Common figor otherwiseCommon figis a plant belonging to the genus Ficus, a close relative of the ficus cultivated in apartments. Among all the cultivated figs, it is the common fig that is best suited for cultivation in the ground in Poland. Here's whatgrowing figs in the groundand in a pot, what the common ficus needs, can we wait for figs and how to get their cuttings.
Fig, common fig
Fig(Ficus carica) is one of several hundred species belonging to the genus Ficus.It is predisposed to cultivation in Poland in the ground because of the best frost resistance among all fig species, and the fact that it does not require pollination to bear fruit. Common ficus (this is another and basically more correct name for a fig) can take the form of a short tree with a loose crown or a shrub with numerous root suckers. These fig trees are quite long-lived - they can live up to 80 years. Leavescommon fighas large, dark green leaves, rough on the outside and mossy on the underside. Plants grown in our climate lose their leaves for the winter. In warmer climates, however, figs are evergreen.
Flowerscommon fig treeappear in spring. They look like small green fruits. These fruits grow to become purple as they ripen. What we used to call the fig fruit is nothing more than the just unfolded axis of the inflorescence that widens and curls inward, forming a pocket with a narrow opening to the outside. The actual flowers grow inside this pocket, forming hard stones over time that we can feel while eating.
The maturity of the fig fruit can be recognized by the fact that when it is picked it leaks white, sticky juice. The ripe fruit is sweet and somewhat bland. Unfortunately, the fruit does not store well and it does not tolerate transport well, therefore in Poland, wherecultivation of figsis not widespread, we know them mainly in dried form. Dried figs can be stored for up to a year.
Growing figs in Poland - in a pot or in the ground?
Can figs decorate our gardens? Of course, but they can only stay there seasonally. The biggest problem with figs is their sensitivity to low temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended togrow figs in a pot , which can be moved to a cold, frost-free room for the winter.
Figs grown in a potusually take the form of a shrub and require frequent pruning as they grow too fast. The diameter of the pot should be 30 to 38 cm. Provide the plant in a sunny position and provide heavy soil with clay.The soil should be alkaline, which you can get by mixing garden soil with chalk or magnesium lime. The substrate should not be too wet, so water the plant moderately (do another watering only when the top layer of the soil is dry).
Common fig - leaves
Fertilization is necessary from May to October. It is best to apply a multi-component fertilizer for potted plants, giving subsequent doses of fertilizer approximately every 3 weeks.
In the summer periodcommon fig treecan be placed on the balcony or in the garden. However, in the fall, before the onset of the first frosts, it must be taken to a frost-free room. Now the plant will go into a dormant state. During this period, it will stop growing and lose leaves. It should be provided with a bright and cool room, and should not be fertilized or watered. In mid-February, the plant is moved to a warmer room (temp.room, sets by a well-lit window and begins to water regularly. When the first leaves appear, start fertilization.
Fig in a potshould be replanted every two years. When transplanting, it is a good idea to trim the excessively bulging roots of the plant.
All-year-round cultivation of figs in the ground
If you decide tocultivate a fig tree in the ground , you need to provide the plant with a sunny place, sheltered from the wind, e.g. at the southern wall of the building. In winter, it is necessary to protect plants from frost and wind. We secure both shoots and roots. You can use straw mats for this, pine bark is also good.
In spring, the shoots are cut in half length. If the whole plant happens to be cold, all the shoots need to be cut. When we start watering and fertilizing the plant, it should bounce off the root suckers. Unfortunately, in figs grown in our climate in the ground, the fruit usually does not have time to ripen.
Fig - ripe fruit
Harvesting and use of figs
Fig fruits when they are completely ripe, they hang down, they are delicate and have a slightly cracked skin. The most delicious are eaten raw, but you can also dry them. They are also suitable for compotes, jams and syrups. Fig juice is believed to have a strengthening effect on the heart and coronary vessels. Figs boiled in milk relieve cough and sore throat. The seeds have a mild laxative effect.
Diseases and pests
Figs grown in a potcan be attacked by potted plant pests such as spider mites and whitefly. We get rid of these pests by washing the fig leaves with water mixed with dishwashing liquid.
Figs reproduction
A good wayto reproduce figsis to lay-up. In order to multiply by layering, pin the young figs to the ground in the spring.Insert their lower parts into the groove, and then cover the groove with soil. The shoot will take root if you keep the substrate moist. In autumn, cut the rooted shoot from the mother plant and plant it in the final place.
Common Ficuscan also be propagated by woody cuttings from one-year increments. To do this, in the fall, after the leaves have fallen, cut the shoots into several-eyed cuttings, and then place them in the ground, covering them completely. In spring, the seedlings can be taken out and planted in their target place.
You can also try propagating figs by one-year-old herbaceous cuttings. In this case, in August or September, 10 to 20 cm pieces of leafy shoots are cut off and placed in a box of perlite or sand, providing them with high air humidity and plenty of heat.
