of figs each year. They do need winter protection though, it's hit or miss without.
They can certainly get away with both over time.
I’m so jealous of your drip system. I’ve been looking at them, not really that handy. Especially plumbing.
This stuff is so easy to use!
Love learning about figs for you thank you for the knowledge
My pleasure!
growing fig trees look so easy and yet difficult, they are so sensitive to the environment changes, i.e Heat, Sunlight, soil, water. Some Fig trees grow well in abandoned properties and grow so difficult when they received too much attention.
Do you recommend me to put some mulch around the trees
I don't have any browning but the leaves on all of my figs from cuttings rooted this winter are yellow and have stalled in their growth. I'm growing in 10 gallon tall grow bags and in soil composed of just natural soil conditioner with granular fertilizer. I've tried watering with fertilizer every few weeks based on your recommendations but no change.
Send me photos. Sounds like a lack of fertilizer and poor soil health.
Take a photo of the soil too.
Great info Boss.
Great video!
Thanks Ross. I have a few trees that get leaves like this every year and I could never figure out what it was. They’re in ground in a spot that gets no water whatsoever
Could be a lack of sunlight, Karl
Hey I’m from Bensalem, PA. I love your videos and watch them often especially since I’m still newbie to figs. I wanted to know if you sell figs? I want to make fig jam and was able to get my hands on a bunch last year from a friend but would like to just buy some this year and hopefully next year I will have enough of my own to make some. Thanks in advance. And again, great videos, I have referred to them a whole lot and learned a lot!
Try Wegmans or trader joes during early Sept.
Hi Ross your trees look beautiful. Thank you for this video, I’m having them issues now and used a water meter and stuck all the way into dirt and it’s very wet should I let it dry all out before watering again? Also what size pot do you have your big trees in? Thank you
10-15 gallon for the big trees.
Keep the soil consistent moist.
Thank you Ross, very helpful video, I love fig trees and I just got my first one, I live in Colorado zone 5b and mine is in a pot, I’ve got 18 figs growing currently and I’m about to cut the first one, my concern is the winter weather, any recommendations on how to preserve the plant during winter? Many people suggest indoors in a dark cool spot like a basement, but how about watering? The plant is dormant is watering a necessity? Thank you in advance for your reply.
I'm in zone 6a and my potted fig trees are indoors from November to early April. During this dormancy they get watered about once per month to ensure soil doesn't completely dry out.
This article I wrote covers all of your questions: www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks
Thanks great info I think I am over watering my fig tree. The leaves are turning yellow but the tree is full of figs. My tree is about 5yrs old. Phoenix AZ
Probably needs more water in AZ. It's almost impossible to overwater right now.
@@RossRaddi thank you I will do that
Hi ross
What is your gph?
How often?
How long each time?
I use the grey and blue spot spitters. think it's 3.6 and 12 gph. Like I said in the video, it works out to 1/4 or a 1/2 gallon of water per 5 gallons of soil.
My wild turkey fig had a massive crop last year. However, the figs never matured or ripened correctly, then all fell off of the tree. The tree its self never looked sick or dried out. What happened? Zone 10b.
Ross, can you do the same video but for winter storage when we get to that season? I have no clue whether to water/ fertilize in the winter and I lost some trees this past year.
I've got quite a few videos over the years on the topic. Search for Ross Raddi Winter figs. You'll get some good hits. Also read this detailed article. It's good to have a plan now: www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks
Thank you@@RossRaddi . Your linked post says "Before I get into a few alternatives, I would be remiss if we didn't talk about preparing your fig trees for winter storage...[deleted]... Additionally, I would prune them if necessary, give them some food, water them in very well and mulch the containers. This will allow you to forgo watering them during dormancy (at least for 3-4 months)." Those last 2 sentences are what I was looking for. However, this advice is actually exactly what I did this past winter and I lost 1/2 my trees. I've now replaced most of them but am nervous about the upcoming winter and whether I need to change the strategy.
@@JMIKES The only way they die is if the soil becomes too dry or more commonly too wet in storage. Before that, they should be subjected to temperatures around 25F to allow them to properly go dormant. Temps lower may damage the tops of young trees, but on mature trees I let them dip down to 15F regularly before putting them away for good.
@@RossRaddi Interesting. OK, thanks. They were kept in my unheated, detached garage last winter, so I know for sure they were dormant. I watered them maybe twice all winter, which I thought was necessary after the soil appeared too dry. Maybe then they were too wet? IDK. Hopefully this winter goes better. I'm going to put them in a new location closer to the house. Thanks for all the tips. I'm in a similar zone as you; I'm over in the Lehigh Valley near Bass, so your videos are always relatable/helpful.
Excellent video! How much water would you recommend for fig trees in the Phoenix, AZ area during the summer?
A lot more.
Start with what I recommended and go from there.
can you recommend a well draining soil? Was using Just Natural but they no longer have it available in my state. Pretty hard to find quality well draining soil these days.
Find a good compost that's well broken down and organic. Add vermiculite.
You can also just buy ProMix. I also like Coast of Maine's bumper crop.
Can my fig leaves get sunburn. I was away for 1 week and my husband soaked my fig tree. Now it has black parts on the leaves.
My figs are still hard bc I dont think they were getting enough water. I just started 40 min watering every 3 days in Texas. I am hoping to get some figs I though they would be soft by now.
They take 90 days from formation. Just be patient. Water won't speed things up, but it will ensure they don't fall off.
@@RossRaddi Thank you.
What does it mean when I see tiny brown spots on a few bigger leaves? I’m in Texas with these 101 degrees and I water every day after 7:30pm. It gets morning and evening sun in ground. I count to 10 seconds when I water my baby fig tree. No fruits yet.
Could be rust! www.figboss.com/post/fight-the-fungus-how-to-recognize-and-treat-fig-rust
I only have 1 fig tree - black mission. Fruiting for the 1st time. I noticed that there are roots (about 1" diameter) on top of the soil. Why is that? Any answers/suggestions?
They're aggressive. It's normal. If you're concerned, add mulch!
Thank you so much!
@RossRaddi I should have replied directly to you. Thank you so much. I was concerned about the exposure during the winter
If you don't want yellow leaves do this: Half Miracle Gro(feeds plants 6 months) potting mix mixed with Half Perlite number 4 size(1 inch pieces). Your soil will be very airy and drain super fast getting all the oxygen it will ever need and your fig tree's roots will never be saturated in soggy soil. Feed your fig trees with Miracle Gro Shake and Feed as a top dressing 3 times per year.
Another tip if your fig tree has signs of FMV that are not due to mites and is due to lack of nutrition 1. Remove all the soil from your container and replace with half Miracle Gro potting mix(feeds plants 6 months) and half Perlite number 4 size (1 inch pieces) and feed them Miracle Gro all purpose water soluble fertilizer every day for the next 8 weeks or until FMV is gone.
Does a humidity meter work??
Absolutely. I just use my hand.
if i could get the damn animals off mine i might get some figs. everytime they are almost ready they disappear. i have mine planted downhill from our lower septic drain field. they love it. blueberries too. love the channel
Which animals?
@jdlives8992
What animals…? Deer??
How do I control squirrels eating my figs? They also eat the figs not even ripe.
I have feral cats outside that control the rats, & mice. But the squirrels are out if control. I used traps, that worked yrs ago baited with peanuts, & peanut butter. Those don't work anymore.
My fig trees are 20ft tall Black Mission, Kadota, & Brown Turkey.. all grow xlnt outdoors in the ground in my area in Southern CA. (15 mins from Malibu Beach)
I use traps with peanut butter. Chicken wire also works if there's nothing they can climb on around.
Better cats, that actually eat squirrles as cat's should lol
What worked for me is those strips of reflective tape, comes in a roll and sold on Amazon...
Good soil can cover a multitude of sins but at 100f+ every day for over a month is challenging everything I know about plants. Not to mention all 20 of my fig cuttings were started at the same time this past spring and growing in the same size pots but some can take the heat and water and some can’t. Some were looking so bad I had to plant them in ground so the roots didn’t cook. I was trying to grow this first year in containers to trial them or at least wait for fall or spring to plant but I feared loosing them. Fingers crossed. Oh btw great information as always
Thank you!
This is always a problem on my figs.
Get a timer, Rocco.
This is confusing.. why do figs do so well in areas of drought and poor soils? I've been in Spain and seen them healthier than I've ever had, growing out of a dang rock. Figs are complicated lol
They're not complicated! They're incredible at finding moisture. Even when growing in the cracks in walls.
Good stuff as usual Ross. Love the passion you fig eating son of a bitch. My Figoin is loaded this year and I can't wait to try one. Would love for you to do a review on Bass' Favorite Fig and if you think it's the same as Calderona. I have many premium figs and Bass' Favorite is my absolute standout variety.
My tree is still young and unhealthy. Calderona is a great fig. Unfortunately VdN takes awhile to mature. Get em while they're shriveling.