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SPECIAL ADVERTISING PAGE by Jeremy M. Kichler County Extension Coordinator Colquitt County • Moultrie, Georgia email: jkichler @ uga. edu
Questions about figs!
One of my favorite fruits is figs. They are easy to grow and taste great. I receive numerous questions every year about fertilizing figs. Let’ s discuss tips on fertilizing figs. Although nitrogen is usually the only needed plant nutrient, other nutrients may be lacking in some areas. A soil test is a great way to find out what is lacking in the soil. It is only a guess if you don’ t do a soil test. The soil pH for figs needs to be between 5.5 and 6.0. If you need lime the soil sample will tell you the correct amount to apply. Please use a fertilizer with an analysis of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer three times a year to bushes you are trying to bring into full production: early spring, mid-May, and mid-July. Mature bushes can be fertilized just once a year in the early spring.
What if I set out new fig plants this spring? Fertilize newly set bushes with about 1½ ounces of fertilizer at each application. Spread the fertilizer evenly over a circle 18” in diameter with the bush in the center. On second-year bushes, increase the amount of fertilizer to 3 ounces at each application and apply the fertilizer a couple of feet around the fig plant.
If you have older bushes that are 3 to 5 years old and are not in full production, consider applying 1 / 3 pound per foot of bush height per application. If the fruit is not reaching maturity and ripening properly, excess fertilizer or drought may be the problem; fertilization should be reduced.
If you have mature bushes 6 years and older, consider fertilizing once a year in early spring. If your bushes are spaced 10 feet apart, apply 1 / 2 pound of fertilizer per foot of height, up to 5 pounds per year. On bushes spaced 20 feet apart, apply 1 pound of fertilizer per foot height, up to 10 pounds per year. Scatter the fertilizer evenly under and around the bush. A goal of 1 foot of shoot growth per year is good if you are trying to evaluate growth. One pint of 10-10-10 weighs approximately 1 pound.
If you have any questions about home fig production, please contact your local county Extension agent. n
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