Expert: nick mccann - 7/9/2011

Question
Nick,
I just got a Hardy Chicago Fig via mail in tiny container (about 3" in diameter).   The tree has 4 leaves and is 9" tall.   It will always be in a container.   I am in Silicon Valley in California.
Can you please advise how to mix the soil and type of soil to use?  if you can be specific with band and etc etc I would appreciate as I am clueless.  I already know from your answers to others that I need 'light' and good quality soil but what does it mean - light.
Also,  what size of a pot should I start it with and how often to fertilize?
Greatly appreciate to hear from you.
Julia (  )

Answer
Hi Julia,,You will want to move it into a container about 6 inches across (for now..) and then you will be gradually, graduating it as the Fig grows larger; line the bottom of the container with some gravel, for drainage, about a half inch for the 6 inch pot. Use Miracle-grow potting mix, moisture control..for Figs like to be kept on the moist side, and this soil dries out slower then others; you don't want the soil to be wet, allow it to dry out ,but not completely, just the top several inches, and when the drainage holes begin to dry, water again, and water so that the entire soil base is damp, and repeat this for your watering schedule. Now light, Figs like to get a generous amount of light, but initially keep it in Morning light and afternoon shade, until it acclimates and begins to grow, then you can move it into an area where it gets about 6 hours of direct Sunlight.  Once a Month, give it a watering with Miracle-grow at half the strength called for in the directions; mist it frequently in the Morning and watch for aphids, scale etc. (Insects), and watch for fungal problems, like Rust on the leaves. This is a quick synopsis of growing your Fig Julia, but do research further as your plant grows, and I am here if you run into any problems. Nick