Growing Figs

Essential Fertilization

The importance of regularly fertilizing fig trees, specifically in containers, using a slow-release fertilizer.

Proper Watering

Overwatering and underwatering fig trees can be problematic, especially for trees in containers. If using plastic cups use 3 0z water when needed.

Canopy Management

Dense canopies can hinder fruit formation due to lack of sunlight.

Importance of Pruning

Excessive pruning can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to more growth rather than fruiting. Maintaining apical and lateral buds is crucial for fruit formation.

Preventing Late Frosts

Highlights the detrimental impact of late frosts on fig trees’ new growth.

Maintaining Dormancy

Skipping this process can lead to a weaker tree in the spring due to increased pest pressure and insufficient care.

Sunburn Protection

The issue of sunburn in fig trees when transitioning from low-light to high-light environments. Sunburn reduces photosynthesis and can set back the growth of fig trees.

Premature Harvesting

A cautionary discussion on the harvesting of figs too early, including the advice that the indicator of fig ripeness lies in the softness of the neck, not the color, honey drops, or cracking. An emphasis is made on the importance of allowing figs to fully ripen on the tree, as store-bought figs are often picked too early, resulting in a significant loss of flavor and quality.

Proper Pot Size

A mistake often seen is keeping figs in small pots, which restricts their growth and negatively impacts fruit production.

Improper Winter Storage

Improper winter storage or inadequate cold protection can cause the branches to die back, a mistake that can be easily avoided by following recommended guidelines.

Fig trees need to be kept above 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and suggests avoiding warm, unheated basements as they can lead to premature wake-up of the tree.

Choosing the Wrong Variety

Different fig varieties have different tastes and growth characteristics, so choosing the right variety for your climate and conditions is crucial to successful cultivation.

Here’s a simple 3-step process to ensure you harvest your figs at the optimal time:

Step 1: Look for figs on the tree that exhibit the visual indicators of ripeness mentioned earlier.

Step 2: Gently squeeze the necks of these figs to assess their softness.

Step 3: Pick the figs with the softest necks.

Every fig grower must learn the feel of their fig varieties’ necks when they’re ripe. Once you have mastered this skill, you can enjoy the full flavor and nutritional benefits of homegrown figs, harvested at the peak of their ripeness.