If a fig tree doesn't grow any leaves, this year's harvest is on a knife's edge. Read the best tips here on how to promote the leaf growth of a fig (Ficus carica) in the garden and in the container.
What can I do if a fig tree doesn't have leaves?
If a planted fig tree does not grow leaves,frost damageis the most common cause and apruningis the best immediate measure. In the pot, you can promote the leaf shoots byrepottingand from April every 2 weeksfertilizing
Why doesn't my fig tree have leaves?
If a planted fig tree does not grow leaves,Frost damageis the most common cause. A fig tree in a pot keeps its leaf growth under control if it suffers fromnutrient deficiencyorwaterlogging.
Figs planted in the garden are partially hardy. In severe frosts of around -10° Celsius, the shoots can freeze back. A fig tree in a pot can freeze from as little as -5° Celsius and should overwinter frost-free. Excessive watering and spending months in a depleted substrate take a toll on a potted fig, meaning that the energy needed to sprout leaves is often lost.
What can I do to make my fig tree grow leaves?
Apruningis the best way to ensure that a fig tree in the garden with frost damage gets leaves. You can get the leaves of a potted fig going with an invigoratingspring care. How to do it right:
- Prune garden fig shoots that have frozen in June down to he althy wood and fertilize with compost.
- Repot the potted fig in March, water sparingly with rainwater until the leaves emerge and four weeks later start fertilizing for a fortnight (€9.00 at Amazon).
Tip
Summer figs sprout early
Summer figs don't make you wait long for the leaves to sprout. The reason is obvious. Summer figs are those fig varieties that give you juicy fruits from July onwards. The floral masterpiece succeeds because a summer fig sets its buds on last year's wood. The first fruit sets can be admired at the end of January/beginning of February. Shortly afterwards the leaves sprout. The earliest summer fig varieties are Brunswick and Ficcolini.
