Fig tree, or fig, is relatively rare in Russian gardens. If it takes root, it perfectly begins to bear fruit and perfectly performs decorative functions. Readers will be interested to know how figs grow, what a fig tree is and how to care for it.
Fig tree or fig
Figs, whether it be a tree or a shrub, belongs to the genus Ficus, the Mulberry family. In the wild, it is common in the countries of the Mediterranean, India, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan. Cultivated in the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea. The areas where this tree grows have a warm and humid climate. The plant does not tolerate colds less than -12 degrees. It can be grown at home.
Fig tree
The fruits of the fig plant have high palatability, while their calorie content is small. The fruits of the fig tree are also a huge storehouse of vitamins and minerals, as well as organic substances: pectins, fiber.
Origin and appearance
Readers will be interested in a description of what figs look like. This fruit tree or bush has a height of up to 10 m. In the presence of fairly thick branches. The bark is light, smooth.
The leaves are large, with the next arrangement, have from 3 to 7 blades. Above, their color is darker. They can grow in the wild up to 15 cm long and up to 12 cm wide. The petiole is long and strong.
In the axils of the leaves are inflorescences. Their shape is pear-shaped. They are hollow and have a small opening at the apex. Depends on how the fig blossoms. The name of male inflorescences is kaprifigi, female ones are figs.
Interesting. The hole serves to pollinate the inflorescences of the wasp of the blastophage. Wasps hatched in the male fig flower. When they leave it, they get dirty with pollen. They are attracted to the smell of female flowers. When insects get there, they leave pollen. Depending on when the fig blossoms, the fruits ripen in the future.
The fruits of the fig tree are sweet and juicy. Their shape is pear-shaped, length - up to 8 cm, radius - up to 5 cm. The weight of each fruit is from 30 to 70 g. Small seeds are inside the fruits.
The color of the fig trees and the size vary greatly in each variety. The most common colors are yellow and yellow-green, as well as blue.
Fig tree can often bloom during growth. Male inflorescences grow from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. Female inflorescences are formed in summer and autumn. The plant blooms in the second, sometimes in the third year after planting. The crop stabilizes after the plant reaches the age of seven.
Types and varieties of figs for growing in the garden
There are some varieties of fig trees suitable for growing in a garden.
Fig fruits
Dalmatian
This variety was bred in the Tbilisi Botanical Garden in 1901, and again in Italy and Germany. In Russia, it grows in the Black Sea zone. Belongs to self-fertile varieties. It withstands frost up to -15 degrees.
The first crop of these fruits is removed in July. The number of fruits ranges from 20 to 35. The second crop is more plentiful. The trees are low, sprawling, have a flattened crown. Inflorescences are large, long-pear-shaped, have an extended apex. Leaves are large, with 5 to 7 lobes.
The fruits of the first harvest are large enough - up to 180 g, the second smaller - up to 90 g. The hue is greenish, yellow. The flesh of the berries is dark crimson.
Brunswick
This is one of the most frost-resistant varieties of figs. Enthusiasts are trying to grow it even in central Russia, sheltering for the winter. It can withstand frost to -27 degrees in covered ground.
Figs Brunswick fruits
The variety is quickly restored after winter, letting new sprouts from the root system. The gardener needs to protect these processes as much as possible.
In the subtropics, the plant grows to a height of more than 2 m, but in the climate of Russia this height is unacceptable. During planting do not allow excessive spread of the root system. The leaves of this plant are very large, reaching 25 cm in length, with rugged lobes. Flowers are hardly noticeable; they are in the future receptacle.
The plant gives 2 crops per year: in July and September. The first wave is insignificant: the tree produces few fruits weighing about 100 g. The skin of the fruit has a purple tint. The taste of the fruit is sweet. The autumn harvest is more abundant: the tree produces fruits weighing up to 70 g.
Important! In the middle band, the fruits of the yellow yellow second wave may not ripen to the end due to the early onset of frost.
White adriatic
This is a self-made variety, giving 2 crops per year. Perfect for growing in open soil. The fetus does not need additional pollination.
The fruits of this variety are small - up to 60 g. The hue is yellow, greenish. The flesh is pink, the taste is richly sweet.
The difference of this variety from others is that it not only withstands frosts well, but also gray rot disease. Since the skin is dense, the variety is not suitable for workpieces. The advantage of fruits is that they can be stored for a long time.
Kadota
This self-pollinated variety is bred in California. The fruits ripen early, weigh about 60 g. The shape of the fruit is pear-shaped, rounded, very juicy. Since the fruits are dried on the branches, they are ideal for jams and preserves.
The color of the fruit is green-yellow, the shape is pear-shaped or rounded. They have an intense aroma and rich taste.
Figs ripen
Seedlings are planted on the sunny side. For the winter they need to be covered.
Randino
This is one of the best varieties of fig tree. The fruits of the first crop have a weight of up to 100 g, the second - up to 60 g. The shape of the fruit is asymmetric, elongated, beautiful olive color. It differs in rather thick shoots.
This variety is resistant to pests.
Planting a seedling after purchase
Sapling can be grown in two main ways: at an angle of 45 degrees and with the formation of a horizontal cordon. In the first case, the bending of branches before shelter is facilitated. In the second case, the seedling is planted vertically, the top is cut off to it. Side shoots bend to the ground.
Planting figs
Shoots are arranged as sleeves directed in different directions. They form buds, from which branches grow. They ripen a crop of figs.
What you need for landing
For planting, a hole is dug up about a meter and a half long, about a meter wide and up to 80 cm deep. A great depth is not needed, because the roots of this plant branch horizontally.
The topsoil needs to be folded separately, it is then poured into the hole. At its bottom is placed one and a half buckets of humus (it can be replaced with compost), 200 gr. superphosphate and as much potassium fertilizer. Then a small layer of fertile land is poured.
A mound is formed in the fossa, on which the roots of the seedling are distributed. They are covered with earth, compacted and watered abundantly.
The plant sits in open soil around the beginning of May, when the threat of night frost finally passes.
Optimal place
First you need to choose the warmest and most protected place from the cold winds in the garden. A trench breaks out if you need to immediately plant several plants.
Care
Implementation of care recommendations increases the stability of the fig, its yield.
Fig Care
Watering mode
Seedlings are watered after planting very abundantly. In the future, the frequency of irrigation is reduced to several times a month. However, it is impossible to completely stop watering during the formation of inflorescences, because the plant is hygrophilous. To conserve water, it is recommended to mulch.
Watering stops only during the ripening period. The last time the plant is watered after collecting all the fruits. This increases its frost resistance.
Top dressing
The rules for plant nutrition are as follows:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are introduced in the first third of the growing season.
- In the middle of the summer period, phosphates should be added.
- In the late summer and early autumn, potash fertilizers are applied.
- Each month, the trace elements necessary for the growth of the tree are introduced.
- Foliar top dressing is carried out 2 times a month.
- From organic fertilizers, ground, humic acids are introduced.
Why figs do not bear fruit
Readers are wondering why figs are shedding fruit. The plant may not bear fruit due to pests. The most frequent:
- ognevka (causes rotting of the fruit, because of which the flowers fall and fall off);
- leafworm (affects the plant so that the leaves may turn yellow, the fruits rot, the stem dries out, the flowering of figs stops);
- leaf-leaf slows the development of the stem;
- the beetle tree attacks the bark, due to which the plant dies.
Luboed
Fertilizing during fruiting
During the fruiting period, potash fertilizers are applied. It is important to feed the plant before the end of the growing season, i.e. when ripening the second stage of the fruit.
Winter preparations
In autumn, when all the leaves fall, the bushes bend to the ground. Then they are tied, sprinkled with earth or dry leaves. You can cover the plant with layers of leaves or spruce branches, additionally protect from above with roofing material.
Note! Bend the branches very carefully so as not to break them.
When freezing occurs, the branches are covered with black spanbond (in 2 layers). After some time, the plant is additionally covered with a layer of plastic film.
In the spring, the shelter is gradually removed. It can be completely removed only when a stable spring weather is established without the return of frost.
Figs - a beautiful thermophilic plant that adorns the garden and brings delicious fruits. It is not difficult to grow it, despite the vulnerability to frost.
