Fig freeze back in FL panhandle

[D-Grower]

For some unknown reason many figs I've planted in my yard freeze down all growth(even hardened growth) every winter. What's some possibilities for that? Don't think I have major nematode issues in this yard since I don't see root knots on things I've pulled up. Some trees are from cuttings of large healthy local trees that don't do the same where they are. My soil is thick but they aren't in areas that flood badly. Other species not doing the same thing. Any ideas?

[fruitnut1944]

Vigorous young fig plants are more prone to freezing back than old slow growing plants. So trying to slow down growth might help. The issue is that a plant that freezes back responds with vigorous regowth in spring. So it can be hard to turn the corner to a less vigorous tree.

Don't water and don't fertilize especially after mid summer. But right now would be a good time to try slowing down growth.

It could be another issue but I'm not sure what. If they drown out the roots and all would be dead.

[D-Grower]

Thanks I'll try to see if I can make them grow slower. It's strange that the same varieties in a pot don't freeze back the way the in ground ones do.

[DavidBYE]

I agree with Fruitnut. I am in zone 9a and have never had freeze or frost damage on figs. They are typically dormant by the time we get really cold weather. My mature trees only get fertilize in February, from then on they only get mulch and water. It has been my experience that more fertilizer equals more pruning... You could try fertilizing without nitrogen just be cautious with phosphorous, it can buildup in the soil.

[Pokeweed]

Hi Derek, I have several figs. One froze to the ground during a multi day near single digit freeze a few years ago. It came back from the roots bigger than ever. Since then none of them has had any top die back. I haven't fertilized them in years, but they do get several gallons of water a week all year. D