Popular in the home garden for their sweet and delicious exotic fruit, fig trees are easiest to grow in warmer climates, but can also do very well in colder areas if given the proper protection against winter wind and cold. These versatile trees can even be grown successfully in containers, making it easy to bring them indoors for the winter in extremely cold climates. Depending upon which of the many varieties of fig trees you choose to grow, your tree could produce golden or green figs with a mild flavor, or purple, reddish, or dark brown figs that are bolder in flavor. Fruit from a productive fig tree is delicious fresh, or can be dried or frozen to be used year round in any number of recipes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Propagation of fig trees can be done with a soft wood cutting, which means a cutting taken from an area of new growth on an established tree. However, in order for your cutting to develop roots, it must either be taken in the late winter when the tree is dormant, or dormancy must be simulated. This can be done by wrapping cuttings loosely in damp paper towels and placing them in the freezer for about two weeks.
2. Trim the ends of the cuttings at a slant and apply rooting hormone, then place them in a rich, well drained soil mixture and keep moist until roots develop, which should take approximately six weeks. Of course, if you aren't lucky enough to have a generous fig growing neighbor from whom you can get cuttings, you can also start fig trees with seedlings or young trees purchased at the local garden center.
3. Choose a location for the fig trees that receives full sun for at least 8 hours a day. Morning sun is especially important, ensuring that dew will dry quickly in the mornings, helping to prevent fungus and disease. Fig trees should be placed at least ten feet apart, as many varieties will reach ten feet in width once firmly established. Average soil with plenty of compost mixed in is ideal, but don't add manure, as over fertilization will often promote lush foliage at the expense of fruit production. Newly planted fig trees must be kept moist, but once established need only to be watered during prolonged dry periods. In fact, over watering can damage fruit, causing it to swell and split open. Fig trees grown in containers will need a bit more care than those planted directly in the ground, as soil will dry more quickly.
4. Growing fig trees in colder climates requires some special care to protect against winter weather. Wrapping the fig trees in burlap, then placing a layer of clear plastic over the burlap can help protect them from cold weather damage. Insulating the base of the fig trees with straw or old leaves is also advisable. Container planted fig trees can be moved to an unheated garage or shed for the winter, requiring little light or water during this dormant period.
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