What to do if potted figs don't sprout? How do figs survive the winter?

Figs are sweet fruits, and dried figs are also delicious. Figs can be planted as seedlings, but for families, they are more likely to be planted in pots. Figs can generally bear fruit in the same year, and the first thing to do is to stop the germination. So what should I do if it doesn't germinate?

What to do if potted figs don’t sprout

If a fig is well cared for, it can indeed bloom and bear fruit in the same year, there is no doubt about that. Now that the weather is cold, the fig will drop its leaves and enter the winter dormancy period. If you bought it not long ago, it will not germinate if the ambient temperature is low.

But if it has been a long time since you bought it and it has not sprouted, you can first confirm whether the fig tree is still alive. Use your fingers to scratch the skin of the branch to see if it is fresh and tender, and whether there is white juice flowing out of the wound. If there is, it proves that the fig tree is still alive, but the current environmental temperature is not suitable, and the plant is dormant and cannot sprout and grow. If the branch becomes dry and shriveled, it proves that it has died.

How do figs survive the winter?

Figs are a relatively cold-resistant fruit tree. They can be planted outdoors in North my country and even in the Yangtze River Basin. When planted outdoors, fig plants in a sunny place with shelter from the wind can basically survive the winter safely. However, if they are potted, their cold resistance will be greatly reduced. If the plant pots are buried in the soil during the winter, they will not suffer from frost damage.

Fig plants need to hibernate in winter for at least three months, which allows the plants to have a good stage of flower bud differentiation.

In most areas of North China and the northern part of East China, rooms are basically heated in winter, and the room temperature is often around 20 degrees, which is obviously not suitable for figs to dormant. In order for the fig tree plant to enter the dormant stage normally, the plant should be placed in a room with a lower temperature and the room temperature should be controlled below 10 degrees. Water the plant thoroughly before entering the room, and do not water it again unless the soil is very dry. Do not use any fertilizer during the dormant period. Prune the plant after the winter solstice, and cut some overly long branches short to make the plant shape more symmetrical and full.

How to make figs fruitful?

1. Prepare fertile soil.

Fig trees do not require high soil conditions, and they can grow well in loose and fertile soil. It is recommended to use 50% garden soil, 30% humus soil, and 20% ash slag for good results.

2. Provide a suitable living environment.

Fig trees like to grow in a sunny environment. They need to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible during their growth period. It is recommended to place them in a sunny south balcony or outdoors for the best maintenance. Don't worry about sunburn. The more sunlight it gets, the better it grows.

The temperature range suitable for fig trees to grow is 15 to 30 degrees. They do not hibernate in high temperatures in summer, and can safely overwinter if the temperature remains above zero in winter.

3. Reasonable water and fertilizer management.

Fig is a plant that likes water very much, especially in the growing season, when it needs the most water. Therefore, it is better to keep the soil in the pot moist as much as possible, and never too dry, otherwise it will affect the growth of branches, leaves and fruits. Usually, observe the dryness and wetness of the soil. Generally, if the soil is dry to 2 cm below the surface, water it in time. Do not water unless it is dry, and water thoroughly when you do.

Timely supplementation of fertilizer and water is very helpful for promoting the growth and flowering and fruiting of fig trees. Usually, fertilizers are mainly compound fertilizers or controlled-release fertilizers with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium elements. May to June each year is its normal flowering and fruiting period. During this period, it is necessary to properly adjust the fertilization plan, stop or reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizers, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which can increase the flowering and fruiting rate and promote the expansion and growth of fruits.

4. Timely pruning.

During the growth of the fig tree, the roots will continuously produce many buds. Their excessive existence will compete with the mother tree for nutrients and affect the growth of the fig fruit. Therefore, we should promptly remove the excess buds at the roots, which can reduce the consumption of nutrients and provide for the growth of the fruit.

5. Do a good job in disease and pest control.

Fig trees are easily attacked by pests such as aphids, red spiders, and scale insects during daily maintenance. They are also susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Therefore, we must do a good job of pest and disease prevention and control on a daily basis, and spray pesticides to kill them in time once they are discovered. It is recommended to spray the whole plant with insecticides and fungicides such as chlorpyrifos, pyridabenzan, chlorpyrifos, triadimefon, and thiophanate-methyl regularly, which can have a good protective effect. At the same time, the ventilation and air permeability of the maintenance environment should be well done to increase the activity of the plants, disperse pathogenic bacteria, and reduce the damage of pests and diseases.