Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Preparation
• Method 2 of 2: Planting a Fig Tree
• Tips
• Warnings

Figs are a popular fruit that is consumed fresh or dried and added to baked goods and canned goods. Figs are obtained from fig trees that grow in the western United States, as well as the Mediterranean and parts of central Africa, where the climate is temperate and dry. Figs require warm weather and plenty of sun. Fig trees require a lot of space to grow and flower.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Preparation

1. 1 Select a fig tree variety. There are many varieties of fig trees available on the market, but there are several of the most common varieties that are very popular for their hardiness. Look for varieties that do best in your area, such as Turkish Brown and Brunswik. Keep in mind that figs vary in color (from purple to green-brown). Each type matures at a different time of the year.
   • Visit a nursery or call your local agricultural center to find out which fig variety is right for your area.
   • Figs grow best in warm, tropical and desert areas, so the largest varieties will be able to grow in these conditions. Only a few varieties can grow in areas where temperatures drop below 4 ° C.
2. 2 Find out when to plant. In general, a fig tree should be planted in mid-spring. A young tree will take about two years to bear its first fruits, but figs usually ripen in late summer or early fall. Pruning should be done in summer, which is not typical of other popular fruit trees.
3. 3 Decide where to plant. Fig trees are very heat sensitive and also require root ball support, so they tend to be easier to plant in pots. This way trees can be moved to warmer places and roots can be easily fed. However, you can choose a location with the right conditions for planting in open ground; Find a spot on the slope on the south side with minimal shade and good drainage.
4. 4 Prepare the soil. Although fig trees are not particularly demanding on soil conditions, if you pick up the soil, they grow slightly better. In general, fig trees grow best in sandy soil with an acidity level of about 7 or slightly lower (more alkaline). Add some 4-8-12 or 10-20-25 fertilizer to the soil.

Method 2 of 2: Planting a Fig Tree

1. 1 Prepare the site. Use a small shovel or hands to dig a hole for the fig tree. Make the hole wide and deep enough for the root ball so that the trunk can be covered with soil about 2.5 to 5 cm.
2. 2 Plant a tree. Remove the plant from the container and carefully lay it on its side. Trim off excess roots around the edges with garden shears, as these will reduce yields. Then place the root ball in the hole and spread out the roots. Cover the hole with soil and press down lightly.
3. 3 Water the tree. To help the tree take root, water well for a few days. However, in general, figs don't like a lot of water, so after planting, water the tree moderately once or twice a week.
4. 4 Maintain the soil. If you planted a tree outdoors, it is important to maintain the soil for the tree to grow. Remove any weeds and add fertilizer to the soil every 4-5 weeks. Alternatively, lay 10-15 cm of mulch around the trunk, evenly covering it with soil.
   • Mulching will retain moisture in summer and protect against cold and frost in winter.
5. 5 Prune the tree if necessary. Prune the tree in the summer in the second year, as you should not prune it during the first year of growth. Prune, leaving 4 strong branches to maximize fruit yield. After the tree has grown, prune it every spring before the fruit begins to grow.
6. 6 Harvest your crops. Harvest when figs are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen after being picked (like peaches). Ripe figs will be slightly soft. The color of a ripe fig will vary from variety to variety, as figs come in a variety of colors. Remove the fruit carefully from the tree to avoid crushing.
   • Wear gloves when harvesting because the sap from the tree (released during harvest) irritates the skin.

Tips

• Avoid using fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
• Pick ripe fruit quickly to avoid attracting insects or other pests.
• Growing figs on the south side will provide more warmth and protect against possible freezing.
• You can make dried figs by leaving them in the sun for 4-5 days, or by placing them in a dryer for 10-12 hours. Dried figs can be stored for up to 6 months.

Warnings

• Remember to wear gloves when pruning or harvesting. The sap released from the fig tree can irritate the skin.