Fig Tree Cultivation
Planting Location
Fig trees require exposure to full sunlight for eight hours daily and should be planted in a location protected from harsh weather conditions. The southern or southwestern side of the house is ideal for planting fig trees. They should be grown in fertile, high-quality soil, with clay soil being the most suitable due to its richness in organic materials. The soil pH should ideally range between 6.0 and 6.5.
How to Plant Fig Trees
- Allow sufficient space for tree growth, as mature fig trees can reach a height of 2 meters and spread 3–3.5 meters wide.
- Dig a hole measuring 60 × 60 × 60 cm if planting in a yard or use planting containers.
- If using containers, ensure they are at least 45.72 cm deep. Leave a space of 7.62–10.16 cm between the top of the soil and the edge of the container. Make sure the container has ample drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Fertilize the soil in spring, covering it with a layer of compost about 2.54–5.08 cm thick around the tree.
- Remove dead branches if the tree is planted outdoors. Pruning is not essential for outdoor trees. For trees planted in containers, cut each branch back by half during the second year of growth to maintain their size.
Harvesting Figs
Figs are typically harvested in summer. Trees grown outdoors produce one crop of figs per year, while those grown in greenhouses can yield two crops annually. Figs are ready to harvest when their skin is smooth and splits slightly when pressed gently.
