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Fig tree planting is relatively simple but being educated on the variety of fig tree you are planting is essential to getting a good crop of fruit. Fig fruit have a unique structure and certain types of fig trees have a symbiotic relationship with the Blastophaga wasp. Proper planning of fig tree planting and a few simple maintenance steps can insure a healthy productive tree.
Fig tree planting in the Gulf Coast area of Texas has been extremely successful. The climate is perfect for fig production. If you live in the North or Western United States you can still have fig trees but more care and planning will be required to keep the trees from freezing and suffering from other issues. When considering fig tree planting a homeowner will want to select the proper variety for the area and purchase the right combination of fig trees to plant to insure pollination will occur.
There are four horticultural types of fig trees. The least demanding is the Common fig as it does not need pollination to produce fruit. It is by far the most popular fig tree but not the only choice available. The other three types have a relationship with each other that require the presence of the non-edible Caprifig and Blastophaga wasps. Smyrna fig tree varieties produce large pitted fruit that are most often eaten as dried figs. San Pedro figs are unique in that they can bear two crops each season. The first crop comes from last season’s wood and the second on the new growth if pollinated by a Blastophaga wasp with pollen from a Caprifig tree. Knowing which type of fig trees you have will determine your overall fig tree planting scheme.
Sunlight is a primary concern when planning your fig tree planting. While full sun all day long is optimal early morning sun is a necessity for the health of the fig tree. Dew needs to be dried from the tree to reduce disease and allow for good fruit production. Planting fig trees along a southern exposure is always a good choice. If the area is prone to freezes in the winter fig tree plantings along a southern wall exposure can offset the risk considerably. Water is the next consideration. Fig trees should not be planted anywhere that water stands more than 24 hours. Fig trees have rather shallow root systems and need to have excellent drainage.
Dig a hole bigger and deeper than the roots require and set the tree two to three inches deeper than it was in the nursery pot. Trim broken or dry roots before fig tree planting. Crumble moist soil around the roots and tamp it down to make sure all the roots have good contact with the soil. After a through watering to settle the soil around the roots watering should be reduced for a short period of time to allow the transplanted roots time to set.
Such is the simplicity of fig tree planting for the homeowner.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about trees and shrubs and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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