Do fig trees prefer shade or sun? A detailed guide to planting methods and precautions
How could any sweet summer list be complete without figs! That little "honey fruit"hidden in the leaf axils bursts open into dense, soft, sticky flesh, and the sweet juice melts on the tongue; even elderly people with bad teeth and children can happily munch away on it. No wonder that once the fruiting season runs from June to November, the whole internet is showing off their own fig harvests!
But those growing figs always have a pile of little questions:
Reader 1"If planted in the ground, do you have to water it every day?"
Reader 2"What should I do if it only grows leaves and does not fruit?"
Reader 3"I want to take cuttings but do not know where to start?"
Do not worry! This complete fig growing guide covers everything from care to pests and diseases, so even beginners can easily getall the sweet fruit they want.
Little-Known Facts About Figs
It is not "flowerless"; the flowers are hidden inside the fruit! What we eat as the "flesh"is actually its syconium. Is that not amazing?
The tree form is truly elegant! It works as a potted plant to decorate a balcony, and when planted in the ground it can grow into a small tree; it fruits early, has few pests and diseases, and is extremely beginner-friendly!
Packed with nutrition! High nutritional and medicinal value, eating it in summer clears heat and moistens the lungs; it is practically a natural "wellness fruit"!
Must-Read for Beginners! Core Points of Daily Care
1. Light: Loves sun but fears scorching
At least 6 hours of light per day; remember to shade it at noon in summer, because sunburned leaves turn yellow.
Insufficient light leads to fewer fruits, so move it quickly to a spot with good ventilation and light!
2. Watering: The key is to water when dry and let it dry out between waterings
Watering in the ground: No need to water every day! Water again after the surface soil dries, and water thoroughly each time; drain promptly on rainy days to prevent root rot (the question readers asked about watering in the ground is answered right here).
Watering in pots: Keep the potting soil slightly moist during the growing season, spray the leaves to cool them when dry, and water less in winter to keep it alive!
3. Temperature: A true warm-weather lover
The optimal temperature is 18-25°C; in summer, when it exceeds 30°Cit needs ventilation and spraying, and in winter, when it drops below 5°Cremember to keep it warm.
Soil: Loose and fertile is enough
It tolerates poor soil but prefers sandy loam; when mixing your own soil, you can add leaf mold +river sand, since good drainage is what prevents root rot.
4. Pruning&Propagation: The secret to making it bear more fruit
Do not be afraid to prune!
A reader asked"In spring it grows so many young shoots; should I prune them?" Of course you should! Cut off messy and overly dense branches and keep strong main branches; otherwise the nutrients are all stolen by the leaves and the fruit will be scarce.
Usually, promptly cut old leaves and yellow leaves to maintain the plant shape and also reduce diseases!
Cuttings are super simple; choose branches like this:
Choose semi-lignified branches (not fully hard old wood, and not too tender new growth), with a length of 15-20cm, keeping 2-3 bud nodes
Cut off the lower leaves, make a slanted cut at the base, soak in rooting water for 10 minutes, insert into moist sandy loam, shade and keep moist, and it will root in 2-3 weeks.
Worried that birds will steal the fruit when planted in the ground? Root a few pots and put them on the balcony to achieve "a double harvest indoors and outdoors"!
5. Pest and Disease Control: How to Save It When You Spot Problems
Leaves turning yellow and withering?
Insufficient light:Move it to a place with plenty of light+good ventilation.
Not enough water or fertilizer:Water promptly+a light fertilizer supplement.
Anthracnose
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