How do you grow figs on a balcony so they bear fruit? Just do these few things

A netizen grew a fig on their own balcony, and it actually bore fruit! This thing, it was like magic, instantly lighting up an ordinary life.Nowadays many people like to grow a few flowers and plants on the balcony, adding a bit of life to the home. This netizen was no exception; at first, they just thought of growing a fig on the balcony, just as a way to find a little fun in life. When it was bought, that fig sapling was tiny and frail-looking; who could have imagined it would later cause such a big stir? Previously everyone always thought figs had to be grown in a yard, but unexpectedly a balcony can also produce fruit. Today I have organized this netizen's experience, so flower lovers who want to try it should save it quickly!

Come to think of it, container-grown figs bearing fruit is not really anything rare, but many people still have a misunderstanding, thinking that only by taking root in the ground and occupying a large patch of land can they bloom and set fruit. Figs can absolutely be grown in containers, and they are much easier to grow than you think! Their root system is not especially deep; as long as the pot is big enough and the soil is chosen correctly, even an enclosed balcony can work. But note, not all varieties are suitable for container growing; you have to choose "dwarf varieties," otherwise they will grow to one or two meters tall and simply will not fit on a balcony. Varieties such as "Bo Jihong," "Balaonai," and "Qingpi" are very suitable; their plant height generally does not exceed 1.5 m, the branches do not grow wildly, and they bear fruit early. Grow them for 1-2 years and they can set fruit, making them especially suitable for home container growing.

Next, how to choose the flower pot; do not be careless with this step. When first growing a small sapling, a pot with a diameter of 25 cm is fine; by the second year of growth, switch to a pot with a diameter of 40-50 cm and a depth of at least 30 cm, otherwise the root system cannot spread out and fruiting will be affected. For material, choose ceramic pots or purple clay pots first; they have good air permeability and the roots are not prone to rot when watered; absolutely do not use plastic pots, especially those without holes. Once the sun hits them in summer, the pot soil gets hot and the roots are easily smothered and damaged. Remember, the bottom of the flower pot must have drainage holes; even drilling a few extra is fine.

Then there is the soil formula. Figs are not picky about soil, but if you want them to bear a lot of fruit, the soil must be loose and nutritious. I usually use a mix of "leaf mold 2 parts + garden soil 2 parts + river sand 1 part," plus a little decomposed sheep manure or chicken manure as base fertilizer. In this way the soil is airy and retains fertilizer, and the root system can grow especially strong. If you find it troublesome, you can also directly buy ready-made "special nutritional soil for fruits and vegetables," but do not use pure garden soil; it easily compacts, and after watering it will not seep down for a long time, and over time the roots will rot.

Light is absolutely the "vital gate" for container-grown figs. It is famously a sun-worshipping maniac and must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. If the balcony faces south, put it directly on the outermost side and let it bask from morning to night; if it faces east or west, it can only get half a day of sun, and it may only grow leaves without bearing fruit; do not even think about a north-facing balcony; there is not enough light, and no matter how long you grow it, it will be useless. Even in summer high temperatures, there is no need to shade it; the more it is sunned, the stronger the branches, and it is actually easier for it to develop fruit; just remember to water promptly and do not let the pot soil dry out and crack.

Finally, water and fertilizer management; only when this step is done well can it set fruit. Water according to "dry-wet alternation": wait until the surface of the pot soil is dry 2 cm down before watering, and when you water, water thoroughly until water leaks from the bottom of the pot; do not give "half watering." During the fruiting period (5-8 months) it must not lack water; lack of water will cause the fruit to drop; in winter when the temperature is low, reduce watering to once a week. As for fertilizing, after sprouting in spring, apply a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer once every 2 weeks to make the branches grow strong; starting in 5 month, switch to a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (such as monopotassium phosphate), applying it once every 10 days, which can promote flower bud differentiation and produce more fruit.

Growing figs in containers is really not difficult; as long as you choose the right variety, give enough light, and do well with water and fertilizer, even a small balcony corner can produce a fig tree covered with fruit. When the fruit ripens in autumn, pick it and eat it directly; it is much fresher than what you buy at the supermarket, and you can also experience the joy of growing. Friends who want to try it can start in spring!