Last week I posted a question regarding size of pot in stepping-up.  Thanks again to all, for the super responses and advice.

On the same subject, here’s a new twist or question: 
All my 2013 class were potted up to 3 gallon very early this spring (March) while still dormant.   They are sitting on a bed of well mulched garden soil, flakes of straw bale on sides for sun/heat protection and really hitting their stride in maximum growth.  I mean like weeds…..!

I was going to pot up to 7 or 10 gallon soon but, I just realized roots have escaped through bottom (not side) drain holes and enjoying rich environment below.  So.. now what?   Cut the roots and move up, seems like this would interrupt the desirable growth cycle?   Or, just leave well enough alone and disturb roots and re-pot next spring, while still dormant?     I’m thinking, in actuality, the trees are not really root bound or restricted with feeder roots free.     Thanks again for your thoughts or comments.

 

 

 

Awesome, gorgeous trees!

In my novice opinion leave them and up pot when dormant, since as you said the roots out the bottom aren't restricted.

Nice photos!  These fig trees look like they are doing great.  Great job!

I wouldn't re-pot them now why introduce stress to them.  I would leave them until the fall after they have dropped their leaves then re-pot.

I have repotted mid summer with no problems, but I don't disturb any roots except circling roots which if there are lots I won't repot until spring.

Hi Bosco,
It all depends on what you're planning.
If those trees are for you, then don't disturb and let grow and fruit.
Or you could water the dirt around the pots, and you could with a shovel get the roots out of the dirt if they are still not too deep in the dirt
If  those are for selling or trading, then cut the roots right away so that those roots do not grow too big.
For sure, those trees look healthy !

Ah, no substitute for the words of experience!   Thanks for your comments.   And, compliments too…….  :-)

@pino… thanks for confirming my fear of stress.  Especially since most are loaded with first fruit, which I’ve been patiently waiting to sample.  It would be a shame to loose those.

@jdsfrance…. Yes,.. what is the plan or target?  You reminded me of this consideration the other day.   Excellent point!   Not many duplicates in this little fig forest, I want to let mature enough to sample fruit before deciding who goes and who stays.   The plan is to keep all at least through next year.  Nice part is they can winter in place, no shuffle or hassle.  

I guess my priority right now is to get some of the more vigorous of the bunch staked up proper.   

One question, it looks like your row is three pots deep. Are the trees in the middle of the row being shaded out and getting leggy to compete for light? If so, maybe you would want to consider pulling those up and up-potting that row only. Yes, it will make them unhappy for a bit, but a bunch of unruley trees can add a lot of work and will have some set back when you reshape them in the winter as well. Just a thought.
I do want to echo that your trees look really great, the growth is all very lush.

Hi Calvin,

Yes, 3 gal pots are in a row of 14 and 3 abreast.  Indeed crowded, shoulder to shoulder..! 

Hummm….. good catch there on trees being leggy.   Could this be a newbie faux pa...?   I was letting grow at will in desire of tree form eventually.   Even a multi trunk, okay but, no bush form!    Unruly branches and work to reshape, you say……. urgh, not for me!   Great advice, maybe I best pull those center trees to better appraise what I’ve got going on, plus room to work.   Training stakes was on my to-do list, could be time to pinch a few of the 3 footers while I'm at it..?  

Thanks for your suggestions, comments and compliment.