If you want to try and grow an unusual, delicious, and almost trouble-free fruit crop, consider figs. Figs are delicious fruits that have been cultivated and cultivated since ancient times. This plant, known as “Ficus Carcia”, is native to Western Asia and the Middle East, but is now cultivated throughout the world. These trees will grow well without protection in zones 8-10, as well as in cooler areas if you choose hardier cultivars or give the plants adequate winter protection.
Health Benefits
The fruit is rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and Copper. It also contain vitamin A, E and K.
These were used by ancient cultures as a stimulant, to improve sexual health in both men and women.
Fibre is very important for healthy, balanced digestion. Figs contain lots of fiber, which prevents constipation and diarrhea.
Eating these fruits can help you to lower your blood pressure by boosting potassium.
Figs are a healthy source of iron, and this helps to deliver oxygen to cells of the body.
Figs rolls or biscuits are a delicious treat which are made using a filling made from figs.
Eating figs regularly can be an excellent way to help weight loss.
The soluble fibre prevents the plaqueing of the arteries. It does this by removing clumps of cholesterol out of the circulatory system.
They also contain prebiotics which supports friendly bacteria in the gut, and digestive system.
Fig plants have been used as a Mediterranean folk medicine for softening calluses, removing warts and deterring parasites.
Planting Figs
Site selection
Figs thrive in areas with long, hot summers (zones 8 and warmer), although they can also be grown in cooler areas if grown in containers and properly insulated from freezing temperatures or brought to the cold.
The common fig tree (Ficus carica) is the most popular fig tree species for home gardeners because its flowers do not require pollination to produce figs. There are many varieties of the common fig tree, including hardy cultivars that can be grown outdoors in slightly cooler climates (zones 6 and 7). Other fig species either do not produce edible fruit or have very specific pollination requirements (such as pollination by a certain type of wasp), making them too difficult for home gardeners to grow.
Figs can be eaten fresh from the tree, stored, or used for cooking.
How to plant?
Take the plant out of its pot and remove all the roots in a circle by setting the root ball aside and using the scissors to cut the roots.
Dig a hole a few inches deeper and wider than the root. Place the tree on top of a small mound of soil in the middle of the hole. Make sure to separate the roots from the trunk without bending them excessively.
Plant the tree 2-4 inches deeper than it originally was in the pot (check the trunk color to see the original soil line).
Care
Water young fig trees regularly to help them establish themselves. In areas with a dry climate, water the fig trees abundantly at least once a week.
Unless grown in containers, most fig trees do not require regular fertilization. However, if your fig tree is not growing much (less than 12 inches in a growing season), you can add ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen supplement. Distribute the nitrogen in 3 to 4 strokes. Begin applying nitrogen at the end of winter and finish in mid-summer.
You can also apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help prevent weeds and keep the roots moist.
Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to promote growth.
If you have a strong growth of figs, you can thin the fruits to promote larger figs.
In cooler areas, bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter. Keep the soil moist.
If your area has a particularly cold winter, fig trees planted outdoors may die to the ground. If the tree is a hardy variety, the underground part of the tree is unlikely to be affected. Remove all dead wood while the tree is still dormant and watch for new growth in the spring.
Harvesting Figs
You should only harvest figs when they are fully ripe, as they will no longer ripen from the tree. Figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
You may need to invest in bird netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds and squirrels.
When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves as the sap from the fig tree can irritate your skin.
Figs are very perishable. Store the figs in the refrigerator; they keep for 2 to 3 days.
For long-term storage, you can freeze whole figs for later use. Another method of preservation is to dry the figs. You can also keep your own figs.
Disease, Pests, and Their Management
Rot Alternaria(Cladosporium herbarum)
Small olive-green spots or sunken olive-yellow lesions covered with green spores on fruits; water-soaked areas on fruit surface where figs touch;
Management
Rot can be minimized by picking the fruit before it is overripe; reducing dust in orchards can also help reduce the incidence of rot.
Aspergillus rot(Aspergillus spp)
Inner tissue of bright yellow figs; all or part of the interior has become a powdery mass of spores.
Management
Avoid stressing the trees by providing adequate watering; reducing dust in the garden can help reduce the incidence of rot.
Botrytis Limb Blight(Botrytis cinerea)
Cankers above and below the fruit; shoots that die; beige spores on shoots in late winter or early spring; withered shoots; foliage on infected shoots wilts and turns light green or brown.
Management
The infected areas of trees should be pruned starting just below the canker.
Fig mites(Aceria ficus)
Blisters on the surface of the leaves that cause redness of the leaves; twigs may be stunted and leaves may fall from trees.
Management
Sulfur or crop oil spray applications are effective in controlling blister mites and should be applied if mites have been a problem in the past year; Chemical treatments must be applied before flowering.
