Underwatering Fig Trees: How to Know, How Much to Water & How Often

"Water is crucial for all life, including fig trees. I often receive questions about watering them-people want to know about underwatering, overwatering, how much to water, when to water, and how to water.
In my experience, the first skill every fig grower should develop is having a green thumb. This skill forms the foundation for successful plant growth. It's not just about talent; it's about learning through hands-on experience.
Becoming a skilled gardener often starts with making mistakes. Yes, that means experimenting, learning from plant failures, and improving your approach. This process is essential for becoming proficient in gardening, including growing figs.
In this article, I’ll provide you with tips to develop this skill. However, remember that gardening is a journey of trial and error. You can study countless books or articles like this one, but true expertise comes from applying knowledge in practice."
Check out the companion guide to this video for detailed information on watering fig trees! - Underwatering Fig Trees: Signs, Prevention, and Solutions: www.figboss.co...
As well as everything you need to set up drip irrigation: www.amazon.com...
Introduction (0:00):
Discussing underwatering fig trees, highlighting key topics and resources available.
Summer Issue (1:04):
Underwatering often happens in summer; fig trees need daily watering when temperatures are over 80-90°F.
Heat Stress (1:37):
Fig trees in full sun need consistent watering to avoid heat stress and drooping leaves.
Signs of Underwatering (2:12):
Lack of water stops fig growth, causes figs to fall, and leads to drooping and yellowing leaves.
Leaf Scorch (3:09):
Severe underwatering can cause Leaf Scorch, permanent leaf damage even after watering.
Fruit Impact (4:17):
Underwatering reduces fig quality and sugar content, makes figs shrivel and taste bad.
Overwatering vs. Underwatering (6:26):
Healthy fig trees with fruits are hard to overwater; underwatering is the main concern.
Water Needs (6:56):
Fig trees, though drought-tolerant, still need regular watering, especially in dry climates.
Growth Factors (7:59):
Tree size, container vs. in-ground, and local climate affect watering needs.
Daily Watering (8:33):
Containers need daily watering over 80°F; start with 1/4 gallon per 5 gallons of soil.
Irrigation Systems (10:31):
Use automatic irrigation timers for consistent watering, especially when away.
Drip Irrigation Setup (11:02):
Detailed explanation of setting up a drip irrigation system with specific components.
Focus on Growth (13:27):
Simplifying watering and fertilizing allows focus on other aspects of fig tree care like pruning and harvesting.
Check out the very informative Fig Boss website & blog: www.figboss.com/
Social Media:
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Products I use to Grow Food: www.amazon.com...
Consulting Services: www.figboss.co...
Other important links:
The Fruit Talk! Podcast: anchor.fm/ross...
The Ever-expanding Fruit Growing Spreadsheet: goo.gl/X6ye9e
2018 Fig Variety Album: photos.app.goo...
2019 Fig Variety Album: photos.app.goo...
Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia

[@shake_shells11]

I read something about their native climate. The rainy season was long and it already filled the underground water reservoir that can last the trees through the dry summer months. It’s not becoz they are desert plants or they don’t need water. It’s because the established trees have access to water underground.

[@michaelmosley254]

Just came in from watering mine it's been so hot and humid here in TN thanks for all the info Ross

[@MonkeyBone10x3]

Lol, I just watered mine too before watching. Sad, after 4 days straight 100+ and seeing how sad my figs look.

[@edslim718]

I get 100 + frequently in Dallas. They are sad fig trees until they get watered. Then perk right up.

[@stephenremo9200]

Yup leaf scorch is a crop killer... I made the mistake of not up potting soon enough just didn't have enough soil to keep tree hydrated. I would recommend up potting sooner rather than later especially if it is really hot and soil is drying out every day

[@06075345]

I learnt this the hard way. There is almost 0 chance you would overwater your potted figlets in this scorching heat. I’m in North Texas btw.

[@user-ly6vk6cx1h]

I agree, where I'm at in mid Atlantic I don't need to water my in ground figs but I do about a half gal everyday for my 5gal potted figs

[@TwoDovesBees]

Great video Ross... Thank you for putting this together and sharing! Appreciate it!!!

[@t-bone6467]

So the internet is loaded with warnings about root rot from damp soil. Seems it takes a bit of skill to navigate the goldilocks just right water amount. And Ross this content contains the nuance and what I call "husbandry" to determine the optimal watering strategy based on every unique situation. Thanks for this knowledge.

[@RossRaddi]

Root rot is a huge issue with figs. Just not when it's this warm.

[@davidsauls9542]

Your articles are Excellent !! Your organization allows you to pack in a lot of information, but all in an easily digestible way. People, Don't just watch his videos !!! Read his Blog. These videos are like a teaser. The writings are like a well written text book.

[@edslim718]

Heck yeah man really great video. I just set up my drip irrigation last week. Life changer here in Dallas with 100+ pretty much all summer. I couldnt believe how easy it was. 12 g/hr seems so high, but I have a ton of playing around to figure out what work best for each tree. The highest I used was 4 g/hr, but I literally have zero experience

[@victoriaroberts7837]

One your best and most comprehensive video on watering! How is the book coming?

[@RossRaddi]

Every day there's progress!

[@PuentesRE]

I have been called out. I've been so busy with work I haven't been as focused on my fig tree... a Cranberry Fig from Cali. I got it as a full lush tree. Then as it grew at the start of this season it was glorious. But we are facing and have faced deep heat which will continue through the summer. And the leaves yellowed and fell away.. so I have to try to give it as much water as possible.

[@nikkilala2]

I love your channel. I've learned so much from you!

[@ianferguson3998]

As someone on Delmarva, the lack of rain we've had (and as of this past week 4+ inches in a day) watering has been... An issue.

[@MonkeyBone10x3]

Man, I wish Ross lived in Cali and could come drop by and help me make some fig decisions. :)

[@heatherlaw6162]

Wow, I really needed to hear this. Thanks so much.

[@gordo1230]

I'm in southern Calif and my fig tree is loaded with figs.. I have a black fig.. I feel u got to b careful when u have so many an it get dehydrated after 2 days of no water

[@davidke4242]

Ross do you find that underwatering damage follows the fig fruit even if there is no significant leaf loss? A couple trees of mine were neglected when I was sick for a few days and were quite wilty. They perked up again and none of the leaves seem scorched, but the tree aborted a few fig initials, so I do think there must have been some stress. Oh and the tree has been stalling since then

[@CraftEccentricity]

What is your opinion of the Constantine De Algerie?

[@jasonsnyder6045]

Why no mulch on surface of soil? What are your thoughts/theory?

[@tomij6583]

I set my fig garden using the "Eden" method, and I may water once a week when breaking dormancy. After that, the older trees get watered once a month...maybe.

[@GreenGranny]

Our temps in CA have been crazy thus week, up to 118°. 9 days so far 110° and above. I have been watering my in ground fig trees with a sprinkler for one hour each evening. They look good but one tree has exactly 2 leaves that are curled and dry. We are about 15% humidity. Otherwise, they are very healthy looking with lots of fruit. Fig trees need lots of water. Your climate matters.

[@R1M1r1m1]

All the leaves fell off of my fig tree during the dry season here in FL then they grew back during the rainy season. I'm going to put in on drip irrigation so it doesn't happen again.

[@roccoconte2960]

Good video Ross the fig watering issue again.

[@gordo1230]

What part of the country are u at

[@user-th4pd3ir7s]

Thanks for this info. My 1 1/2 yo brown turkey tree, Zoone 9B Sacramento CA is suffering right now, I have been watering the tree almost daily with at least 5 gallons of water. On Saturday, my neighbor left a hose open and flood part of my yard in the afternoon (112F that day), they next day I noticed curled, drooped, brown spots, and yellow leaves. I'm wondering that hot water burned my trees roots. Any advice? thanks

[@RossRaddi]

Probably not. I'm very sorry to hear that though.

[@babyyoda7365]

Hi Ross. My figs are infested by whiteflies. What should I do?. Thanks

[@rezayaseri2790]

Hi. a question: Do you mulch your trees in pot or you don't recommend it? I heard from someone mulching is good for trees in ground but not in pots!

[@jamescarone9553]

I use small pine bark from homedepot. Works great in central florida

[@t-bone6467]

@@rezayaseri2790 I use an inch thick layer of wood chips for the potted fig trees. It helps maintain even soil moisture in my experience.

[@GreenGranny]

I think this is why it's hard to teach others how to garden via youtube. You only experience your own growing conditions. You have no idea what it is like in a super hot arid climate and what that does to your plants. Figs are not desert plants. They will die from lack of water if there isn't underground resevoirs. My summer habitat is a boiling hot dehydrator. I water everything a lot. Morning and night. 5 hours daily is not uncommon and that is just to keep everything alive. My blackberries died in 1 day at 118°. I didn't water enough. Thankfully figs do let you know if they are not getting enough water. Their leaves will curl. When you give them enough, those leaves will flatten.

[@Iz0pen]

It’s 10:40 am and 87F should I water now or wait until this evening?

[@i5usko]

If the soil is dry, water. All of my potted plants need watered everyday in the summer. They probably would benefit from 2 times. Ross is telling you that you cant over water in the summer so I would say yes, water now to be safe. I think you could easily water twice a day in that weather.

[@RossRaddi]

At 5 am. Again at 11 and 4 pm.

[@thomastennis4.056]

Are there any concerns with growing these aggressive plants so close to a structure?

[@i5usko]

Not in a cold climate like Ross. Otherwise, absolutely a problem.

[@RossRaddi]

No.

[@RossRaddi]

Even in very warm places.

[@davidsauls9542]

Your dog can't water your trees, but mine often applies an organic liquid fertilizer if I'm not watching.

[@GardenLove-yh3rv]

I disagree that you have to water your container fig trees everyday if the temperature is over 80. I check my fig trees with a water meter everyday and that tells me to water or not. You do not want your fig tree roots soaking in water all the time.

[@firstname7769]

True but newbies want a concrete answer that doesn’t require them to make a decision. So telling a newbie water based on the plants needs doesn’t help them because they don’t know what the plant needs. Newbies want an easy schedule or rule where they don’t need to make any decisions.

[@xaviercruz4763]

@gardenlove what container sizes are your figs in and how much water do they consume since you have a meter for that would be interesting (something else is 3. What temperatures are you facing and 4. How many opening are in the containers besides their size?) thanks!

[@tedpendlebury7978]

Definitely use a meter. I've got a Panache in a #15 bucket that is usually dry up top, but if I put my meter in, there's plenty down low. Also in Sacramento (113° Saturday, 110°yesterday), I'm having excellent luck putting them in the ground.

[@timothypowell106]

I grow my container figs under 40% shade cloth. They need watering twice a week in Georgia 95F+ . No pest pressure either.