A Detailed Guide to Fig Seed Propagation: Step-by-Step Seed Sowing and Seedling Raising

Although it is called the fig, it is in fact a flowering plant, with both evergreen and deciduous varieties, and is mostly propagated by cuttings, division, and layering. But today we are here to introduce its seed propagation method, so you can learn about it.

Fig Seed Propagation Method

1. Choosing and Preparing the Site

Soil quality directly affects the vigor of fig seedling growth, so you should choose high-quality field land with loose, airy soil, rich in organic matter, level terrain, and fast drainage. Before planting, spread a sufficient amount of farmyard manure, applying 2.5-8 tons of cow dung and chicken manure per mu, and after spreading the fertilizer, plow once and harrow finely once, so that the soil and nutrients are fully and evenly mixed together.

2. Soaking Seeds and Sowing

Soak the selected fig seeds in warm water for 1 day, take them out and let them dry, then sow them in rows, with a sowing depth of no more than 4 cm. After planting, you can also lay plastic film, or moisture-retaining materials such as straw, to increase the germination rate. After sowing, you can cover with soil by hand or use a machine to rake and cover the soil, and after covering with soil, water once.

3. Raising Seedlings and Planting Out

After the seedlings emerge, water and fertilize reasonably according to growth conditions and weather, and at the same time pay attention to weeding and other work. The suitable time for planting out in North China should be around Qingming, in Northeast China it is suitable around Guyu, and in the south it can be transplanted and planted after leaf fall in autumn, but the flowering and fruiting period should be avoided.

4. Field Management

After transplanting and survival, the fig should be trained and pruned. During the young tree period, focus on cultivating the main branches; after entering the early fruiting period, focus on cultivating more branch groups so as to promote the formation of a certain yield. During the full fruiting period, pay attention to cultivating scaffold branches and renewing large and medium branch groups by pruning and shrinking weak branch groups.

Generally, figs begin to ripen from mid-July and can continue until the end of November, so growers can pick them in batches, preferably in the morning or evening on sunny days.