Fig trees are members of the genus group of trees known as Ficus. These trees generally belong to the tropical region, with a few species extending their shores to the warm temperate zones. Figs can be classified into two categories - the Capri fig - all male with their fruits being inedible and the Edible fig. The most popular varieties of edible fig include Brown Turkey figs, Celeste figs, Black Mission figs and Brunswick figs. In case you are looking for some tips on how to grow/plant fig trees in your garden, make use of the ones provided in the lines below.
Growing Fig Trees
- It is suggested not to grow a fig tree from seed. Instead, you should get a small plant from a nursery and plant it in your garden.
- A fig tree will succeed best when planted in a position where it receives full sunlight. The fruits easily grow in warm climates which receive 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day and ripen better.
- A south or south-west facing wall is ideal for growing and training a fan-shaped.
- Dig a hole at least 10 feet away from other plants, as the roots of a fig tree spread wide. Give them a little space to grow.
- Watering the tree is an essential factor. In the beginning, keep the tree watered all the time, in order to prevent yellowing of its leaves. Once the tree is well set, watering need not be frequent. During summer, it becomes all the more important to water, since fruits are swelling.
- When you have planted the fig tree, remember to add four inches of mulch, a protective soil covering, over the root area, in order to preserve the moisture content of the soil.
- It is also beneficial to put off pests. Common fig diseases are nematodes, rust, souring, pink blight and leaf blight. If your fig tree attains a disease, it must be treated immediately or it can die.
Some Tips
- One more thing which you should remember is to net the tree early so that you prevent birds from stealing the produce.
- Figs are ready to pick when the fruit droops on its stalk and the skin is well colored. If the skin cracks open, it is fully ripe and you might notice a drop of nectar too!!