How to Grow Figs: A Complete Guide to the Cultivation Techniques of the "Star of Anti-Cancer"

The fig is also known as the milk fig, honey fig, and Yimri fig, among other names, and is hailed as the “Star of Anti-Cancer.” It has high medicinal and health value, is deeply loved by the public, and is also one of the green, pollution-free foods. So, what cultivation techniques are there for figs? Let's find out together!

I. Propagation Methods

Figs mainly have three propagation methods: cuttings, layering, and division. Figs have strong vitality and their branches root very easily, so cuttings are mainly used. Cutting propagation is fast, easy to carry out, and has a high survival rate. Cuttings are generally taken in spring, because the climate and other conditions in spring are suitable for propagation in every respect. Select branches that are strong-growing, disease-free, and have short internodes as cuttings, insert them directly into the seedbed, water them, and keep the soil moist. At a temperature between 20-25 degrees, they will root in about 3-4 days.

II. Planting

Figs like a dry environment with plenty of sunlight, and sandy loam is the best soil type. When the new plant sprouts and grows new leaves, it can be planted. Before planting, the soil should be plowed and disinfected to improve soil fertility and promote the growth of the seedlings. The planting distance is generally about 3-4 m, with a plant spacing of about 2 m. If planted in a warm climate and soil with good quality, the row and plant spacing can be appropriately expanded. Planting can be done in spring and winter; spring planting is generally in March, and winter planting is generally around December.

III. Training and Pruning

Training and pruning figs is relatively simple and does not require too much effort. It is suitable for pruning into a natural multi-main-branch form, and it is enough to keep about 4 main branches for the whole plant. The overall crown is formed by multiple main branches. When growing figs, it is necessary to promote more branching so as to rapidly expand the crown.

IV. Field Management

After the plants are planted, loosen the soil and remove weeds, and a moderate amount of fertilizer may also be applied to promote more branching. Because figs are fairly tolerant of fertilizer, fertilization can be heavy, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can quickly promote the growth of branches and leaves. At the same time, fig trees are cold-tolerant but not waterlogging-tolerant. Apart from the fruit enlargement stage, they do not need much watering at other times, and soil moisture even needs to be controlled. If its root system remains in a waterlogged environment for a long time, it will cause root rot and lead to flower drop, fruit drop, leaf drop, and even death of the plant. Therefore, drainage measures should be well implemented, and even more attention should be paid on rainy days.

V. Pest and Disease Control

Compared with other tree species, figs have relatively fewer pests and diseases. The main pests and diseases of figs include anthracnose, gray mold, rust, and longhorn beetles, among others. For diseases, carry out prevention once every half month; for insect pests, carry out prevention once a week, and pay attention to timely observation.

The above is the fig planting method compiled for you by Tuliu.com. Do you understand it all now? If conditions are suitable, you can make an investment.