How to Grow Fig Trees? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods

Fig trees can be grown from cuttings. Specifically, in spring around March or April, or in autumn around September or October, cut a healthy cutting, then insert it about 18cm into the soil, water lightly, and place it in indirect light; it will root in three to four days. Once roots and small leaves have formed, transplant it into the garden at a spacing of 2 m.

Things to Note When Growing Fig Trees:

1. Planting Time

Because of the fig's growth habits, we need to pay attention to the planting time when growing it. In most parts of our country, figs can be planted in two seasons, namely in spring around March or April and in autumn around September or October. Figs planted at these times have a slightly higher survival rate.

2. Propagation Methods

Figs can reproduce on their own, so what we need to pay attention to is transplanting the root suckers produced after the fig reproduces; figs planted this way are very easy to keep alive. Next, figs can also be propagated by layering. When layering, note that in spring you should pull a relatively vigorous branch down low and then cover it with soil; after a certain time roots will grow, and then it can be transplanted. Finally, cuttings can also be used for propagation, but before taking cuttings the branches should be soaked in carbendazim, which can improve the survival rate.

3. Growing Temperature

Figs have requirements for growing temperature, so during the planting process we need to pay attention to temperature regulation. Generally, right after planting, the field temperature needs to be kept at around 20 to 25 degrees, so that they can survive in about three to four days. Next, the lowest temperature for growing figs must not be lower than 5 degrees, otherwise they are very likely to be frostbitten. Also, the highest temperature must not be higher than 38 degrees, and it is best if the annual average temperature can remain at around 18 to 20 degrees.

4. Planting Density

The growth of figs requires sufficient light. Next, figs have a relatively strong ability to reproduce on their own, so when planting they should be planted at a spacing of about 3 m between rows and 2 m between plants. This way the field will have better air circulation, and it will also make later field operations more convenient, and both the yield and quality of the figs can be guaranteed.

5. Water and Fertilizer Management

Water and fertilizer management is a very critical step in all cultivation; it can directly affect the yield and quality of the plants being grown, and figs are the same. The most important thing to note in fig water and fertilizer management is that it should be managed according to the growth stage of the fig tree. First, during the young tree stage, we mainly aim to promote the growth of branches and leaves, so farmyard manure or nitrogen fertilizer can be used to promote growth, and fertilizer needs to be applied at least four to five times a year. For trees that have reached maturity, fertilizer only needs to be applied in early spring, when flowering and fruiting, and after the fruit is harvested. Each time fertilizer is applied, it can be combined with watering, which can both prevent the tree from being damaged and improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption.

6. Field Management

During the growth of figs, pruning branches and leaves is a very necessary step. First, when the fig tree has grown to a certain stage, we need to prune its branches and leaves to promote the growth of its side branches. Mid-stage pruning of branches and leaves is to maintain air circulation in the field, while late-stage pruning of branches and leaves is to increase the yield of figs. Next, before winter arrives, soil should be banked up around the tree, which can provide a certain degree of frost protection. At the same time, we can whitewash the main trunk, which can also reduce damage to the tree from some pests.

The above is an introduction to how to grow fig trees. We hope it is helpful to everyone.