The fig tree (Ficus carica) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean, western and southern Asia. Fig trees can be grown wherever vines normally grow. In addition to producing delicious and sweet fruit, the entire plant looks very decorative thanks to its attractive foliage and creates a sunny Mediterranean atmosphere in your garden.
For planting in open ground, choose a variety that is sufficiently resistant to frost. Today, there are many fig trees on offer that meet this condition, differing in height, size and quality of the fruit, as well as fertility. Some varieties bear fruit only once in the main season, while others will yield a harvest twice a year. Fig trees do not need a pollinator, so one plant will be enough to produce fruit. In order for the fig tree to bear abundant fruit every year, there are certain principles that must be followed.
We plant at least two-year-old plants in open ground
In our climate, at least 2-year-old strong and branched plants are planted in open ground. First, pre-grow annual plants in a 5-10 liter pot and overwinter after the leaves fall in a bright, frost-free room or in a basement. The following spring, transplant the plant into a larger pot. The fig tree will bring the first harvest in a pot in the second year. The trunk of the fig tree must thicken to a diameter of 6-7 cm to be completely frost-resistant. Otherwise, the plant may freeze to the ground during a harsh winter and in an unprotected location. In any case, if freezing occurs, the roots will always survive. So, if the above-ground part freezes, it will sprout new shoots from the ground in the spring, on which it will be able to bear fruit in the same year.
Where to plant a fig tree
A sunny spot near a south wall is an ideal place to plant. Here it will be protected from northerly winds and will increase its chances of surviving the winter well. A minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight will promote healthy growth and ensure a harvest. Insulating a fig tree in winter has proven to be effective. Common methods include mulching the roots, wrapping the tree in burlap or other breathable fabric.
Soil requirements
The fig tree develops a shallow but wide-spreading root system, which in width also exceeds the diameter of the canopy. It prefers well-drained, slightly calcareous soil rich in humus. The ideal soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, so ensure the soil does not retain excess water. Once rooted, the fig tree can easily tolerate summer drought.
Fertilization
If the fig tree grows in high-quality soil naturally rich in organic matter and nutrients, then it will produce a harvest even without regular fertilization. But in poor soil, the fig tree needs to be fertilized regularly with a combination of mineral and organic fertilizers, otherwise it will not be able to grow or bear enough fruit. We fertilize the fig tree regularly during the growing season, ideally from spring to the end of summer. It is advisable to use organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, incorporated into the soil in spring, and liquid fertilizers with a higher potassium content from April to July. In the fall, green manure can be used. The fig tree can also be easily grown in large pots. Regular watering with the addition of liquid fertilizer is enough and you can achieve a decent harvest even in a small area in less favorable climatic conditions.
Fig tree pruning
You can shape the fig tree either as a bush or as a tree. Maintenance pruning is done during the early spring dormant period (February or early March) before bud break and allows for better visibility of the branch structure. Focus on removing dead, diseased or damaged wood, as well as branches that are crossing or growing inwards. This will create an open, airy structure that allows sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree. On established fig trees, prune back some of the long, non-fruiting branches to encourage new growth. Prune competing suckers growing from the base of the tree. A complete pruning is recommended for a fig tree that has had its above-ground part frozen due to a hard frost.
Summer pruning is recommended for more abundant fruiting. In the early summer, you can tip prune new shoots, cutting them back to 4-5 leaves long, to encourage even branching and fruit development. When pruning, work from the base of the tree upwards to avoid sap dripping on you. The potted plant also likes to be pruned, and a younger plant should be pruned or trimmed more often to encourage vigorous growth.
But don't overdo it. The more you prune your fig tree, the more energy the plant will put into growing new shoots and leaves at the expense of fruit production.
Harvesting, storing and processing figs
Most figs grown outdoors are ripe in late summer. You can harvest the fruit as soon as it ripens. The fruits are ready when the stem bend and the fruits are hanging down. Freshly picked figs will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Figs are at their best when freshly picked and warmed by the sun. If you can resist temptation, you can dry the thin-skinned fruit whole in a fruit dryer, or make a delicious jam from the fresh fruit. You can cut figs into salads, yogurts or desserts. They taste great with cheese, nuts or dried ham. Figs can be baked, grilled or roasted. Fresh figs can also be frozen for later use.
Medicinal effects and nutritional value of figs
Fig fruits are effective for cardiovascular diseases, anemia, fatigue, as a diuretic and an anti-constipation agent. A decoction of figs in milk is used to treat coughs, sore throats, angina and overactive vocal cords. They also contain ficin, which is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, similar to papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple. Thanks to it, they accelerate digestion and excretion. Due to their high alkalinity, they are suitable for neutralizing acidic foods such as meat, sausages, white bread and sugar. In fact, figs are the best natural laxative. They contain a lot of fiber, both soluble (pectin), which lowers cholesterol levels, and insoluble, which improves intestinal peristalsis and thus protects against constipation and other intestinal disorders. They therefore serve as a mild, non-addictive and safe natural laxative. Figs also cleanse the intestines and remove accumulated toxins. They have the same cleansing effect on the kidneys and urinary tract. They have a mild diuretic effect and can dissolve accumulated toxins in the kidneys in the form of so-called kidney stones or sand. They act against chest infections, relieve coughs, improve expectoration and soften the respiratory tract.
