Soil for fig tree (container)
Superhero
Posts: 53
in Fruit & veg
My partner loves figs so we decided to get a little fig tree as they are really pretty, too. We're going to keep it in a pot but was wondering what type of soil they need? So far it seems like they like anything, even "poor" soil, but should I use potting soil or multi purpose, or top soil or a mix? I could add a bit of homemade nutritious compost to give it a head start if you think that might be good?
I think it will need lots of drainage - should I just add sand or grit? At a certain ratio?
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I use John Innes No 3 loam-based compost, and I add a bit of horticultural grit.
Lots of useful info here http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/fig-trees-for-gardens-and-greenhouses/
Thank you!
I use New Horizon peat free compost for my figs. I've had reasonable indoor crops and the outdoor tree also fruited last year. I reckon they'd do well in anything provide you make sure to water and feed them enough. I don't put any drainage in the pots but make sure the outdoor tree is raised off the ground to prevent waterlogging in winter.
I use soil base compost [plus grit for drainage] in preference to humus composts. Figs are from the mediterranean area, where they grow wild in rocky areas with hardly any soil and very little humus. Once they start to fruit ensure you give them some fertiliser.
Same here Invicta2 and Dovefromabove
Very interesting link Dove - thank you 
And don't put it into too big a pot. The root system is best contained, even to the extent that they're potbound. Every couple of years you can take the tree out of the pot, use a saw (better still, a chainsaw) to cut wedges out of the compacted root system. As if you were taking slices out of a cake. Sounds drastic but it doesn't hurt the tree in the slightest. It regenerates the root system.
Ouch.