{"id":2398,"date":"2019-06-10T03:09:34","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T03:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/?p=2398"},"modified":"2020-01-22T09:12:56","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T09:12:56","slug":"15-steps-on-planting-caring-for-figs-in-your-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/15-steps-on-planting-caring-for-figs-in-your-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Steps on Planting & Caring for Figs in Your Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Figs are one of the oldest fruit-bearing trees known to mankind, and they are also one of the healthiest fruits that you can add to your diet. This has made fig trees popular all over the world, where they can be used in a multitude of recipes, desserts, and preserves \u2013 or just eaten right off the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a common myth that fig trees are one of the hardest trees to grow, but gardeners are often surprised to find that this isn\u2019t the case when we\u2019re talking about the common fig tree. In fact, they grow happily in most climates and can thrive for decades if they are grown under the right conditions, and it\u2019s easier than you might think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to grow fig trees, start off with existing trees: It can save you a lot of time and get you to the exciting harvest period much sooner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 steps for planting & caring for fig trees in your garden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: The Common Fig Tree<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though there are several different types of fig trees out there, the common fig tree is the one that\u2019s most commonly seen in home gardens all over the world because of the fact that it\u2019s one of the easiest ones in the fig-family to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other types of fig trees that aren\u2019t the common fig tree have very special requirements to start growing, and pollination requires the touch of an expert \u2013 or very specific elements (such as bee and wasp species) that people just don\u2019t have in their gardens and likely aren\u2019t going to, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to plant a fig tree, stick to the common fig tree type and it should be more effortless to get them going than you might have thought. When looking at common fig tree types, there\u2019s more than one type out there too that luckily prefer the same growing conditions \u2013 such as Celeste figs or Brown Turkey figs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 2: Selecting an Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important things for a gardener to do once they\u2019ve decided to plant fig trees is to select a suitable spot in their garden to do it with enough space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that fig trees aren\u2019t like bushes or shrubs: Eventually, they will become larger trees that can provide a lot of shade \u2013 and because of this, remember that their roots system will extend deeper and further than other surrounding plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a spot that\u2019s far enough away from other plants and buildings, and a spot that gives the fig tree enough room for growth even if it were to double in size in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideal conditions for fig trees are neutral to slightly acidic pH soil, and full sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In colder areas, you might have to compensate for the lack of sun by first planting in pots or by protecting your fig trees from the cold with netting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 3: Watering Fig Trees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Watering is one of the most essential parts for a successful garden, and it\u2019s something that even people who have never put something in the ground in their entire lives will probably know \u2013 but the finer science of watering plant is knowing just how often to do it, and it\u2019s about more than just watering: It can be a way to introduce more essential nutrients to the plant when they are in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fig trees plant their roots deep into the ground, which means that they require more water than other plants for it to soak down through to the roots; if you see that your leaves are yellowing, it\u2019s usually a sign that they aren\u2019t getting enough water or nutrients, and your watering should be adjusted accordingly to see if this makes any change to the condition of the plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, happy fig trees are watered deeply at least twice per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 4: Storing Harvested Figs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Harvest time is one of the favorite times for any gardener, and it\u2019s the time where you get to see all your hard work paying off. There\u2019s more about just how and when to harvest figs later on in this article, but a lot can also be said for how you should be storing figs that you\u2019ve harvested from the tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figs are one of the more fragile types of fruit, and once harvested they\u2019re best turned into something that can be stored instead of stored directly \u2013 for example, jams and preserves can keep for months to years whereas storing figs in the fridge will only be useful for about three or four days at most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want the fruit itself to the last longer, then you can also freeze figs either peeled or not and have them be fine for a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many products that can be made from figs, and they can even be cut into slices and then dried in order to give them a longer shelf life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 5: Protecting Fig Trees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fig trees are one of the easiest trees to grow even though it\u2019s a common misconception for gardeners that it\u2019s the opposite \u2013 although this doesn\u2019t mean that you can just plant an assortment of fig trees in your garden and leave them be, they still require protection against the elements if you want to keep your trees happy, especially in harsher climates or areas exposed to wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This becomes more true with newly-planted fig trees in areas that might get a lot of wind: Support your fig trees by tying the stem to a stick planted in the ground. Sometimes this can be life or death for many trees in the event of a storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fig trees should also be protected against elements like bugs and birds: Netting can help to protect it against most of the birds and insects that will affect your fig trees. For everything else, use tobacco or coffee-based anti-insect spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 6: Figs in Colder Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fig trees generally grow in areas with longer summers that have access to a lot of direct sunlight, but this doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s impossible to get your fig tree growing in a colder area \u2013 instead, you just have to make a few simple adaptations to how you treat your fig tree and they will still grow happily in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you live in a colder area but would still like to start planting fig trees, it can be a lot easier and better to plant them in pots or containers instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant your fig trees in large enough pots to give them room for ample growth, and make sure that they\u2019re placed in sunlight especially during the colder months. Fertilizer needs to be added a little more often to potted fig trees, at least once every few weeks for best results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figs like drainage, so remember to add a layer of bark to the soil in order to help the water drain outwards to the roots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 7: Fig Tree Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fig trees aren\u2019t nearly as fussy as most gardeners imagine them to be, but this doesn\u2019t mean fig trees are completely immune to diseases and issues. Keep a keen eye on your fig trees to note any pests or issues that might pop up, and once you spot any pests you should remember that pesticides aren\u2019t the only way in which you can deal with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping pests away from your fig trees can be as easy as making a home anti-insect spray from tobacco or coffee grounds, and then spraying this on the leaves of the plant. Anything else risks transferring toxic compounds through to the fruit, and no gardener would want that! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice disease affecting your fig-trees, remove the diseased and affected plants immediately rather than risk it spreading to the rest, and don\u2019t add the diseased plants or cuttings from it to your compost heap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 8: Harvesting from Fig Trees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting is the most exciting time for gardeners, and it\u2019s the main reason why gardeners will opt to plant larger fig trees which can reach the flowering stage much faster.  More advanced gardeners develop a feel for their plants that tells them just when the fruits are ready for harvesting \u2013 but as a rule of thumb, you want them to be firm to the touch, but not too firm, and certainly not still in the process of changing shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picking figs before they are ready can result in terrible-tasting figs, or it can give you the worst stomach pain that you\u2019ve ever had in your life \u2013 avoid at all costs and remember that it\u2019s always better to wait a few days from the fruit changing shade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some types of common fig trees which can produce fruit twice per year, but don\u2019t assume this if you aren\u2019t sure just which type you have growing in your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step 9: Recommended Fig Varieties
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Did you know that there are several different varieties of figs? Each type has unique characteristics and suits various growing conditions. There is a fig variety to suit your garden environment, no matter where you live in the world. Check out this list of our top recommended fig varieties for your garden.
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Celeste \u2013 If you live in a colder region of the United States, such as the Northern States, then you\u2019ll get success if you plant the Celeste. This fig variety is hardy and resistant to colder temperatures. This tree produces small, sweet figs with a deep purple color.
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Brown turkey \u2013 This fig variety produces medium-sized figs, and it tolerates cold climates but prefers warmer temperatures.
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The king fig \u2013 This tree likes the colder climates of the Northwestern United States, and produces sweet, medium-sized figs.
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Hardy Chicago \u2013 A winter variety that produces purple, medium-sized figs.
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Kadota \u2013 This species is the most common fig variety found in canned products. This tree fruits frequently during the season, providing large figs with a sweet flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 10: Fig Tree Diseases
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Fig trees are susceptible to plant diseases like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Check on your plants every week for signs of illness. Here are the primary pathogens affecting fig trees.
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Fig rust \u2013 If you notice the leaves on the tree starting to turn orange in color, it\u2019s a sign of this disease. If left unmanaged, the leaves may begin to droop and curl. Treat the tree with copper-based fungicides to remove the rust.
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Anthracnose \u2013 This fungal disease causes brown and black spotting on the leaves, resulting in the yellowing and wilting of the foliage.
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Fig mosaic virus \u2013 This pathogen causes the development of spots on foliage, and its typically spread by mites.
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Aspergillosis \u2013 If this fungus enters your tree, it rots your figs from the inside out, and the tree begins to shed all its leaves.
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Endosepsis \u2013 Spread by a pollinating wasp. The pest enters the fig and lays eggs, and then dies. A fungus grows on the wasp\u2019s body, infecting the tree, the fruit, and the ground. Dig up the tree and discard, and don\u2019t plant in the soil for the next 12-months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 11: Fig Tree Pests
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Diseases are not the only problem growers must deal with during the fruiting season. Fig trees also attract a variety of pests that can ruin your tree and prevent it from fruiting. Here are the top pests found in fig tree plantations.
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The most severe pest threating your fig tree is the borer beetle. This insect lays eggs near the base of the branch on the tree. The eggs hatch after two weeks and the bugs feed on the tree bark before growing to a big enough size to start boring into the tree trunk or branches. Once the beetles tunnel into the tree, it’s challenging to remove them, and you may have to squirt insecticide down the tunnel to kill the insects.
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Prevent the boring beetles from laying their eggs on the tree, by encircling the lower half of branches with shade cloth. Make sure the shade cloth does not touch the branches, as the beetle will still lay the eggs on the bark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 12: Fig Companion Plants
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Figs are short but bushy trees, and you can increase the attractiveness of your garden by planting companions around your fig to liven up the landscape.
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Marigolds \u2013 Planting these pretty flowers around the base of the fig helps you to protect the tree against insect invaders like boring beetles and nematodes found in the soil around the bottom of the tree. Marigolds attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your fig while protecting it from nasty bugs that could kill your tree.
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Rhododendron \u2013 The shallow root system of these plants do not compete with the fig tree for space. This plant produces bright, colorful flowers in the spring and summer that contrast beautifully with your fig.
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Rue \u2013 The bright yellow flowers of this plant attract pollinators to the garden while repelling flies and Japanese beetles.
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Strawberries \u2013 Grow a batch of these berries underneath your fig tree. The mulch for your strawberries helps to retain moisture in the ground around the fig, and the perennial nature of the plant means that you don\u2019t have to disturb the soil around the base of the tree after the fruiting season finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 13: Why Does My Fig Tree Not Produce Fruit?
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Fig trees require maturity to produce fruit. If you are expecting your tree to bear figs in its first two years after germinating, then you are better off buying a mature tree that is already over 5-years old. In some cases, it may take up to 6-years for fig trees to reach a state where they consistently produce fruit.
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The first one or two crops produced by your tree may yield small or bitter fruit. However, if you persist with maintaining and caring for your tree, it will eventually produce sweet, ripe figs.
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Another common reason for figs failing to produce any fruit is an over-presence of nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen keeps the fig tree in the growth phase, preventing it from flowering. Take a soil sample to your local nursery for analysis, and make adjustments to your growing medium depending on the results of the test.
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If your tree does not receive sufficient water, then it may also fail to produce any fruit. Make sure your water once or twice a week to ensure your fig remains happy and hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 14: Growing Figs in Containers
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As we mentioned previously, it\u2019s possible to grow figs in containers or pots. The roots system for the fig tree requires a reasonably large container when it starts to mature, However, growing in small containers, around 50-gallons or so, will allow you to produce a dwarf fig tree that still manages to yield fruit.
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This growth strategy makes it possible to grow figs in colder climates where they may perish in the first year of life. Growing your plants indoors for the first year helps to harden the tree against environmental stress when you transplant it outdoors during the following season.
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After planting the tree using the same fertilizer and mulch you would with outdoor planting, place the pot in a sunny area of the yard that receives full sunlight throughout the day. Move the pot indoors to a protected area of the garden during the evening, and then take it back into the sun the following morning. If you want to grow in containers, we suggest you use a pot with wheels, as the tree can get heavy, especially after watering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 15: Pruning Your Fig Tree
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After your fig takes root and starts to grow, you don\u2019t have to worry about pruning for the first year of life. However, after the plant successfully yields fruit, you can start the pruning process to increase harvest yield the following season. Figs don\u2019t require any training, and a good pair of pruning scissors is all you need to get the job done right.
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As the plant begins to bear fruit in the spring, trim back all of the non-producing heads. You can also use a shovel to chop off all of the suckers that sprout from roots on the surface. It\u2019s a straightforward process to propagate your fig tree, and you don\u2019t even need to go to the hassle of making cuttings.
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Bend one of the lower branches of the tree to the ground and tie it down into position. Cover the tip with soil and wait for a few weeks for it to root, then chop it off and plant in a container.
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