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Excited about new fig growth

5 years ago

I have a Marseilles VS and Celeste-like (given to me as Settler's fig, but research told me it's probably Celeste), both grown from cuttings rooted about a year ago. I planned to grow the Celeste in a large pot, but now I may be moving in a year, but that's another story.

I had potted them up early this spring before they leafed out into 2 gallon pots, and the Marseilles took off like a shot, but the Celeste was more reticent. Since it had been in a slightly smaller pot to begin with, I figured it would catch up eventually. I pinched them both back about a month ago, and the Celeste was slow to put out new growth, but the Marseilles, being the monster it is, is growing like a weed.

I sort of forgot about them. Fertilized them once with some timed release fertilizer, and twice with Miracle Gro, but we've been getting so much rain, I figured they were getting enough nitrogen from the rain. I've been plucking off all the fruit, in favor of growth.

So today I'm moving plants around, and I noticed something green on the bottom of the Celeste. JOY! It's putting up another branch from the very bottom of the main trunk and also a shoot from under the soil. I'm so excited about this! I honestly thought this tree was not going to grow large enough by the time I take off on the road next summer to ever give me fruit.

So a question -- can I plant the Celeste into a 10-gallon pot this winter when it goes dormant? I'm sure it will fill this 2-gallon pot by then. Don't know what I'm going to do with the Marseilles, probably will put it in a 7-gallon pot and give it to a friend. I just want to get some fruit before I go.

Featured Answer

eboone_gw

5 years ago

I would put it into a larger container now. There are lots of arguments and discussions about the pros and cons, some people seem to do well putting their figs directly into larger pots. I routinely pot up from #1 pots to 4 or 5 gallon SIPs without problems mid-season, as long as the root ball does not fall apart on transfer they do fine. Be careful not to overwater, since the roots cannot soak up all of the water in the larger pot until the plant and roots become much larger, and you do not want soggy roots (well draining media helps)

Comments (9)

bluemoonlight
5 years ago
dirtygardener, are you asking if you can transplant fig tree from 2 gallon to 10 gallon ?

after the fig tree is dormant ?
garymc
5 years ago
Yes, yes, I think that is exactly what he's asking.
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If this was my plant, this is what I would do. I would carefully remove the plant from the plastic pot. Do not disturb the roots to the new growth. If possible remove some of the old potting media from the older roots, but if that is difficult, forget it. You do not want to damage the newest roots in any way. Place the plant in a slightly larger pot, clay would be best. Use small bark if you can find it (you can order a small bag on line). If you can't get small bark, use an orchid mix from one of the big box stores. Soak the bark mix overnight before repotting. Carefully place the plant in the new pot without disturbing any new roots. Water well and place the plant in the brightest spot in your house or outside for the summer (shady/bright, not direct sun). Fertilize with each watering at half strength. If all goes well, you should get flowers from that new growth this winter. Jane
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bluemoonlight
5 years ago
Thanks garymc, if that was my fig tree I would do it if I needed too.

Having fig tree in 2 gallon whole season it will be full of roots, so yes I thing it's okay to do it but mayby other members can help you to make decide.
dirtygardener
Original Author
5 years ago
I transplanted both into the two-gallons in early spring (around March, I think), and the 1-gallons weren't even full of roots, so I think I'm o.k. in the 2-gallons until fall at least. I just want to know if it's o.k. to go from a 2-gal up to a 10-gal in one fell swoop, although I don't see it as being much different than putting it into the ground.
bluemoonlight
5 years ago
dirtygardener, if you have patient and listen carefully you will learn way planting from small container to much biger one can create problem.

https://youtu.be/SvoU5LmpQH4
dirtygardener
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you, bluemoonlight. I watched it carefully.

eboone, it rains so much here in the summer and is so hot, I hesitate to put them into a larger pots right now. I'm going to wait until fall, since I really have no control over the amount of water they get.
eboone_gw
5 years ago
It will grow better in the larger pot, and the roots will not be as likely to cook in the larger pot.

I have put a plastic garbage bag tied over the top of a pot to restrict water at times. Make it so you can easily lift an edge to water. Maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing... :)
dirtygardener
Original Author
5 years ago
I don't care about aesthetics, really. You should see my courtyard/nursery. It's a mess! My gardens outside the courtyard are a lot nicer, but not perfect by any means. Everything is always a work in progress around here.

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