Plantation and Care – Blog

Fig is an exotic species that we usually associate with hot areas. However, figs can be successfully grown in the territory of our country, provided that the climatic conditions allowed it. Discover below what characteristics and needs have this species and how you can successfully cultivate it.

General information on the fig.

Figs It is a species that grows naturally in the Mediterranean basin and in the Middle East. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years in countries such as Iran, Türkiye or Greece, being highly appreciated for its sweet and tasty fruits, called figs.

Normally Figro grows in a bush, but by directing its growth, in hot areas, it can also develop in the form of a tree. The large dark green leaves, from the fig, are toothed and reach about 30 cm wide. The fruits are developed by a single bud, without requesting pollination. Figro begins to bear fruit from the second year of life, paying fruits twice a year if the frosts do not affect. This species is long and can survive up to 80 years.

In our country, figs can be grown in areas with a warmer climate, such as the gorge of the Danube, the western counties of the country or the coast. Some of the most common fig varieties you can grow in your country are: Crimea, Caracal 3, Drobeta 1 and 3, from Portugal, Svinita 1, Calimerna.

Plant and multiply the fig.

Being a subtropical species, the FIG will have certain requirements in terms of sowing surface. The ideal temperature range that this bush prefers is from 17 to 26 ° C. During the growth season, temperatures should not lower 4 ° C to survive.

Given the origin of the fig, the drought is easily tolerated, but it is convenient to water the harvest in the areas where little or little rains. The ideal floor for figs is the sandy or Franco Franco, the limestone is also adequate. The figs also like the earth with a good drainage and regeneration, and the best is a pH value between 6 and 7.

The light is essential for the fig, this species prefers a place as sunny as possible, but it can also tolerate the partial shadow. A final condition for figs to grow successfully is that they are as protective as possible of the wind.

To establish a prickly pear harvest, it is necessary to work a little in advance. Soil preparation. These include scarification of up to 50 cm deep, mobilization up to 30 cm depth in autumn, soil fertilization, crushing and leveling.

From Higueras plantation materialYou can use cuttings, dragons or marcots. The fig plantation is similar to that of other species. Fruit trees. Sowing is performed in file and the ideal orientation is Nord-South.

The best time to launch roots is autumn, but the plantation can also be done in spring. The distance between the files should be 4 to 5 meters and the distance between the plants in the same row from 2.5 to 4 m. The distance will be different according to the variety, some figs are more vigorous and need more space.

During the plantation of figs, hole of the cave about 40 cm long, wide and depth, but in the open field the holes are enlarged, between 60 and 80 cm.

Care of Higuera

Although the FIG Fico tolerates the heat well, it may be necessary to water the plant from time to time, especially during dry periods. Every year, Fig's harvest requires an average rain of 700-1400 mm. If the average annual rain does not exceed 700 mm, the harvest must be irrigated, the most effective method is the step method drip. Water the pussy of figs It can be done weekly, more frequently in dry periods.

To optimize the development of figs, it is necessary The weeds are eliminated periodicallywork that can be done manually, with hoe or mechanically. In autumn it is possible to plow the soil between the rows at a depth of about 13 cm.

Regular cuts They are another essential step in the treatment of fig crops. Both types of pruning can be applied to this bush: training and fruiting, even if only training pruning is required. Training cuts will help to regulate the shape of the crown and reach a pleasant appearance, which will also promote healthy development. The shape of the arbust is the easiest to maintain for the cultivation of figs. At the same time, this allows a faster harvest.

During these cutting operations – which can be performed both in the autumn, when the plant enters vegetative rest, as in spring – the branches of 1 year up to 40 cm are shortened, the dry or patients of the plant are eliminated, as well as The outbreak that seem to grow inside the bush.

To increase the harvest, walnut cuts can also be made in the second half of March. They imply the elimination of a third or quarter of the aging of fruitful formations.

Regardless of the period or type of work done, You have to wear gloves and wash your hands well After making the cuts, because the fig can eliminate the toxic substances during cutting. At the same time, be careful not to take the hand in the face when cutting the row of the fig.

To maintain figs in optimal conditions and guarantee a good harvest, you can apply fertilizers At the beginning of spring, then in May and at the end of the summer.

Fig is a very resistant species Diseases and parasites. If some diseases such as jewelry, gray rot or anthrachnosis are still developed or if the garden is attacked by woolly lice, turtles lice, white flies or red spiders, they can apply Specific treatments that you can easily find in a specialized shop or in our product portfolio.

Before the beginning of winter you can prepare fig. Cut the branches, cover them with straw or corn cobs and wrap them in a protective cloth (Yute bag), To protect it from the wind and the difficult conditions of the cold station.

Collection and conservation of fruits.

The fig offers maximum fruit production in the fourth or fifth year after sowing. Being a species that fruit twice a year, COLLECTION It will be done in two phases. The first should take place in July and the second in autumn.

Autumn collection can be made for a long period of time, from September to November, as soon as the fruits are ripe. The collection of ripe figs (soft and purple) is performed by hand and mature (for jam, jam) is performed by cutting the fruits of the branches.

Fresh figs can be eaten immediately after the collection, making jam, syrup or conservation for a long time. At the same time, figs can dry and eat nuts for a long time. Figs are a simple species that you can grow successfully if you live in one of the hottest areas in the country. The fruits of this small tree are very tasty, they can be used in a variety of dishes and are good throughout the year. If you are ready to cultivate your figs, don't forget that we can offer you advice and treatments.