Fig

Background

• The fig tree is deciduous and typically 6m in height.
• The fig tree prefers hot dry dummers and cool moist winters.
• Figs require 300 hours of chilling.
• The tree has relatively shallow roots and although it will survive droughts will drop its fruit.
• Figs can produce two or three crops per year.

Cultivation

• Plant new trees in winter when dormant.
• Place the tree where it will receive full sun.
• The tree benefits from irrigation, but apply less water when fruits are ripening as additional water may result in fruit splitting.
• Keep the addition of mature compost fertiliser to a minimum as overfeeding will result in more foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Training

• Train to a vase shape.
• Trim back excessive vertical growth so that the tree remains at a manageable size.

Pruning

• Old trees that need rejuvenation can be pruned back hard in winter.
• Remove crowded and crossed branches. Remove long shoots by cutting back all the way to where it connects to the parent branch.

Pests and Diseases

• birds
• fruitfly
• fungal diseases

Propagation

• Cuttings dusted with hormone rooting powder.
• layering technique similar to berries.