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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Fig Plants in FL After 19" of Rain
 
 


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Johnson1

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Candidly, I'm surprised how well container planted fig trees have shrugged off over 19" of rain during the month of June.  Nearly 10" of this total was from tropical storm Debbie.  The location is south of Tampa,Fl about 5 miles inland from the ocean.

Except for the larger VDB plant, the rest of the plants are from this years scions.  Potting mix is a combination of about 20% coarse perlite with the balance a mix of pine bark fines, soil mix and BX peat mix.  Each of the pots have 3 to 4 large drainage holes.  The patio is elevated and partially shaded.

Only one plant seems stressed, likely by FMV.  The rest of the fig and pepper plants have simply shrugged off what is nearly tropical monsoon rainfall. The only change I have made is to increase the fertilizer levels. 

I have some extra Bhut Jolokia hot pepper seeds that I will share with other members - just cover the postage cost.  Send me a PM. 

John
Zone 9b

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DesertDance

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Your figs look very healthy!  What kind of fertalizer do you use?

No matter where you live, there seems to be some kind of natural disaster fixin to take your family, house or crops.  I'm glad you made it through Debbie with no damage!

Suzi
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Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!"  Wish List:  I wish all of you happy fig collecting!  My wishes have been fulfilled!
Gina

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Nice looking fig plants. Wish we had some of that rain here...

Bhut Jolokia? lol, no thanks. Do you actually eat them yourself?
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WillsC's new fig forum:   http://www.Ourfigs.com  (and blueberries)
Johnson1

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
I use a combination of Maxicrop soluble kelp powder, worm castings, worm tea, bone meal and as needed I use a commercial fertilizer with micronutrients (Peters).  As a carryover from keeping orchids and platycerium ferns I tend to fertilize lightly and frequently. 

I've recently increased the commercial fertilizer because of all the rain.   My preference is to apply at 1/2 strength, then again if needed.

John
Zone 9b
Johnson1

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
No, the Bhut Jolokia's are too hot for me to eat straight.  I do add a very small amount when cooking soups, stews, etc to add a depth of flavor. 

A hot Thai pepper is about as hot as I like.

John
Zone 9b
james

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
I have a niece who is adopted from India.  She eats the most fiery foods.  I can keep up to a point, but then...

We shared an order of 'Atomic' wings at Wing Stop.  It was the only time I've ever heard her say something was spicey.  I did okay through the first one, and almost made it through the second one.  My soda cup was empty, and I remember some quasi-hallucinations as I made my way to fill it up.  It was just brutal. 

I ordered some BJ seeds (among others) a few years ago to grow for her, but the seeds got lost along the way.  I might hit you up later in the summer for some more, John. 

When I was growing in containers (Houston, TX) the only issue I seemed to have with moisture was Rust.  There were a few summers, I could not effectively eliminate it, or even slow it down. 

~james
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In containers - Littleton, CO (zone 5b)
In ground - N.E of Austin, TX (zone 8b) 

2016 Wish List:  Dārk Pōrtuguese, Grānthāms Royāl, Lātarolla, Negrettā, Nōire de Bārbentāne, Rockāway Green, Viōlet Sepōr, Viōlette Dāuphine.  Iranian figs are always welcome.
Gina

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
I like 'warm' in almost everything except dessert, but not 'hot'. Watched a video on YouTube of someone who willingly had eaten a bit of placenta of a BJ - he kept repeating he should probably go to the hospital. Didn't look like fun.

I grow and use a lot of numex chilis - flame roasted. Just love 'em. :)

I once grew some habaneros for a friend - they cross pollinated with some of my meeker peppers and made that summer's crop interesting.
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Dieseler

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
True story,
One year i grew them dang habaneros and was picking some in process i had to use washroom so i did.
Big mistake as i walked back outside to pick the rest i literally ran back inside to take a shower.
No need to go into further details.  ; )
Johnson1

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
I've learned to wear something on the hands.  Not so much to protect the hands but as a reminder not to touch the face, etc.  Even after washing my hands several times I can feel the heat on the mouth, eyes, etc.

One of my favorite varieties is the Kung Pao, medium hot about 2 !/2 to 3" long and skinny.  Pick when a deep red, great eaten raw or for cooking.  Very popular for stir fry.  Eaten raw the heat lasts a minute or two.  Plants are productive and produce most of the year - even into Dec.  Thin walled, they will air dry too. Seeds are easy to germinate.  Limited supply of free seeds to any forum member for cost of postage.  Send a PM.  My way of saying thank you for the generosity of other members. 

John
Zone 9b

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rafed

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Folks,

After my nasty bee sting and bacteria infection I doubt I'll be getting near any hot peppers! LOL

Last thing I need now.

But I'm glad the most important part didn't take a hit due to the last storm and that was your home or a loved one. Plants are easy to replace.
Johnson1

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Rafed,
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

It's rather humbling how a 'minor' tropical storm has caused extensive damage over such a large area.  Unlike many others, I was fortunate and did not have any damage.  Even the turtle nests at the beach were affected - about 2/3 are missing at this point.

John
Zone 9b
Darkman

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Our official two day total from a few weeks ago was 22" and that was recorded less than a mile from my house. My potted figs showed no effects from the rain.
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Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
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