- Figs are used in many recipes.Kraig Scarbinsky/Digital Vision/Getty Images
The beauty of fig trees is that they are easy to grow, and the fruit they bear -- which can be eaten straight from the tree -- is a wonderful added bonus. Different varieties of fig include the Peters Honey, which is perfect for eating fresh, the extra large, very sweet-tasting Texas Blue Giant, and the Black Mission, which is a common variety for dried or canned figs. - Take the root system into account when planting your fig tree; make sure you have the depth and width to accommodate the spreading roots. If your soil is particularly dense and heavy, add planting mix to break it up. Make sure you take off any dried or damaged roots before placing the tree upright in the hole. As a general guide, place it up to 4 inches deeper than the pot in which you purchased it. Eliminate air pockets by repeatedly packing the soil down while you fill the hole. Never fertilize at this stage; a thorough watering will help the soil to settle.
- Fig tree roots can be susceptible to drying out because they tend to be close to the surface of the soil. Keep an eye on the tree's leaves; if you notice wilting, that can be a symptom of insufficient watering. Water more frequently during hot and dry spells. Mulching (spreading a protective layer of compost over the top of the soil) will reduce water loss, minimize weeds and improve the soil structure. If your soil has poor natural drainage, do not overwater.
- During the first three growing seasons, prune your fig tree once a year to achieve the shape you want; thereafter, stick to very occasional pruning to encourage new growth or control the size of the tree. If you prune unnecessarily or too heavily, it can have an adverse affect on the following season's yield.
- Your fig tree is far more likely to survive low temperatures as long as it reached maturity and lost all of its leaves. A tip for encouraging dormancy and restrict growth is to keep fall watering to a minimum. As an extra precaution against frost, nets of fairy lights and frost blankets may protect young fig trees from damage. If branches do become damaged, wait until the spring to prune them to be sure that frost will not return.
- The best fertilization tip for your fig tree is not to overdo it; too much nitrogen can result in substandard figs.
- As soon as you see your figs start to ripen on the tree, pick them. Leaving them too late makes them a prime target for pests and souring. Remove any spoiled fruit immediately to keep predatory insects at bay. At the point where the fruit is picked from the tree is the substance known as fig latex; this can irritate the skin so make sure you wear protective gloves and have no exposed skin on your arms.
