Figs grow best in areas with hot summers (USDA zone 7- 8) [1]. The tree will be killed in temperatures less than -20 degree C. The fig tree root system is shallow and spreads to more than 6 m (20 ft ) wide, sometimes as wide as 15 m (50 ft ). The fig tree has four to eight inch wide and up to 10 inch long leaves.
Growing Fig Tree From Cuttings
Following are the steps to grow a fig cutting that I followed in Sydney, Australia.
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| Fig tree with fruits |
- Fig tree can be propagated from seeds, cuttings and air-layering. However, the fig propagation is easiest from cuttings, it does not need any rooting hormone.
- Propagate fig tree in late winter to early summer for success, although you can try in any season.
- Both hardwood and softwood cuttings will root. The cuttings can be short or long, thin or thick.
- Take a small pot with drainage holes. Fill it with a free-draining soil and water well. Keep aside to allow drainage of extra water.
- Plant the cuttings in soil and cover them with a clear plastic bottle or bag and place in shade. The cuttings will develop roots and new leaves in a couple of weeks.
- Fig cuttings can also develop roots if put them in a cup of water.
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| Fig Cutting Propagated |
Propagate Fig in Water
Is it possible to root and grow a fig cutting in water? Yes, just put the fig cuttings in water in a glass. Keep the glass in bright shade and change the water in 3-4 days. The fig cutting will develop roots in a few weeks. Then you can plant the rooted cutting in soil.Sun
Plant the fig in a place where it can receive 7 to 8 hours of full sun to partial sun.
Soil
Fig tree grows best in free-draining nutrition rich slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Add plenty of compost in the soil for vigorous growth when planting the tree.
Watering Fig Tree
Figs need very little water, allow your fig tree to dry between watering, water deeply and do not over-water. Every 10 days watering is sufficient. Yellow fig tree leaves can be the result of either too much or too little water. In winter the tree becomes dormant, over-watering during dormancy may kill the tree.
Pruning Fig Tree
You may prune your fig tree when the tree is young, first year or two to train its shape. After the fig tree is established, not much pruning is needed, remove any dead or diseased wood and the branches that are not growing. The best time to prune a fig tree will be in the dormant season.
Fertilizer For Fig Tree
Feed a balanced (6-6-6 or 8-8-8) fertilizer 2-3 times a year. During spring and summer feed every week with a citrus or tomato fertilizer. Mix some cow manure in the soil in late winter. If growing in a pot, add a slow-release fertilizer and compost. In place of chemical fertilizer, you can use compost and a high-nitrogen fertilizer like cottonseed, soybean or alfalfa meal.
People often ask whether there a wasp inside every fig. Answer is yes, there is at least one dead wasp inside the fig, but the tree produces an enzyme ficin, which breaks down the wasp into proteins that get absorbed by the plant.
How to grow a fig tree from a cutting video
Fruits on 1 year old fig tree grown from cutting
Best fruits to grow in containers
Mulch
Put a thick layer of organic mulch such as sugarcane mulch, grass clippings or pine needles to prevent weeds. This is important in winter to insulate warm soil temperatures and prevent tree damage.
Fig Tree Fruiting
- The size of a fig fruit is small teardrop or pear shaped, filled with hundreds of tiny seeds, and have an edible purple or green peel with a pink flesh.
- The fig can be eaten fresh or in dried form.
- Fig has a number of health benefits as it contains lots of fiber.
- A fig tree will fruit when the tree is 2 to 5 years old.
- Figs are produced on old wood of the branch of the previous years. So, to produce more fruit the tree should have more branches.
- Fruit trees will produce more fruits if it receives 7 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.
- The edible fig variety, Caprifig produces separate male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers.
People often ask whether there a wasp inside every fig. Answer is yes, there is at least one dead wasp inside the fig, but the tree produces an enzyme ficin, which breaks down the wasp into proteins that get absorbed by the plant.
Disease and Pest Problems
Figs are relatively pest and disease free. Sometimes the fig trees are attacked by mealybugs and scale insects.How To Grow Fig in Container
I am growing a fig tree in a pot in Sydney. It needs proper care including pot size, fertilizer and watering (growing fig tree in a pot).
Watch YouTube Videos on Growing Fig Tree
How to grow a fig tree from a cutting video
Fruits on 1 year old fig tree grown from cutting
Best fruits to grow in containers
References
1. Common Fig, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig