Fig tree or fig - a description of what the fruit looks like
Content:
The fig tree, or figs, is relatively rare in Russian gardens. If it takes root, then it begins to bear fruit perfectly and perfectly performs decorative functions. Readers will be interested to know how figs grow, what a fig tree is and how to care for it.
Fig tree or figs
Fig, whether it be a tree or a shrub, belongs to the Ficus genus, the Mulberry family. In the wild, it is distributed in the Mediterranean countries, India, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan. Cultivated in the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea. The areas where this tree grows are distinguished by a warm and humid climate. The plant does not tolerate colds less than -12 degrees. It can be grown at home.
Fig tree
The fruits of the fig plant have high taste, while their calorie content is low. The fruits of the fig tree are also a huge storehouse of vitamins and minerals, as well as organic substances: pectins, fiber.
Origin and appearance
Readers will be interested in a description of what a fig looks like. This fruit tree or bush has a height of up to 10 m. There are quite thick branches. The bark is light, smooth.
The leaves are large, with regular arrangement, have from 3 to 7 lobes. Above, their color is darker. They can grow in the wild up to 15 cm in length and up to 12 cm in width. The petiole is long and strong.
In the axils of the leaves are inflorescences. Their shape is pear-shaped. They are hollow and have a small hole at the top. How the figs bloom depends on this. The name of the male inflorescences is kapriffi, the female inflorescence is figs.
The fruit of the fig tree is sweet and juicy. Their shape is pear-shaped, length - up to 8 cm, radius - up to 5 cm. The weight of each fruit is from 30 to 70 g. There are small seeds inside the fruit.
Fig tree fruit color and size vary greatly with each variety. The most common colors are yellow and yellow-green, as well as blue.
The fig tree can often bloom during its growth period. Male inflorescences grow from early spring to late autumn. Female inflorescences are formed in summer and autumn. The plant blooms in the second, sometimes in the third year after planting. The crop stabilizes after the plant reaches seven years of age.
Types and varieties of figs for growing in the garden
There are some varieties of fig trees that are suitable for growing in a garden.
Fig fruits
Dalmatian
This variety was bred in the Tbilisi Botanical Garden in 1901, a second time in Italy and Germany. In Russia, it grows in the Black Sea zone. Refers to self-fertile varieties. Withstands frost down to -15 degrees.
The first harvest of these fruits is taken in July. The number of fruits ranges from 20 to 35. The second harvest is more plentiful. The trees are low, spreading, and have a flattened crown. The inflorescences are large, long-pear-shaped, and have an enlarged apex. The leaves are large, with 5 to 7 lobes.
The fruits of the first harvest are large enough - up to 180 g, the second smaller - up to 90 g. The shade is greenish, yellow. The pulp of the berries is dark crimson.
Brunswick
This is one of the most hardy fig varieties. Enthusiasts are trying to grow it even in central Russia, covering it for the winter. It can withstand frost down to -27 degrees in sheltered ground.
Fig fruits Brunswick
The variety quickly recovers after winter, releasing new shoots from the root system. The gardener needs to protect these growths as much as possible.
In the subtropics, the plant grows to a height of more than 2 m, but in the conditions of the Russian climate, such a height is unacceptable. Do not over-spread the root system during planting. The leaves of this plant are very large, reaching 25 cm in length, with indented blades. The flowers are inconspicuous, they are in the future fertile.
The plant gives 2 crops per year: in July and September. The first wave is insignificant: the tree produces few fruits weighing about 100 g. The skin of the fruits has a purple hue. The taste of the fruit is sweet. The autumn harvest is more plentiful: the tree bears fruits weighing up to 70 g.
White adriatic
It is a self-fertile variety with 2 harvests per year. Ideal for open soil conditions. The fruit does not need additional pollination.
The fruits of this variety are small - up to 60 g. The shade is yellow, greenish. The pulp is pink, the taste is rich and sweet.
The difference between this variety and others is that it not only withstands frosts well, but also the defeat of the gray rot disease. Since its skin is dense, the variety is not suitable for blanks. The advantage of the fruit is that it can be stored for a long time.
Kadota
This self-pollinated variety originated in California. The fruits ripen early, weigh about 60 g. The shape of the fruit is pear-shaped, round, very juicy. Since the fruit withers on the branches, it is ideal for jams and preserves.
The color of the fruits is green-yellow, pear-shaped or rounded. They have an intense aroma and rich taste.
Figs ripen
Saplings are planted on the sunny side. They need to be covered for the winter.
Randino
It is one of the finest fig tree varieties. The fruits of the first harvest weigh up to 100 g, the second - up to 60 g. The shape of the fruits is asymmetric, elongated, of a beautiful olive color. Differs in rather thick shoots.
This variety is resistant to pests.
Planting a seedling after purchase
The seedling can be grown in two main ways: at an angle of 45 degrees and with the formation of a horizontal cordon. In the first case, it is easier to bend the branches in front of the shelter. In the second case, the seedling is planted vertically, the top is cut off. Lateral shoots are bent to the ground.
Planting figs
Shoots are arranged like sleeves pointing in different directions. Buds are formed on them, from which branches grow. On them the harvest of figs ripens.
What is needed for landing
For planting, a hole is dug about one and a half meters long, about a meter wide and up to 80 cm deep. Great depth is not needed, because the roots of this plant branch out horizontally.
The top layer of soil must be folded separately, then it is poured into the hole. At its bottom, one and a half buckets of humus are placed (it can be replaced with compost), 200 gr. superphosphate and the same amount of potash fertilizer. Then a small layer of fertile soil is poured.
A mound is formed in the hole, on which the roots of the seedling are distributed. They are covered with earth, compacted and watered abundantly.
The plant is planted in open soil around the beginning of May, when the threat of night frosts finally passes.
Optimal location
First, you need to choose the warmest place in the garden and protected from cold winds. A trench is pulled out if you need to plant several plants at once.
Care
Following the care recommendations increases the stability of the fig and its yield.
Fig care
Watering mode
The seedlings are watered very abundantly after planting. In the future, the frequency of watering is reduced to several times a month. However, it is impossible to completely stop watering during the formation of inflorescences, because the plant is moisture-loving. Mulching is recommended to conserve water.
Watering stops only during the ripening period of the fruit. The last time the plant is watered after harvesting all the fruits. This increases its frost resistance.
Top dressing
The rules for feeding the plant are as follows:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the first third of the growing season.
- Phosphates should be added in the middle of summer.
- Potash fertilizers are applied in late summer and early autumn.
- Every month, microelements necessary for the growth of the tree are introduced.
- Foliar dressing is carried out 2 times a month.
- From organic fertilizers, ground, humic acids are applied.
Why figs do not bear fruit
Readers are interested in why figs drop fruit. The plant may not bear fruit due to pests. The most common:
- moth (causes rotting of the fruit, due to which the flowers fall and crumble);
- leaf roll (affects the plant so that the leaves can turn yellow, the fruits rot, the stem dries up, the figs stop flowering);
- the louse slows down the development of the stem;
- the bark beetle attacks the bark, causing the plant to die off.
Beetle
Top dressing during fruiting
During the fruiting period, potash fertilizers are applied. It is important to feed the plant before the end of the growing season, i.e. when the second stage of fruits ripens.
Preparing for winter
In autumn, when all the leaves have fallen, the bushes bend to the ground. Then they are tied, sprinkled with earth or dry leaves. You can cover the plant with layers of leaves or spruce branches, additionally protect it from above with ruberoid.
When frost comes, the branches are covered with black spunbond (in 2 layers). After a while, the plant is additionally covered with a layer of plastic wrap.
In the spring, the shelter is gradually removed. It can be completely removed only when stable spring weather is established without the return of frosts.
Fig is a beautiful thermophilic plant that adorns the garden and bears tasty fruits. It is not difficult to grow it, despite its vulnerability to frost.
