Are you searching for the best fertilizer for fig trees? If so, we have found a few options that we know you will like.
Known for their iconic, deeply lobed, large leaves, fig trees are amongst some of the easiest fruiting trees to grow in your garden. Their easy-going nature means they grow happily in either potted containers or directly in the ground making them perfect for a range of climatic conditions and gardeners.
One of the most important aspects of growing figs is to give them fertile soil and a steady supply of nutrients.
For that reason, let’s take a look at some of the best plant foods for fig trees.
Table of Contents
What is the best fertilizer for fig trees?
The answer is that fig trees require a well-balanced fertilizer that includes the 3 main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. In addition, a slow release is preferred over a quick release and lastly, organic plant food is going to be better for the soil.
Here is a preview of my top 5 choices. For more information on each, please keep reading below.
- Dr. Earth Organic
- Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer
- Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Spikes
- EZ-Gro Citrus Tree Fertilizer
- Down To Earth Organic Fruit Tree Plant Food.
What makes a good fertilizer for fig trees?
Before we talk about some great plant foods, let’s talk about what to look for in a good one. To begin with, let’s talk a little bit about fertilizer and what are the key ingredients to make it effective.
There are certain nutrients classified as essential for all plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, boron, chlorine, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel.
These fifteen nutrients aid in all of the basic, yet critical, functions that occur within plants.
Even if all other conditions are met, and all other nutrients are available, if there is one of these essential nutrients lacking, plants will begin to exhibit negative deficiency symptoms.
If the deficiencies are left untreated, the plant will succumb to the shortcoming and perish. Hence why it is so important to make sure plants receive the nutrition they need.
Since plants are constantly feeding on the essential nutrients found in the soil they can deplete even the most fertile substrates over time, making it necessary for the homeowner to add plant “food” to grow strong, healthy plants.
Fertilizers add these nutrients to the soil and are classified based on the three main elements that are needed in much higher amounts than the other essential nutrients –nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen is listed first on the fertilizer label since it is considered the most key nutrient needed for plant growth. Its main responsibility in the plant is regulating vegetative growth.
Nitrogen is assimilated in the plant into amino acids, the building blocks of protein; it is also a major component of chlorophyll and helps to keep foliage green, and nitrogen is necessary for many of the plant’s enzymatic reactions.
Phosphorus is a structural component in DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks within plant cells) and is needed for root growth and flowering.
Potassium works more indirectly in plants than nitrogen and phosphorus. While it isn’t a component of any plant parts, it functions by activating the enzymatic reactions that occur, making it imperative for the overall health of the plant.
Now let’s talk about fig trees…
When selecting the best fertilizer for your fig tree, you have many options available.
Fruit tree fertilizers come in both conventional and organic formulations as well as powders, liquids, and tree spikes.
Powders and spikes tend to be slow-release meaning they feed your plant a little bit over a long period. A slow-release option is often better because it prevents you from overfeeding your figs.
Next, an organic fertilizer is often better than a conventional one because they tend to be slow release as well. In addition, because they are made from all-natural products they condition the soil around the tree making the plant and soil healthy.
The following are all high-quality, well-reviewed products that offer a variety of application methods to suit your individual needs.
The Best Fertilizer For Fig Trees
Dr. Earth Organic Fruit Tree Plant Food
Features:
- Organic Powder
- Slow release
- No GMOs
- Nutrient Ratio: 7-4-2
- Feeds for several months
The first plant food that I would recommend for your figs is Dr. Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
This is an organic powder that can be applied to the base of your tree. Additionally, because it is a solid and not a liquid it is absorbed at a slower rate and thus can be classified as slow release.
And yes, it is organic, just check out what this stuff is made of.
It is made up of a superior blend of feather meal, fishbone meal, cottonseed meal, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, soft rock phosphate, mined potassium sulfate, seaweed extract, probiotics, seven strains of beneficial soil microbes, and mycorrhizae.
Nutrients are released quickly from the fertilizer and are easily available for uptake; trees are fed a continuous amount of high-quality nutrients for several months.
The natural, organic 7-4-2 ratio of N-P-K results in strong root development and more abundant fruit sets.
Application tips: For established fig-trees, use 1 cup of fertilizer for every inch of trunk diameter (measured 4”– 6” above the soil line).
Gently work into the soil making sure to not go outside the drip line of the tree; then water thoroughly to move the fertilizer through to the root zone of the tree.
Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus
Features:
- OMRI certified organic
- Granular
- Contains Biozome
- Nutrient Ratio: 3-5-5
- Apply every 2 to 3 months
Next on our list is an OMRI-certified organic, granular fertilizer, Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer is specially formulated to provide fruit-bearing plants the nutrients they need to yield abundant, healthy fruit.
It contains Biozome, bone meal, feather meal, potash, and manure with an N-P-K ratio of 3-5-5.
Biozome is a proprietary product containing a combination of healthy bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and microorganisms that help to improve soil texture, and also increase water infiltration and retention.
Application Tips: Applythis plant food every 2-3 months at the recommended rate on the product label for optimum results.
Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Spikes
Features:
- Slow release
- Single Application – once in in the spring, once in the fall
- Nutrient Ratio: 10-15-10
No list of the best fertilizer for fig trees would be complete without mentioning at least one Miracle-Gro product, for that reason the next on my list is theMiracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes.
Fertilizer spikes are a simple way to provide fruit trees with the nutrients they need for a season in a single application. Miracle-Gro products are tried and true, known to be industry leaders for their quality and effectiveness.
Their Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes are specially formulated for fruit and citrus trees with an N-P-K ratio of 10-15-15 to release nutrients directly into the root zone.
Application tips: To encourage the best growth possible in your fig trees, gently drive spikes into the soil at the edge of the drip line, spacing them about 3 feet apart.
When and How often should I use these spikes?
A spring application will feed trees during the most critical growing time of the year as they consume energy to push out new leaves and form flowers; fertilizing again in the fall will help to strengthen plants to head into the colder winter months.
These spikes will promote lush, green foliage and enhanced fruit production.
How many spikes should I use?
The number of spikes that are needed is determined by the diameter of the drip line. The drip line is the circumference of the tree’s branches. So the bigger the drip line the more spikes you will need.
For example, a small tree with a drip line of 4 feet will only need 1 spike. However, a larger tree with a drip line of 12 feet will need 10 spikes.
On the back of the package, it will give you exact details of how many spikes your fig tree requires.
EZ-Gro Citrus Free
Features:
- High potassium
- Nutrient Ratio: 20-3-19
- Liquid
Potassium works in plants to promote vigor and disease resistance and is crucial for bud and fruit development in trees. For that reason, we love the next option on our list, EZ-Gro Citrus Tree Fertilizer.
This is a high potassium fertilizer source (20-3-19) that will help to improve the overall health of your plant. In addition, the added potassium will help to promote more yield or in this case, more fruit.
Who wouldn’t like to see more fruit on their trees?
Lastly, it is a liquid fertilizer making it easy to apply.
Application tips: Simply, follow the instructions to dilute the concentrate with water, making sure to mix thoroughly. Apply the recommended amount of diluted solution to fruit trees either as a foliar spray or directly to the soil at the base of the tree.
Quick Tip: Banana peels are high in potassium and can be used as a natural fertilizer when the soil is lacking this nutrient.
Down To Earth Organic Fruit Tree Plant Food
Features:
- Organic
- OMRI-certified
- Nutrient Ratio: 6-2-4
- Added calcium for fruit development
The last on our list is an organic OMRI-certified fertilizer. It is Down To Earth Organic Fruit Tree Plant Food.
To begin with, let’s take a look at some of the ingredients. This blend contains, fish bone meal, feather meal, carbonate, langbeinite, potassium sulfate, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal. In addition, it contains added calcium which is very good when used with a tree or plant that yields fruit.
The added calcium and the higher amount of potassium will help to promote better fruit development.
Application tips: Apply one cup of plant food per inch of the trunk diameter to the soil around the tree. Start about one food from the tree and work your way outward. Apply the plant food just after blooming finishes in the spring.
Final Thoughts…
Growing a fig tree in your home garden is incredibly easy.
Figs are thought to be one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and do well in both potted containers and in the ground as long as they have fertile soil and are fertilized with a high-quality fertilizer.
In this post, we have listed such plant food that will provide your fig tree with the essential nutrients it needs for optimal growth.
Please share with us your experience, what do you think is the best fertilizer for fig trees?
FAQs
What kind of fertilizer is best for fig trees? ›
Either choose a fertilizer specially made for fruit trees or use an all-purpose 8-8- 8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer (this contains a balance of 8 % or 10% N [nitrogen] P [phosphorus] and K [potassium]). Nitrogen encourages foliage growth. Phosphorus encourages the development of roots, flowers and fruits.
Is Miracle Grow good for fig trees? ›A month after planting, you'll want to add more nutrition to the soil for best growth of your fiddle leaf fig. Apply Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food, which is specially formulated for plants being grown inside, by putting it directly on the soil or mixing it with water.
What do you feed a fig tree? ›Fig trees can be fed with organic plant foods or inorganic fertilizers, such as 10-10-10. When feeding edible plants I always go with an organic plant food. Organic plant foods and composts are usually non-burning, will not cause excessive growth, and will not have chemicals or other inorganic substances in them.
What does Epsom salt do for fig trees? ›Epsom Salt is used on fruit trees or vegetables to help them yield larger, sweeter, and more fruits. It works great also for nut trees and fruit shrubs.
Should I water my fig tree everyday? ›As a general rule, a Fig tree needs at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water a week. Check the tree's leaves, if they start turning yellow and dropping off then it's a sign that the tree needs to be watered. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Adding a layer of mulch around the tree can help retain moisture.
How do you make a fig tree happy? ›- Water your plant once a week. This is a great rule of thumb to get you started. ...
- Give your plant the same amount each time you water. ...
- Fertilize your plant each time you water during the spring and summer months.
- Make Sure Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Has Perfect Drainage. ...
- Use a Fast-Draining Soil. ...
- Give Your Plant Plenty of Sunlight. ...
- Water Carefully. ...
- Consider Aerating Your Soil. ...
- Feed Your Fiddle Leaf Fig. ...
- Bond With Your Plant.
If your fig tree is putting too much of its energy into branch and leaf growth, rather than setting fruit, identify the new growth branches – they'll be more flexible than old growth – and pinch off their tips. This setback will encourage them to set fruit, instead.
What do fig trees need to thrive? ›Figs need two things to thrive: sunshine and elbow room. Select a spot that provides at least six hours of sun daily. In colder regions, help figs survive winter by giving them a southern exposure or placing them near a south-facing wall that will retain heat.
Can you over fertilize fig tree? ›Fertilizing Tips
Be sure not to over-fertilize because excess nitrogen will encourage growth at the expense of fruit production. This can often cause figs to ripen improperly, if at all. If the branches of your fig tree grow less than one foot the previous year, you should fertilize.
Do fig trees take a lot of water? ›
Figs don't like wet feet, so don't water them too often. Allow the tree to dry a bit between watering. Remember to water slowly and deeply; just don't overwater. Every ten days to two weeks is sufficient.
How many times a week should I water my fig tree? ›The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days.
What is the best fertilizer to make trees grow faster? ›High-nitrogen fertilizers are known for causing huge growth in plants, which is why many types are rich in nitrogen or include it as the main component. Fertilizers high in nitrogen will also restore bright green hues to your foliage.
Do fig trees like morning or afternoon sun? ›For good fruit crops, and vigorous growth, plant in full sunlight. Cold injury will be further reduced if the fig does not receive direct sunlight early in the morning or late in the evening during the winter months.
Do fig plants like coffee grounds? ›However, a fiddle leaf fig prefers soil with a pH around 6, and coffee grounds can tip this in the wrong direction. Overly acidic soil can cause leaf discoloration, so you don't want to add something that can acidify your soil beyond a fiddle's preference.
Can I sprinkle Epsom salt around plants? ›Adding Epsom salt is a simple way to increase the health of their blooms, and is something that you can include easily as a part of a normal routine. For potted plants, simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt on a plant? ›Adding Epsom salts to soil that already has sufficient magnesium can actually harm your soil and plants, such as by inhibiting calcium uptake. Spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch. Excess magnesium can increase mineral contamination in water that percolates through soil.
How do you know if a fig tree has too much water? ›Overwatering Symptoms: Brown spots or brown shaded areas in the middle of the leaves along with around the edges, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop (lower leaves often dropping first). Overwatering is one of the most common Fiddle Leaf Fig problems.
How do I know if my fig plant needs water? ›How do I tell when my Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree needs water? Once you've established that the top few inches of soil have dried, the easiest way to tell if your Fiddle Leaf needs water is to look at the leaves. If the leaves are not rigid and upright, and they start to look floppy, they're telling you they need water.
Can fig trees get too much sun? ›Fig Trees grow best in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. You'll want to make sure your planting site has well-draining soil, and consider planting next to a structure, as this will help protect your Figs from getting too much sunlight.
How often should I feed my fig tree? ›
Mulch around the base of fan-trained plants with well-rotted organic matter, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once the figs appear, apply liquid tomato fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season, until they start to ripen.
Do fig trees like to be shaken? ›"Fiddle Leaf Figs in particular, can grow quite weak and do not support themselves very well as the lack of wind indoors means that they do not strengthen over time. It is always a good idea to give them a good shake from time to time," Richard said.
How do you thicken a fig tree? ›- STEP 1: OPTIMIZE THE POT SIZE. ...
- STEP 2: ENSURE EXCELLENT DRAINAGE. ...
- STEP 3: FULL, REGULAR WATERING. ...
- STEP 4: CHECK FOR GOOD SOIL AERATION. ...
- STEP 5: DO AN ANNUAL SOIL TREATMENT. ...
- STEP 6: FERTILIZE LESS, MORE OFTEN. ...
- STEP 7: GIVE IT LIGHT!
Continue pruning your tree every following year.
Pruning your fig tree in its first year is important, but plan to keep pruning it next year and the year after that. Pruning your fig tree during dormancy will lead to a more productive growing season and fresh fruit starting in early summer.
Once a fig tree reaches maturity, it can be expected to produce fruit once to twice per year and can continue to fruit for decades. Young figs do not fruit their first year, and can take a long time to bear.
How do you winterize a fig tree? ›Place containers in an insulated unheated preferably dark room, garage or cool basement. If the space is not dark, you can cover the figs. If you're lucky enough to have an environmentally controlled greenhouse, you may not need to cover them. Water them monthly until just moist so the roots do not dry out completely.
Why are there no figs on my fig tree? ›If you find you have no figs, not even hard ones, then your fig is either too young or too happy. Figs take several years to mature into fruiting; mine is five and just getting into the swing of things. A too-happy fig is one that's allowed to run free.
Are coffee grounds good fertilizer for fig trees? ›There are risks to using diluted coffee or coffee grounds on fiddle leaf figs. Directly applying coffee grounds to indoor plant soil can cause excessive moisture retention, fungal overgrowth, and impair plant growth due to over-acidifying the soil.
How do you encourage fig trees to fruit? ›Typically, a fig tree will not fruit until it reaches two years old, but it can take some trees as long as six years to reach the right maturity. There is nothing you can do to speed up the rate a tree matures at. Time and patience are the only fixes for this.
Should I put coffee grounds on my fig tree? ›Coffee grounds should have a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Otherwise, they will bring down the soil pH, making it alkaline. Figs prefer a slightly acidic soil. To achieve this, add about a cup of coffee grinds every two weeks.
How do I keep my fig tree happy? ›
- Water your plant once a week. This is a great rule of thumb to get you started. ...
- Give your plant the same amount each time you water. ...
- Fertilize your plant each time you water during the spring and summer months.
During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth. If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage larger figs. In colder regions, bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter. Keep the soil moist.
Are egg shells good for fig trees? ›Also, eggshells don't just provide calcium carbonate; they're relatively rich in phosphorus, magnesium, silicon and sodium all of which can help your fig tree grow better.
When fig tree leaves turn yellow? ›Fig tree leaves turning yellow might signify the plant is getting too much sun. Ensure that fig trees get enough shade or prune them if necessary. If you're unable to provide enough shade, it may be better to replant your fig tree since they are not very drought-tolerant plants and require a lot of water.
How do I get more branches on my fig tree? ›Notching is a method of encouraging a Fiddle Leaf Fig to branch that doesn't involve removing any height off the plant. Instead, small cuts or 'notches' are made up and down the stem or trunk to encourage new growth to form further down the plant.
Should you shake a fig tree? ›"Fiddle Leaf Figs in particular, can grow quite weak and do not support themselves very well as the lack of wind indoors means that they do not strengthen over time. It is always a good idea to give them a good shake from time to time," Richard said.
What temperature damages fig trees? ›But edible figs, even the most cold-resistant varieties, only tolerate temps down to 20°F, and will suffer true winter damage below 15°F (except 'Chicago Hardy').
What is the best position for a fig tree? ›Where to plant a fig tree. Figs do best in a sheltered, sunny spot, ideally against a brick wall where they can soak up the heat from the wall at night.
How do I make my fig tree trunk stronger? ›Make sure it's getting enough light (checking the distance between new leaves may help you determine this), 2. Give it some outdoor time where it can get a breeze, 3. Wiggle the trunk if you can't get it outside, and 4. Leave the leaves on to thicken the trunk!