What are the precautions for growing figs?
The fig is a warmth-loving plant with a very short flowering period but a high fruiting rate, and its edible and medicinal value are both relatively high. It has effects such as relieving constipation, aiding digestion, strengthening the stomach, and preventing and fighting cancer. There is now even a famous fig wine exported abroad, and its market prospects are excellent. Many places in our country now grow figs, so let us take a look below at what needs attention when growing figs.
1. Planting time
Because of the fig's growth habits, we need to pay attention to the planting time when cultivating it. In most areas of our country, figs can be planted in two seasons, namely in March and April in spring and in September and October in autumn. Figs planted at these times will have a slightly higher survival rate.
2. Propagation methods
Figs can propagate on their own, so what we need to pay attention to is transplanting the root suckers produced after the fig propagates; 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 relatively sturdy branches down and cover them with soil, and after a certain time roots will grow, after which they can be transplanted. Finally, cuttings can also be used for propagation, but before cutting, the branches should be soaked in carbendazim, which can increase 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 controlled at around 20 to 25 degrees, so that they can survive in about 3 to 4 days. Next, the lowest temperature for growing figs cannot be lower than 5 degrees, otherwise they will very likely be frostbitten. Next, the highest temperature cannot 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 sunlight. Next, figs have a relatively strong ability to propagate on their own, so when planting, they need to be planted at a row spacing of 3 m and a plant spacing of about 2 m. This way, the field ventilation will be relatively good, and it will also be convenient for later field operations, 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 planting, as it can directly affect the yield and quality of the crops, and figs are the same. The most important thing to note in fig water and fertilizer management is that management should be carried out according to the growth stage of the fig tree. First, during the young tree period, 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 4 to 5 times a year. Once the tree is mature, however, 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 of branches and leaves is a very necessary part. 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 branches. The pruning of branches and leaves in the middle period is to maintain field ventilation, but the pruning of branches and leaves in the later period is to increase the yield of figs. Next, soil should be banked up before [the trees overwinter], which can provide a certain degree of freeze protection. At the same time, we can whitewash the main trunk, which can also reduce the harm some pests cause to the fruit trees.