Content
- The care of the fig tree
- Which location is suitable?
- Which types of figs should you choose?
- Planting the fig
- How are figs repotted?
- How much water and fertilizer does the fig need?
- Can fig trees be cut?
- Which diseases and pests are there?
- Tips & Tricks
The care of the fig tree
Figs are considered demanding, sensitive and complicated to maintain. However, this is a prejudice that does not apply, because figs adapt well to the climatic conditions and soil conditions of their location. Properly groomed, the decorative woodland grows magnificently without the famous green thumb and produces many delicious fruits.
Which location is suitable?
The natural home of the fig are the Mediterranean regions, where the trees have been cultivated on large plantations since antiquity. Even in our latitudes you should therefore give the fig a warm and sheltered location in the garden. Even in the bucket on the balcony or terrace the fig grows well. Alternatively, a place in the winter garden or in front of a sunny window is recommended.
Which types of figs should you choose?
Always choose frost-resistant figs, as they can cope well with the winter temperatures in our latitudes. These requirements are met, among others, by the varieties:
Planting the fig
The right time to plant the fig is after the last frosts in early spring. Put the tree a bit deeper than it was cultivated in the pot of the nursery. Fill the planting hole with a mixture of compost soil and topsoil that will loosen up with fine sand and gravel.
How are figs repotted?
A bucket fig must be put into a new planter about every two years. Figs thrive well in conventional flower or balcony potting soil.
How much water and fertilizer does the fig need?
Figs love damp surfaces, but at the same time they are extremely sensitive to too much water. For this reason, always water both the pot and the figs only when the soil feels dry. Never let the root ball dry out completely. In the growth phase from spring to late summer, you can add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water once a week.
Can fig trees be cut?
In the spring you should remove all dead and frozen branches. Even a strong pruning the fig tree tolerates well.
Which diseases and pests are there?
Figs are very robust woody plants that are rarely attacked by pests. Plant diseases are often due to care mistakes.
Tips & Tricks
Always give the fig adequate winter protection and overwinter bucket figs in a sheltered corner of the terrace or in the house. This is the only way to ensure that the fig does not freeze too far and will produce many fruits next year.
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