Planting Fig Trees

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Planting Fig Trees

This tree (more like a bush in appear-lox) is seldom found in commercial orchards,when it is, the fruits are almost always=her preserved or dried. The reason is that

the fig does not continue to ripen after beingpicked, and by the time it reaches its peak, it istoo perishable to ship without expensive pre-cautions. Therefore, to enjoy delicious freshfigs, your own "dooryard" tree is a requisite.

Fig Propagation: New trees are usuallystarted from cuttings, or by layering. Thecuttings should be about 3/8 inch in diameter,ten to 12 inches long and from one- or two-year-old wood. It may be rooted where thetree is desired, set six to seven inches deep withonly one bud left above ground.

Like all fast-growing semitropical plants,the fig responds quickly to fertilizer. There isdanger in overfeeding, however, as lush tendergrowth is easily damaged by cold. A slow,mature growth is preferred to a fast one. Aheavy mulch in the summer to retain moisture,and in the winter to protect against the weather,plus a spring application of good compost, willusually guarantee even growth. A tree treatedlike this needs no cultivation.

Different varieties thrive in different locali-ties, according to their resistance to coldweather. The fig requires warm summers, mildwinters, ample moisture, and excellent drainage.It thrives when planted next to a house, for thebuilding offers some winter protection. If thetrees are protected by heavy mulch, or by about15 inches of soil over the roots during winter,they will come out from the root and producefruit that year, although the top may be killedback by severe cold. Older trees are usuallymore resistant to cold. Young trees are some-times pulled over and are covered with soilduring the winter.

One good method to prevent loss of treesto severe cold is to cut out superfluous branches,wrap layers of burlap around the others andtie them in a bundle without breaking them.Tar paper or oilcloth may be applied for extrasecurity against the cold.

Harvest: Figs should be allowed to re-main on the trees until they ripen sufficientlyto drop from their own weight. Then they canbe dried on large wooden trays placed in thesun. Drying will decrease their weight by abouttwo-thirds and should only take about two days,since the figs are already partially dried whenharvested.

Insect and Disease Problems: The figmeets with little trouble from insects or diseases.It is an ancient tree, popular for thousands ofyears, and has survived the test of time. In theGulf Coast area, the most common insect pests are nematodes and tree borers. To disco,nematodes, the tree should be planted in d,cultivated heavy soil and encouraged todeeply. Shallow-rooted trees in sandy soilmore susceptible to nematodes. Plantinga building also discourages nematodes, wdo not infest the roots under the structure.

Tree borers are discouraged byhousekeeping in the garden. Any deafbroken limbs should be pruned lamed..and the scars and any other breaks in theshould be promptly painted with tar orother healing aid.

Rust and cotton root rot are thecommon diseases in the South. The rust.the tree borer, is prevented by careful hkeeping. Strong, healthy trees are seattacked. Cotton root rot can be preyonly by not planting the tree in soilcotton has been grown.

Paper bags tied around the fruitprevent the predation of birds, who seemenjoy the fig almost as much as do hum-

Cultivars: In the Southwest, MisKadota and Genoa are popular. Sowclimes are most successful with Celeste. I4and Verdone. Hardy cultivars for the Ninclude Brown Turkey, Magnolia and DiR

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