What are figs and where do they grow? Beneficial properties and contraindications of figs: fruits for female beauty, male strength and good health of the whole family

How figs bloom, because they are considered to be one of the most ancient plants cultivated by man. Its Latin name translates as “ficus carian.” It is given by the name of the area in Asia Minor - mountainous Caria, which is presumably the birthplace of this plant.

Figs have many other names given to them by ordinary people: fig, wineberry, fig tree, fig tree. It is distinguished from many other plants by its flowering characteristics. How do figs bloom? We'll tell you further.

Initially, the ancient Arabians began to grow figs. Subsequently, their experience was adopted by the peoples of Egypt, Phenicia and Syria, and then by the ancient Greeks.

Fig photo of tree and fruit

Sweet fig fruits were highly valued for their nutritional value; they could be stored dried for a long time, and during periods of poor grain harvest they came out on top in demand.

For a long time, Ficus Carian was the only known genus in European countries.

It was brought to America at the end of the 16th century; it became known in Russia only in the 18th century. under the modified name "fig".

Currently, the fig tree is grown in countries with warm tropical and subtropical climates:

• in Central Asia;
• in the Caucasus;
• in Crimea.

Carian ficus is highly valued as a fruit bearer due to its high nutritional value and abundance of yield. How do figs grow? Plants live a very long time by human standards - the oldest specimens are more than 150 years old.

The fig tree is a light-loving tree; sufficient lighting is the main condition for fruiting. Figs also require a warm, humid climate to grow well.

What does a fig look like? Under natural conditions, fig trees reach a height of 10 m. Their trunks are covered with light gray smooth bark. The hard, large leaves have several separate lobes.

The fruit is an infructescence consisting of many drupes. The fruits are pear-shaped and may differ in color depending on the variety:

• green;
• reddish;
• yellow;
• yellow-green;
• purple;
• black and purple.

Unripe fruits are poisonous, so only fully ripe fruits should be collected.

How figs bloom

Figs photo

The peculiarity of figs is that not all of their specimens bear fruit, and flowering does not occur in the sense in which we are accustomed to understanding it.

Back in the time of the world-famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, other scientists allegedly discovered two types of figs, which later turned out to be two sexes of the same plant: female and male.

Thanks to this discovery, it became clear that figs are a dioecious plant.

On female plants, fig inflorescences (syconium) are formed - flowers with long or short columns. On male specimens - caprifigs - smaller inflorescences are formed. Both inflorescences develop through the growth of the axis into an oval-spherical formation, hollow inside and having a small hole at the top.

Currently, several self-pollinating varieties of figs have been bred, but this plant is mainly pollinated by a special type of wasp called blastophagous.

Fertilized female blastophages penetrate the inflorescences of male fig plants. Then it lays eggs there and flies out through the hole at the top of the inflorescence. The larvae that emerge from the eggs live and feed on substances obtained from the inflorescence itself.

Pollination of figs occurs due to the fact that, in search of a place to lay eggs, a female blastophage can enter the female inflorescence.

Pollen from the caprifig, remaining on its body and legs, falls on the female flowers, thereby pollinating them. Thus, blastophages and the fig tree cannot exist without each other: insects feed and live in the inflorescences of the plant, which in turn bears fruit only thanks to their pollination activities.

How to get a high yield of figs

Figs prefer warm climates, but can also be successful in northern regions. To survive the winter, trees growing in open ground are covered during frosts. It is also practiced to grow figs in greenhouse conditions.

Sectional view of a ripe fig fruit (photo)

Most fig tree varieties bloom twice a year. When do figs ripen? The first harvest of the fig tree ripens in late spring - early summer from inflorescences formed in the fall of the previous year, the second - in the fall from the ovaries of the current season.

Typically, spring-ripening fruits in cold climates do not have time to ripen completely and have poor taste, so gardeners remove them to speed up the ripening of the main crop.

Special cold-resistant varieties have been bred for cultivation in the northern regions.

Growing figs in open ground

To find out how figs bloom, it is important to plant the fig tree correctly and properly care for the plant. The homeland of figs is Mediterranean countries with a mild climate. In such areas the fig fruit is grown as a tree, but in cold climates the fig tree grows as a shrub. The main thing is to provide the wine berries with shelter for the winter.

There are several ways to protect your fig tree from the cold. It can be planted at an angle so that in the fall it is easy to bend the shoots to the soil or cut off shoots directed upward so that the plant grows wider.

To plant a fig tree, you need to choose a warm place on the site, protected from cold winds and drafts. The planting hole needs to be large. It is about a meter long and wide, and 60-70 cm deep. The rhizome of the fig plant is superficial.

In order to create an optimal environment for the plant and collect large quantities of fig fruits, when planting, you need to use several buckets of rotted organic matter and 200 grams of superphosphates and potassium sulfate. These products can be replaced with ash.

It is best to plant this southern guest in early May. An abundance of heat and sunlight will have a positive effect on the fig bush.

The fig tree requires plenty of moisture immediately after planting. This kind of care for the fig bush is needed until the plant takes root. Afterwards, the culture is moistened 2-3 times a month. But, if the weather is hot and dry, the number of waterings of wineberries should be increased. It is important that the plant does not look lethargic; the leaves should be elastic.

During the period when fig fruits ripen, it is important to reduce watering or stop it altogether. Otherwise, ripe figs may crack. Before sheltering for the winter, you can carry out remedial pruning.

Preparation for winter depends on the climate. Typically, shoots need to be bent to the soil from mid-October to early November. The branches need to be secured with pins and covered with several layers of agrofibre.

In cold regions, you can additionally use a layer of sawdust. On spring days, you need to remove the shelter when the likelihood of sub-zero temperatures has passed. To avoid rotting of the fig tree roots due to a thaw, we do not recommend planting the bush in a lowland.

When do figs ripen? Fig fruits can be collected 2-3 years after planting.

This crop is practically not affected by diseases and pests. The fertilizer scheme is standard. In spring, complex products with a high nitrogen content are needed. When flowering and fruit formation begin, we recommend feeding the wine berries with potassium and phosphorus. Before sheltering for the winter, only potassium is used to increase winter hardiness.

Why don't figs bear fruit in the garden? There are several reasons. First of all, this is a lack of lighting; the fig tree still does not form fruits if there is a lot of space for the rhizome. Sometimes you have to use special barriers. Lack of moisture and fertilizers also have a significant impact. The yield is negatively affected by the thickening of the crown or its freezing in winter.

While watching the video you will learn about the propagation of figs.

Thus, figs, which many people associate with a warm southern climate, are quite possible to grow in the middle zone. If planting and care conditions are met, fruits can be obtained.

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Figs are the oldest tropical plant with a lot of unique, beneficial properties that are unfairly underestimated. Latin name of a crop belonging to the genus carica). The plant is called fig tree, fig tree or fig tree in different regions. It has become widely known since ancient times. According to some interpretations of the Old Testament, it was figs that Adam and Eve ate as a forbidden fruit.

Many people are familiar with it, but few people know about the beneficial properties and other features of the oldest horticultural crop, including where figs grow. A photo and a brief description underneath will not reveal all the interesting and important information.

Beneficial features

Figs, due to the beneficial properties they contain, are considered one of the most nutritious fruits. It does not harm health, but there are some contraindications to its use, for example, people with gout and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should not eat this fruit. It is not recommended to abuse dried berries during pregnancy or diabetes. The daily norm for a healthy person is 3-4 berries.

Among other things, it is effective for weight loss, as it leaves you feeling full for a long time and has a slight laxative effect. In addition to valuable substances, the berries have high taste qualities. But, despite its sweetness, the calorie content of the fruit is relatively low (49 kcal per 100 g). The fruits are consumed fresh, dried and canned. It makes amazing jam, pastille, compote and wine, thanks to which figs have acquired another name: “wine berry”.

The leaves are used in India as livestock feed, and in France as a raw material for obtaining new aromas in perfumery. Fig latex contains: malic acid, rubber, renin, resins and many other valuable elements. If latex juice gets on your skin, if it is not removed immediately, it can cause irritation.

How does it grow?

This is a large shrub (8-10 m) with thick smooth branches and a wide crown. The trunk diameter reaches up to 18 cm, the root system is 15 m wide, and the roots go up to 6 m deep. Large fig leaves are tough with irregularly toothed edges and dark green to grayish green in color. The leaf reaches 15 cm in length and 12 cm in width.

It is interesting to know: all ficus trees are divided into female and male individuals, and they are pollinated by blastophagous black wasps. These wasps cope well with the task assigned to them, as evidenced by large harvests.

Tree inflorescences have small holes at the top through which pollination occurs. Moreover, on which tree the fig grows depends on whether the fruits are edible or not; only females are, the flowers of which do not need pollination.

The pear-shaped fig fruits grow up to 10 cm in length, are sweet and juicy, yellowish-green or dark purple in color. It is a hollow, fleshy vessel with small, partially closed scales. The size and color of the fruit depends on the variety. The most common are dark blue, yellow and yellow-green.

Unripe berries should not be consumed as they contain inedible latex. Depending on the variety, ripe figs can contain from 30 large to 1600 small seeds. Growing in favorable conditions, a fig tree can bear fruit for 200 years. The tree can bloom several times throughout the year, but the fruits set towards the end of the warm period, from summer to autumn.

Where does it grow?

According to many historians, the fig tree was the first plant cultivated by humans, which began to be cultivated 5 thousand years ago. The historical homeland of ficus is Saudi Arabia, where the plant is widely used in the food and medical industries. Over time, the area where figs grow spread to Europe and the Canary Islands.

Back in 1530, ficus fruits were first tasted in England, from where the seeds were imported to South Africa, Australia, Japan, China and India. The history of American figs dates back to 1560, when the imported seeds began to be grown in Mexico.

In the Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) and on the black coast of Russia (Abkhazia, Southern coast of Crimea), ficus has been growing since ancient times. Where figs grow wild in Russia, the climate is warm and dry. Large areas of plantings are located in neighboring Turkey, Greece, as well as in Italy and Portugal.

In Venezuela, this fruit is one of the most popular today. In 1960, a state program was created, thanks to which the serious development of industrial production of this crop began. In Colombia, figs have long been considered a luxury. Today, the attitude towards the fruit has changed, because figs grow here in every garden. The conditions turned out to be too favorable, but the love for the berry did not become weaker.

Climate and soil

In the tropics and subtropics, figs grow in hilly areas at 800-1800 m above sea level. The plant is unpretentious and frost-resistant, can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C. The dry climate is ideal conditions for growing fresh fruit. With high humidity, the fruits begin to crack and quickly deteriorate. However, a too dry climate adversely affects the quality of fruiting; fruits begin to fall off before they have time to ripen.

Almost any soil is suitable for cultivation, provided that there is a well-designed irrigation system, suitable:

• rich loam;
• heavy clay;
• light sand;
• limestone;
• acidic soils.

Where does the exotic fruit grow in Russia?

This seems impossible, but it is quite possible to cultivate a subtropical crop quite successfully in our northern climate and, despite the severe winter frosts, it will produce a good harvest. This requires only the correct agricultural technology.

Where figs grow wild, with an average daily temperature of +10 °C over the entire growing season, the sum of temperatures reaches +4000 °C. With such indicators, the harvest will be abundant and stable. Therefore, when cultivating crops on your own, it is important to provide the same conditions using the trench method.

Under certain conditions, with mandatory shelter for the winter, you can plant a fig tree in central Russia. Although in the Caucasus and Crimea it is found growing wild. In the Krasnodar Territory, in October-November, fig trees require special greenhouse conditions to survive the winter. In regions with a sharply continental climate, the crop is grown in winter gardens and greenhouses. Figs bloom 2-3 years after planting. It produces high yields from 7-9 years of age. The culture is propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering.

How to grow figs at home?

For planting at home, low-growing varieties are selected. Seedlings usually sit in tubs or boxes so that they can be easily taken outside or onto a balcony. The plant must receive its share of sunlight, which is several months a year. This is done when the weather is already warm outside, and there will probably be no frost at night. The planting container must be strong enough to support well-drained soil and the weight of the plant itself.

The soil is mixed in proportions 2:1:2 with sand and compost. To form a single tree, when the trunk reaches a height of 0.5 m, the top is pinched. Every year the container needs to be changed, as well as the soil, because figs grow quickly and their root system needs space. In a box, a tree can bear fruit up to 3 times a year: in spring, late summer and late autumn. It is important to provide additional heat and light for the last fruiting so that the fruit does not fall off prematurely.

Features of cultivation

Many gardeners worry about plant growth stopping and leaves dropping at certain times, even with proper care. There is no need to worry because figs grow in the subtropics and are considered a deciduous tree that has its own dormant period. At this time, the tree is placed in a cool place, and you should also begin to feed and water it more passively.

It is capable of often bearing fruit and producing tasty, juicy and healthy fruits, which in their nutritional properties are in no way inferior to their counterparts from the winter garden. The tree takes root well on the site, especially in warm regions. It is important to know how figs grow and to take into account that through the roots, which are located near the fig tree almost on the surface of the earth, it receives all the nutrients, including such valuable oxygen.

Therefore, experienced gardeners carefully and regularly loosen the soil around the trunk. In areas where the climate is not very arid, a simpler and more effective way would be to grow grass on a circle around the trunk and mow it. Many people plant ficus as an ornamental plant because its leaves are very beautiful - rugged and large.

Do figs grow in Crimea?

In Crimea, figs bear fruit twice, and this fruit is called here exactly as neither fig nor fig. The first ripening season is mid-summer, the second is from August to September. Including imported varieties, there are approximately 280 plant species in Crimea. Enormous experience in planting this crop has been accumulated here, although it has not yet reached industrial production. Figs grow in Crimea and in abandoned areas, which only makes them run wild, but does not disappear.

Academician Pallas P.S. believed that the old trees growing on the Crimean Peninsula have remained since the times of ancient Greece and are proof of the cultivation of agriculture by the most ancient culture on these lands. However, in the 18th century, the development of gardening declined.

Nikitsky Botanical Garden

From the beginning of the next century, scientists began to seriously study figs and began not only to study the plant, but also to breed different varieties, of which there were already 110 in 1904. Today, including imported selection, the garden’s collection includes more than 200 types of figs. In the botanical garden you can purchase seedlings of different varieties, including those adapted to different regions of Russia.

The trees are most often found on the South Coast, where purple and white berries, dried, dried and canned, can be seen in markets. Where figs grow in Crimea, it is possible to buy fresh fruits, but imported varieties are extremely rare on the shelves. They simply do not reach us fresh, as they do not tolerate long-term transportation. If you still manage to come across such fruits, then you need to choose them carefully. They should be without damage, dense, but pressed through with a little pressure.

How do you eat figs?

Figs are a unique fruit, healthy in any form and combined with any food. The fresh fruit is picked straight from the tree and eaten like an apple; it is juicy and very sweet. For variety, you can season it with cream, sour cream, ham, liqueur or nuts. Dry berries are added to salads or baked goods; the combination with other dried fruits or candied fruits is also delicious. Fresh figs spoil quickly, so it is not recommended to store them; it is better to eat them as quickly as possible. The maximum you can count on is 3 days in the refrigerator.

Much has been said about the benefits and how figs grow. The photos you can find are not the most successful of this fruit; many, by the way, don’t like the way it looks, but the taste and its most valuable properties have not diminished.

What other benefits do fig tree fruits have?

Dried figs are a real “first aid kit”; they are a good antidepressant, normalize blood circulation, give strength and increase vitality. An effective remedy for colds is to boil dried fruits in milk and drink. Helps well with bronchitis and sore throat. In terms of fiber content, figs can be considered a real record holder, and only walnuts have more potassium, and more iron than apples. Therefore, it is recommended for use by people suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

Fig (fig tree) is not just an ordinary plant, it has been revered by many peoples at all times. The ancient Greeks considered the fig fruit a symbol of fertility, the Italians recognized the fruit as the personification of abundance. This is due to the unusual structure of the fruit - only 1 fruit can contain about 1000 grains. And in Rome, the fig tree has a sacred meaning, since it is believed that the founders of the empire were grown under it.

In Russia, this fruit is not so widespread, since it can only grow in regions with a warm climate. Nevertheless, everyone knows about this unique fruit.

Features of the plant

Figs have several other names: “ficus carica”, “wine berry” or fig. In nature, it is a multi-stemmed tree with a spreading, lush crown, curved branches and large foliage. The height of the trunks reaches 10 meters, their bark is quite smooth and has a light gray tint. Since figs are ficus plants, they have a specific pungent juice.

The skin of the fruit itself is quite tender and soft. Inside, the ripe fruit is filled with sweet red contents with many small grains. If the figs are overripe, then fermentation processes may begin in them, even on the branches. That is why the fruits are called “wine”.

Description

To get a more complete picture of such an unusual plant, Let us give its detailed biological description.

• Family- Mulberries.
• Genus- Ficus.
• Leaves. The foliage of the tree is tough, large in size and has falling stipules. Small shoots arise in the leaf axils, which in the future produce inflorescences of figs and caprifigs, bearing flowers of both sexes.
• Fruit. The ripe fruits are juicy, resemble a pear in appearance, and have a pronounced sweet taste. Their length can be up to 8 cm, and their weight is about 50-70 grams. On top they are covered with the finest skin with small fibers. The skin can be yellow, yellow-green or dark blue. It depends on the variety and degree of ripening. On top of the fruit there is a small eye covered with scales.
• Pollination. The plant blooms and fertilizes in a very specific way, since different-sex inflorescences appear on different trees. To pollinate figs, a certain rare species of wasp is required.

Figs contain a large amount of pectins, organic acids and other useful substances:

• vitamins B, C, PP;
• beta-carotene;
• magnesium;
• iodine;
• calcium;
• phosphorus, etc.

By the way, figs are superior in potassium content only to nut crops, and they contain much more iron than apples.

Regular consumption of figs can prevent the formation of blood clots, maintain optimal blood sugar levels, and reduce the presence of cholesterol. The fruits of this tree are used as an effective antipyretic, diuretic, diaphoretic, and antioxidant. This fruit is very useful for women, as it can reduce pain during menstruation, and also have a positive effect on the formation of the baby during pregnancy.

However, in addition to its positive properties, figs have a number of contraindications. Let's list the main ones.

• Individual intolerance. If you don’t know for sure whether you are allergic to figs or not, then you should not immediately eat them in large quantities. Eat just one small fruit and see how your body reacts over the next few hours. If no negative consequences (rash, itching, redness, etc.) were found, then in the future you can consume this sweet and tasty fruit without fear.
• Gout. Since figs contain oxalic acid, they can be harmful to people suffering from this disease.
• Urolithiasis and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. If you suffer from such problems, then you should limit your consumption of figs, as they can aggravate the situation.

Habitat

Figs are the oldest fruit plant. Presumably it began to be grown in Arabia, and later in Syria, Egypt and Phenicia. Such a tree came to the USA only at the end of the 16th century.

This plant is found in an area with a subtropical climate and has a fairly wide distribution. Thus, figs grow in the Caucasus, the Carpathians, Central Asia, the Caribbean and Bermuda Islands, and Crimea. The climate of these regions allows plants to fully develop in open soils. In addition, figs grow in the Mediterranean, Transcaucasia, on the shores of the Black Sea, Krasnodar, India, Australia and the Iranian Plateau.

The distribution area of ​​such a plant is extremely large. But the tree grows really well only in tropical conditions. And on the territory of the Black Sea coast there are frosts that can harm plantings.

Under what conditions are they grown?

Despite the fact that the plant produces such an excellent harvest, it is completely unpretentious in care. Figs are able to grow and bear fruit even on poor soils. Moreover, sometimes the tree even grows on rock slides. This means that before planting such a plant, no special treatment or fertilizer is required. There is no need to protect it even from insects and pests.

The tree tolerates cold well, which means that low temperatures will not affect the harvest of sweet fruits. A tree can be pruned and trimmed without fear at absolutely any age.

However, there are still some nuances during cultivation. The fig tree does not do well in excessively damp soil. In addition, pollinating wasps are not as resistant to frost as the plant itself; this should not be forgotten.

The fig tree spreads by seeds, green shoots and root suckers. The fruiting period begins 2-3 years after cultivation. This is considered a very early date for fruiting plants. At the same time, from about 7 years old, the tree begins to produce a consistently large harvest.

The approximate lifespan of a fig tree is about 100 years. But there are cases when the plant lived up to 300 years.

When is the harvest harvested?

If the tree has already reached fruiting age, then you can begin to collect the first harvest. It usually ripens in June or July. But at this time it is possible to collect only a small amount of fruit. While in the fall (September and October) the time comes to harvest the main fig harvest.

It should be understood that the indicated periods refer to plants that are not characterized by one-time fruiting. And not to low-growing varieties of plants, the fruits of which, on the contrary, ripen much faster than conventional crops.

Interesting fact: a tree can simultaneously contain the ripe fruits of this season and the beginnings of the future. This feature allows the buds to swell already in the last May days of the next season. At the same time, the fruits from them are very large and early ripening.

To find out whether the fruit is ripe or not, you can touch it. Ripe figs are quite soft to the touch, and some dryness can be detected around the stalk. But to be 100% sure of the ripeness of the fruit, you need to try it. There is no more accurate method. Cut the figs at the base using a sharp knife, scissors or pruning shears.

The first harvest must be harvested selectively, focusing on external signs of maturity. You should not pick unripe fruits, because they contain a dangerous bitter substance. If you plan to dry figs in the future, you can take your time picking them and keep the fruits on the branch longer. This way you can achieve optimal natural drying.

Since the fruit has delicate pulp and thin skin, it only needs to be sorted by hand. It is important to do this work in the first hours after collection. The earlier the better. Therefore, you should not collect a lot of fruits at once if you are not sure that you can immediately eat or prepare them.

It is important to start picking fruit early in the morning. Clothes for such work should have long sleeves to avoid dermatitis. It can be formed as a result of the fact that the villi of fig tree leaves release a burning substance under the influence of solar radiation. The effect is similar to a nettle sting, so protect your hands with sleeves and heavy gloves before carefully picking the fruit.

After the fruits have been collected, they must be placed in a suitable container, such as pallets, and taken to a cool, dark place where they will await further processing.

How can I use it?

Figs can be used in many ways: dried, frozen, eaten fresh, and added to various desserts and baked goods. Let's look at each method in more detail.

• Fresh. Freshly picked fruits have a very short shelf life - only a few hours. After this, fermentation processes begin in them. This is due to the fact that juicy fruits contain at least 30% sugar. For this reason, it is important to eat the fruit no later than 6 hours after cutting.
• Frozen. After the figs have been collected, they must be sorted, washed, dried, sorted into bags and frozen. It is better to use the instant freezing function for this to preserve all the beneficial properties of the fruit.
• Dried. Most often, light fruits are chosen for drying, the size of which is approximately 5 cm. Such fruits have the highest price, but their quality is also appropriate. By the way, the more grains a fig has, the better its variety.

Selected fruits are kept under the sun for about 4-5 days. Usually they are simply strung on a thread and hung under a canopy or dried laid out with their eyes facing up.

Figs will also be an excellent addition to ice cream, fruit desserts, pies, etc.

By the way, fresh berries are not only healthy, but also a dietary product. Their calorie content is only 50 kcal per 100 g. However, it is important to understand that this property does not apply to dried fruits. On the contrary, they can become an obstacle to a slim figure.

You may be interested to know the following.

• For a long time, figs could not be cultivated in the United States because there were no pollinating wasps in the country. And only after the removal of these insects were Americans able to enjoy sweet fruits.
• Alexander the Great took figs with him on his hikes, since such a fruit took up little space, but at the same time perfectly restored strength and satisfied hunger.
• Cleopatra simply adored figs because they helped her maintain her youth and beauty. Legend has it that the snake she used for her suicide was brought in a basket with this very fruit.
• According to popular belief, the fig tree brings good luck at work and happiness in family life. Try planting such a plant in your garden plot and look at the results!
• Avicenna also noticed the beneficial properties of figs. The legendary doctor successfully used this fruit to treat and prevent many diseases.
• Hundreds of varieties of figs were described by botanists in the period before our era.
• According to some accounts, the biblical fruit of knowledge was replaced with an apple, since this fruit is more famous and simpler. While the real tree of paradise was the fig plant. It was the fig leaves that served as the first clothing for our ancestors – Eve and Adam.

• If you are obese or have diabetes, you should limit your consumption of figs as they contain quite a lot of sugar.
• The sweet, nutritious fruit goes well with any porridge. It is perfect for making sauces and desserts. Use it as an alternative to white sugar and it will benefit your health.

When buying figs at the market, make sure the fruits are fresh. Don't hesitate to ask the seller a lot of questions, otherwise you risk paying for fermented fruit.

For information on growing figs, watch the following video.

Figs - tropical plant with a unique healing composition. In different regions it is also known as fig, fig tree, fig, fig tree, wineberry. Figs were especially popular in ancient times. If you believe the interpretations of the Bible, then it was with its sheets that Adam and Eve covered their private parts. And in Greece they say that if a fig tree grows in the yard, then the family does not starve. Its fruits were considered so nutritious that travelers always took dried figs with them. long journey. Many have heard about this culture, but few know about its beneficial properties.

General information

This is a large shrub that grows up to 8-10 meters in length. Its branches are smooth and thick, and its crown is wide. The trunk diameter can reach 18 cm, and the root system - 15 meters (the roots go deep up to 6 meters). Fig leaves large and hard with uneven teeth along the edges. The color of the leaves is from dark green to green-grayish. They can reach 12 cm in width and 15 cm in length.

All fig bushes are divided into female and male individuals, which in nature are pollinated by blastophagous black wasps. These insects do an excellent job, the main proof of which is the large harvest. There are small holes in the inflorescences of the plant, and it is through them that pollination occurs.

The fruits are pear-shaped and grow up to 10 cm in length. They can be from dark to purple to yellowish-green color. The fruit is a kind of fleshy vessel with small scales. The color and size of the fruit depends on the variety. The most common color of the fruit is dark blue or yellow (yellow-green).

Unripe berries should not be eaten as they contain inedible latex. The number of seeds in a fig depends on the variety, so it can contain up to 16 thousand small and 30 large seeds. If a fig grows in favorable climatic conditions, it can bear fruit for 200 years. The tree blooms several times a year, but fruits are formed only in warm weather (from summer to autumn).

A fig tree grows in the wild in warm regions with a humid climate: in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, in India, Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia. In Russia, the fig tree can be found in the Caucasus and the Crimean Peninsula.

Useful properties of figs

Figs are not highly enriched with vitamins, like raspberries or currants. It contains vitamins B, C, PP and carotene. But the mineral composition is very rich. There's a lot in it calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and iron. This combination of minerals makes figs the healthiest among all southern fruits. All these beneficial substances have a beneficial effect on the body.

Fresh fruits are of great value. They contain:

• sugar -12−25%;
• organic acids - 0.39%;
• glucose - 3.2%;
• sucrose - 1.7−3.8%.

The amount of sugar in dried fruits reaches 70%.

Benefits and properties the fruits of the fig tree are as follows:

Fig tree cultivation

Of course, figs are cultivated much less frequently than tangerines, lemons or pomegranates. When growing figs, you should take into account some of their growth and fruiting characteristics. This the plant is considered cold-resistant, some varieties can withstand even temperatures of -20 degrees.

Growing in an apartment

Even a novice gardener can grow this useful plant at home. Growing is carried out in two ways:

Outdoor cultivation

The fig tree can grow not only in the southern regions, but it is also successfully cultivated in the northern regions of the country. But growing in these cold regions comes with some challenges.

Should be planted in the ground seedlings already with roots. Preparing cuttings is easy. To do this, they are first dipped in water with honey, this solution helps the formation of roots. After which the prepared cuttings are planted in a container. It is most convenient to plant in plastic bottles. You need to cut off half the bottle, fill it with soil and place the cutting. The soil around it is watered (the soil should always be moist). These improvised containers are placed in a bright place where there is no direct sunlight. Through the transparent plastic it is easy to see whether the cutting has taken root or not. As soon as the first leaves appear, the seedling is planted in the ground along with a lump of earth.

In open ground, seedlings are planted in a sunny and windless place, where trenches or holes have been previously prepared. The bottom of the pit must be covered with a layer of drainage. Fig tree quickly sends out branches. As they grow, they should be tilted to the soil and attached. This is done so that the figs do not grow in height, but spread along the surface of the ground.

It is better to cover the fig tree for the winter. To do this, you need to cover the plant with a layer of mulch from branches (some cover it with a blanket), then cover it with polyethylene on top and sprinkle it with a small layer of earth. In the spring, when the frosts have subsided, the shelter is removed.

General rules for caring for figs

Like all plants, figs need proper care. If all requirements are met, the fig tree will delight you with its beneficial fruits for many years. Main rules of care:

Diseases and pests

The fig tree is considered a fairly resistant plant to diseases and pests, but there is still a predisposition to certain ailments. The most common diseases of figs:

Insect pests that most often attack fig trees:

• moth - a butterfly that leads to rotting of leaves and fruits;
• leaf roller moth - harms the entire tree(the fruits rot, then the leaves and fruits fall off);
• the psyllid is a small insect that sucks all the juices from the buds and fruits (deprives the bush of vitality and prevents its development);
• The pine beetle is a brown beetle that damages the bark of the plant, and it slowly dies.

Figs are a shrub of the subtropics and tropics. Of course, to obtain fruits, it can be grown both at home and in open ground. Or you can make the task easier by buying dried figs, which have the same high concentration of nutrients as fresh fruit.

Not everyone is lucky enough to live in the Mediterranean. The fig tree is also called a fig tree or a fig tree - home cultivation has been practiced in Europe since the 16th century. The benefits of the fruits and the healing composition of the leaves do not depend on the place of cultivation. As a houseplant, with proper care, figs look decorative and bear fruit twice a year.

Conditions for cultivating figs on a windowsill

When grown at home, adult figs require abundant watering and spraying in the summer. If the plant does not have enough moisture, it can lose its leaves at any time of the year. When creating a humid microclimate around a tree, there is no reason for spider mites to appear - one of the main pests of flowers on the windowsill.

The plant, which is native to the subtropics, needs to be provided with wintering. From November to January, a dormant period is created for the fig tree. It is placed in a bright, cool place with a temperature below +15 degrees. The tree does not need additional lighting or fertilizing at this time.

If the tree does not fall asleep, watering is reduced so that the leaves fall off. Water the soil with slightly cool water at a temperature of 18 degrees.

Water the plant moderately so that the lump of earth does not dry out. As the buds begin to swell, light, watering, and fertilizing are required. It is necessary to create conditions for rapid vegetation. You can harvest two harvests per season if you take good care of the figs at home. The fig tree blooms for the first time in March and bears fruit in June. The following berries ripen from early August to late September. In the summer, trees can be transferred to the ground, they will be comfortable there, but in the fall they will need a larger pot.

A sign of fruit ripeness is their softening and the release of nectar from the eyes. Ripening lasts 2-4 weeks.

Growing a fruiting fig tree on a windowsill

How to grow figs at home? Several methods are used:

• they prepare cuttings by begging a sprig from good friends;
• buy a seedling in a specialized store;
• use seed material.

In any case, the first thing required is to select dishes and an earthen substrate. The soil is prepared from equal shares of steamed, calcined ingredients:

• leaf humus;
• turf land;
• peat;
• river sand, wood ash.

Treated expanded clay is placed at the bottom of the bowl. Add a layer of sand on top. It is a good idea to use sphagnum moss on the surface to regulate humidity.

The container chosen for the figs is small at first, but the young plants are replanted every year for 5 years. You need to know that while the roots in the pot feel at ease, flowering is delayed. An adult tree needs 8 liters of substrate. A fig tree lives up to 30 years.

Growing figs at home from cuttings is the most effective method, preserving the parental properties. The cutting is taken only from a fruit-bearing plant. The varieties considered most adapted to indoor growing conditions are:

• Shuisky;
• Dalmatica;
• White Adriatic;
• Sochi -7;
• Black Pearl;
• Kadata;
• Ogloblin seedling.

A cutting is selected with 3-4 buds, with the bottom cut 2 cm below the eye, and the top cut 1 cm above. On the part to be rooted, the bark should be scratched in longitudinal strips down to the cambium, this will speed up root formation. Pour the prepared substrate mixed with sphagnum into a glass, moisten it and immerse the cutting up to the second bud. Pre-treat the cuttings with root or heteroauxin.

To form roots, cover the planting from above with a cap made of PET bottles, place it in diffused light, and use additional lighting for up to 12 hours. Watching the figs grow. After 2-3 weeks, the first leaves will appear; it is necessary to ventilate, accustoming the leaves to the air of the apartment, and spray with warm, settled water.

When the plant gets used to the surrounding air, it is carefully transferred to a liter pot with substrate. Two weeks after transplantation, the fig tree is fed with nitrogen fertilizers or a composition for indoor plants.

Fig seeds are small, they do not always inherit the properties of the mother plant, and not all of them germinate. But sometimes, other than from seeds, at home, there is nothing to grow figs from. The seeds are deepened into the soil by 2-3 cm, the soil is regularly moistened, the pots are covered from moisture evaporation, and after 2-4 weeks sprouts appear, which are allowed to grow and rooted in separate cups. Gradually changing pots, seedlings are grown for 4-5 years until flowering. By this time, the young tree should already have large dishes, preferably a wooden box with a bucket of fertile soil. Time will tell whether indoor figs will bear fruit. But even without fruit the tree is very impressive and will live up to 30 years.

Fertilizers for figs

During the growing season, both growing and mature plants need fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers. The compositions are alternated once every 2 weeks. The fig tree gratefully accepts mullein and a fermented infusion of herbs - nettle, dandelion, midge. Once a season you need to give the plant iron sulfate and a complex composition with microelements. Figs require potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. You can make them yourself from bags, in packaging for feeding seedlings of outdoor plants.

Pest and disease control

As for insect pests, you need to protect the tree from spider mites, or do 2 treatments every other week with the Actellik insecticide. It is difficult to control the pest without chemicals.

There is only one common fungal disease in figs – coral spot. A sign of infection is the appearance of a reddish rash on the stem. All areas with affected shoots must be removed. The sections are treated with copper-containing preparations, and watering is carried out with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Fig tree at home: features of care and cultivation

Before growing figs at home, you need to choose the right variety, prepare the soil and place. Having completed all the procedures correctly, provide the exotic plant with the necessary care and it will not only decorate the interior of your home, but will also produce amazing and healthy fruits twice a year.

Fig, fig tree, ficus carica - these are all names of one plant. The Mediterranean is considered its homeland. The fig tree is mentioned in the Bible, and its age is more than 6,000 years. For the ancient Egyptians, it was the most valuable fruit and the favorite delicacy of Queen Cleopatra.

Useful properties of figs

Figs bear fruit twice a year. Its fruits have a characteristic pear-shaped shape, and the color ranges from green to purple. The beneficial properties of figs include the content of many microelements necessary for the body:

• vitamins B, A, C, PP;
• microelements: potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper;
• checkered

The use of figs in cooking and its beneficial properties

Since ancient times, the high taste qualities of figs have been valued. Jam, preserves, dried fruits are made from it, and the fruits and leaves are widely used in folk medicine. Medicinal drugs based on the fig tree help with diseases of the following systems:

• digestive: increased stomach acidity;
• cardiovascular: figs reduce blood clotting and reduce the risk of blood clots;
• respiratory.

Which fig variety to choose for growing

Ficus carica is a compact plant, so growing figs at home will not cause any trouble. You just need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of care. First you need to select the desired variety.

All types of figs are divided into three groups according to the method of pollination:

• parthenocarpic (self-fertile development of seeds);
• requiring pollination;
• Mixed: do not require pollination for spring harvest, but do need for autumn harvest.

Variety selection

For growing at home, you should choose self-fertile, low-growing varieties. The most common among amateurs:

• Sochi-7;
• Purple Sukhumi;
• Solar;
• Kadota.

Figs reproduce both by seeds and vegetatively. The first method is often ineffective, so preference is given to the second (cuttings, layering and root shoots). When purchasing sprouts, you should ask whether the mother tree bears fruit at home.

How to grow figs at home: planting and care

With proper care, homemade figs take root easily and do not cause any trouble. It is important to choose good planting material and you can start growing.

Planting a cutting

To plant cuttings, a plastic cup is filled with a substrate of peat and sand (one to one). It is advisable to add sphagnum - it increases moisture capacity and protects the earthen ball from crumbling.

Fig cuttings for growing at home

The planting cuttings must have at least three to four buds. The lower oblique cut is 2 cm below the last eye, and the upper one is 1 cm above the first. You should make a few scratches along the cutting on the part that will go into the ground. This will speed up the formation of a more powerful root system.

Rooting fig cuttings in a special solution

The substrate must be sterilized (steamed in a microwave oven). We fill the cups with prepared soil, moderately moisten them and deepen the cuttings to the level of the second bud from the bottom. First, the lower part of the sprout must be dipped in Kornevin and soaked according to the instructions. Lightly compact the soil, spray it with water and Zircon and place the glass in the greenhouse (cover it with a transparent container or a cut plastic bottle).

For the normal rooting process, cuttings need high humidity and diffused light, so the window should be covered with an organza curtain. Daylight should last 12 hours, for this you need to take care of the lighting in advance.

Planting cuttings in the first container

The rooting process lasts 2-3 weeks, and when the first leaves appear, you can begin to ventilate the greenhouse, gradually accustoming the plant to drier air. To make it easier for figs to adapt to the environment, they need to be generously sprayed with water several times a day. And if the bush begins to fade, it is necessary to return it to the greenhouse again and gradually extend the ventilation.

Transplanting a young plant

To transplant the cuttings, use a container of no more than 1 liter, fill the bottom with drainage and fill it with a soil mixture (mix purchased soil with ash and sand). Then they are carefully replanted together with a lump of earth.

After a couple of weeks, the cuttings are fed with liquid fertilizers for indoor plants. The root system of figs develops very quickly. Fruiting occurs in the 2nd year, and the growth of the bush slows down. It is necessary to replant a young plant annually and increase the capacity each time, then once every 2-3 years.

Fig care

Figs love light and warmth, and they also need plenty of watering. In turn, severe waterlogging of the soil is fraught with rotting of the root system. Homemade figs bear fruit twice a year: in October and June.

With the beginning of winter, the plant needs rest. If during this period the leaves are still green, it is necessary to dry the soil, then they will turn yellow and fall off. Watering is done rarely, you just need to prevent the soil from drying out. Water for irrigation is taken cold, otherwise the buds may grow prematurely. During the dormant period, the plant is not fed.

Trimming

Pruning and crown formation are of great importance for normal development and good fruiting. When the young plant reaches 30cm, the central shoot is pinched. This is necessary for the active growth of lateral branches.

An adult individual develops 3-4 skeletal branches. A young tree grows very quickly and can reach enormous sizes, so the central branches and young shoots are pruned to form a compact bush. Sprouts directed inward are removed completely. No more than 2-3 fruits are left on each branch, and the rest are removed.

How to protect a fig tree from diseases and insects

Most often, figs are attacked by spider mites. This pest actively reproduces during the heating season when the air is warm and dry. For prevention, you should spray the plant with cool water daily.

If pests have already infested the tree, then it is necessary to wash the damaged area with a strong stream of cold water, and then treat the trunk and branches with Actellik solution. After 10 days, the procedure should be repeated.

The fig tree is also susceptible to coral spot. This is a fungal disease that appears as red spots on the stems. The affected areas must be immediately cut out and the entire bush treated with a solution of Bordeaux mixture or potassium permanganate. It should be noted that in indoor conditions and with proper care, figs get sick much less often.

Place a compact and unpretentious fig plant on your windowsill or veranda; growing it at home will not cause much trouble. A beautiful exotic tree can grow and bear fruit for up to 30 years; it will delight you with tasty and healthy fruits twice a year.

How to grow figs at home

Healthy and tasty figs grow naturally in a subtropical climate, on the Mediterranean Sea. Does not require complex special care. Therefore, they love it and successfully grow it at home. The tree bears fruit twice a year.

Indoor varieties

Figs come from the Ficus genus. Houses have been grown since the 18th century. Scientists have developed indoor varieties that are small in size and self-pollinating.

The table shows the main types.

Variety	Description of fruits
Sochi 7, Sochi 8	Selected species bred on the basis of the white Adriatic by scientist Yu.S. Chernenko. Medium size, 65-70 g, yellow-green skin color, red flesh, juicy. They ripen at the end of summer.
Sochinsky 15	Lemon color, pink inside, 75 g. They bear fruit in the fall, from September to November.
Dalmatica	Large, 130 gr. Green outside, scarlet inside. Harvest in July, October.
White Adriatic	Yellow-green hue, 60 g, sweet. In June, August.
Ogloblin seedling	A selection species, bred by N. A. Ogloblin. Tied in the fall before the rest period. They leave for the winter in the form of small green berries. By summer they gain growth and mature during the growing season.
Sary Apsheronsky	Small, 40 gr. Cream color, salmon flesh, sugar. Double bountiful harvest in late summer and early fall.

How to grow figs

Figs are grown in three ways: planting seeds, cuttings, and root propagation. For planting, use universal soil mixed with sand, peat, and leaf soil. Ash, lime, and eggshells are mixed in as fertilizer.

Seeds

The seed for planting is obtained from a ripe fruit.

To do this, they are removed from the core, washed under running water and allowed to dry. At this time, prepare the container for planting. The bottom is covered with drainage. Fill in the soil mixture (manure, turf, sand (peat) in a ratio of 2:2:1).

Ash is used as fertilizer (1 tbsp per 1 liter of substrate). Water generously and place the seeds on paper or a napkin. The top is covered with soil. They create a greenhouse with an air temperature of +23…+25 ºC. Provide daily ventilation and monitor humidity. The soil is moistened by spraying. The moisture level in the tray is maintained at 2 mm.

After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots appear. The seedlings are discharged. After the first leaves, they are planted in separate pots.

The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting.

Cuttings

The procedure is recommended to be carried out in April. To obtain a cutting, select a semi-lignified shoot. Sections are made from below, under the kidney, obliquely, from above, in a straight line. Leave 3 buds on the seedling. The leaves are cut by 1/3 for rapid root growth. The resulting cutting is placed in previously prepared soil (cleaned, moistened sand), creating a greenhouse effect.

After 3 weeks, roots appear. The tree is ready to be planted in a separate container.

Root growth

The shoot is pressed to the soil and sprinkled with soil. Within three weeks, roots sprout. The plant is separated and planted. When propagated by cuttings and shoots, the first fruits appear in the third year after planting.

Caring for figs at home

To create optimal conditions, two main factors are taken into account: humidity and light. Figs have two stages of development: in winter the flower is dormant, in summer it begins to bloom and bear fruit.

Location and watering in different phases of life

The dormant period lasts from October to March. At this time, the plant needs rare watering, once every two weeks, to moisten the soil. The air temperature does not rise above +10…+12 ºC.

From the end of February, figs begin to actively grow, the rest period is replaced by flowering. The frequency of watering is increased. Sometimes a warm shower is given if the size of the tree allows it. If not, then spray it. In warm weather, expose to fresh air.

Optimal air temperature is +22…+25 ºC.

Feeding

Fertilizers are chosen filled with organic matter and minerals. Apply during the flowering period twice a month. Alternate cow manure with an infusion of herbs (woodlice, dandelion, nettle). Once a season, ferrous sulfate (iron sulfate) is fed to prevent pests and diseases.

Figs also need potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizer with microelements is sold in the store. Feeding is carried out one time during the growing season.

Trimming

Figs are a fast-growing plant and require care to maintain their appearance. To fix the size and form a green lush bush, the branches are pruned. Old, bare ones are completely removed to obtain new shoots.

The more fresh young shoots there are on the tree, the more fruit the fig will produce.

The procedure is carried out at the end of winter before the start of the active period.

Diseases, pests

Figs are not susceptible to attack by insects, and if simple care rules are followed, they will not cause much trouble to the grower.

To maintain comfortable conditions for the root system, regularly loosen the soil. The strengthening of the lower part, the absence of pests, and the greening of the tree are facilitated by the formation of the crown: branches are trimmed in time, leaves are pinched, and watered abundantly.

The fig tree is a storehouse of elements, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to the body. Especially recommended for people with heart and vascular diseases.

• vitamins (A, B, C, PP);
• cellulose;
• pectin;
• macro-, microelements (potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus);
• mono-, disaccharides (glucose, fructose).

Potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart and reduce the possibility of cardiovascular disease.

Thanks to ficin, wine berries help thin the blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots and serves as prevention against diseases: thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.

Fig tree fruits are a good diuretic. To prevent kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, stones), they are recommended to be consumed.

Rules for growing figs at home

How to grow fruit-bearing figs?

As it turns out, figs began to be grown at home back in the 16th century. Its fruits are not inferior in taste and content of substances beneficial to the body to garden or wild figs. The tree is compact, unpretentious, grows well even on a windowsill, and bears fruit twice a year.

There are two ways to grow a home fig tree:

• by cuttings or planting root shoots;
• from seeds.

growing figs at home

To grow a fig tree, ordinary soil mixed with a small amount of river sand and leaf humus can be used, to which a little lime or ash should be added. It’s not bad if you add a little mixture of finely ground eggshells and peat.

Growing homemade figs from cuttings

The easiest way is to plant cuttings that are cut from fruiting figs. They will be more resilient if fully mature branches are cut from the bottom of the tree. Cuttings take root better if they are taken in January or February before the plants shed their leaves and new shoots begin to grow. The length of the blanks for cuttings is about 10-15 cm, each of them should have 3-4 buds.

Fig tree shoots

Slicing is done with a sharp knife. The upper cuts of the cuttings remain straight, but the lower ones are made oblique and several small longitudinal cuts are made on them - in this case the roots are better formed. The sections are dried in the open air in cool conditions until the milky juice hardens (6-7 hours).

Fig seedlings adapt faster if they are first placed in a heteroauxin solution for 10-12 hours. The process of rooting cuttings can be carried out in three ways:

1. Place them in a vessel with water.
2. Planted in a box or vessel with wet sand.
3. Plant the cuttings in a small pot specially prepared for this. You need to pour drainage (expanded clay) onto the bottom of the container, lay steamed soil on it, and sprinkle a thin layer of steamed sand on top. Before planting, the cuttings should be washed with water, placed in a prepared shallow hole and lightly pressed down around the ground.

In all three cases, the seedlings are covered with suitable glass vessels on top and they try to ensure a constant temperature in the room, where it should be light and warm. In the second and third methods, the sand or soil must be systematically watered with slightly warmed (but not hot!) water. Glass covers should be removed periodically to ventilate the plants.

Growing figs in a pot

After about a month, the cuttings, which have taken root by this time, can be transplanted into pots with prepared soil. At the bottom they should also have drainage made of porous material, and the surface of the soil should be sprinkled with steamed sand. Cuttings rooted using the third method are transferred along with a lump of earth to their permanent place and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

Since it is not always possible to find a tree from which you can take cuttings, you should purchase ready-made cuttings or seedlings. Sometimes seedlings are grown and then cut into several cuttings. When propagating from cuttings, the first fruits can sometimes be obtained within a year after planting the seedling.

Propagation of figs by planting seeds

To obtain fig seeds, choose healthy and large fruits. The seeds removed from them are carefully washed with water and then dried for 24 hours. Seeds are planted in prepared soil in early spring.

Fig tree fruit

The seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm and watered not very abundantly. The container with the planted seeds is covered with glass or polyethylene. After the first shoots appear, the covering is removed for several hours a day so that the plants can breathe. When the seedlings grow enough, they need to be transplanted into containers of suitable sizes. The first fruits with this method of propagation usually appear 4-5 years after planting.

Features of caring for indoor figs

It is very important to spray the trunks and leaves of fig trees with settled warm water all year round and water them abundantly. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the tree may lose its leaves. In addition, spraying helps prevent spider mites. The intensity of watering should be reduced during fruiting - the fruits may become watery.

Like any subtropical plant, home-grown figs have a dormant period. For this plant it lasts from November to January. Therefore, during this time it should be placed in a cool (with a temperature no higher than +15 and no lower than 0 ° C) and shaded place. The number of waterings is also reduced, and the water for them should be cool. Trees shed their leaves during this period.

When the buds begin to awaken, the plant needs to be brought into the light, watered regularly, and fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is needed for intensive fruiting. And during periods when the buds swell, tree care includes alternating fertilizing with phosphate fertilizers and a manure solution.

Abundant light is essential for fig growth

Up to 7 years, an indoor fig tree, which has a rapidly growing root system, should be transplanted into a larger pot every spring before the leaves bloom. After this, transplantation is carried out every three years. Drainage at the bottom is still necessary. After transplanting, the tree must be exposed to light.

Figs at home can produce 1 or 2 harvests during the year. With two harvests, the first ripens in July and the next in September. Ripening lasts about a month. The ripe fruit becomes soft and begins to secrete sweet juice from its eyes. One well-groomed tree can produce more than one kilogram of tasty and healthy fruits per season.

It remains to add that due to the unusual dissected leaves, figs can also become an effective home decoration.

Growing and caring for figs at home

Fig or fig tree is a deciduous plant that belongs to the Mulberry family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean. In the Crimea, Carpathians, Central Asia and the Caucasus, figs are grown in open ground as a valuable cultivated plant that produces fruit - wine berries. The fig tree is also common in indoor floriculture. With proper care, it acquires a decorative appearance and can bear fruit twice a year.

Figs are a dioecious plant in which female inflorescences grow on some trees (figs) and male flowers on others (caprifigas). Female plants bloom with pistillate flowers, after which edible fruits are formed, and male representatives produce two types of flowers: staminate and pistillate. The former are necessary for pollination, while the latter produce inedible fruits. Small wasps, blastophages, living in male flowers are responsible for pollination.

With proper care, a fig tree can bear fruit every year.

Dioecious species are not suitable for growing at home, since pollination is impossible. For this purpose, special self-fertile varieties have been bred that form female inflorescences and are capable of setting fruit without pollination. In winter, figs shed their leaves. The leaf blades are large, fleshy, entire or palmately dissected, broadly ovate in shape. Figs are a light-loving plant, drought-resistant, undemanding to soil composition and can grow even in acidic soils. A powerful root system penetrates deep into the soil.

Indoor figs are propagated:

Most often, figs are grown using cuttings, and fruiting occurs after 2–3 years. If the plant is grown from seeds, the harvest is harvested in the 5th–6th year. Propagation by root shoots at home is very rarely practiced, since there is a high probability of injury to the root system and death of the tree.

Fig seeds germinate for two years. When planting, pay special attention to the composition of the soil. The tree grows well in light soil with a high content of humic acids. But an excessive amount of carbonates negatively affects the growth and development of the plant.

To prepare the soil, take equal amounts of humus and coarse sand. You can also use a soil mixture of humus, peat and sand. A layer of drainage is placed at the bottom of the planting pots and 2–3 grains are sown in each. Subsequently, the strongest plant is selected from the emerging seedlings.

Growing figs in a pot

The seeds are sown shallowly, after which the containers are covered with polyethylene. For their germination, a temperature of +24...+27 degrees is required. The first shoots appear after 2–4 weeks. The cover is removed and the crops are thinned out. When the seedlings develop two pairs of true leaves, they are planted in separate containers.

To grow figs from cuttings at home, you need to prepare the material. This is done in the middle of winter, when the plant sheds its leaves and enters a dormant period. For cuttings, it is best to use the central parts of branches from an adult fruit-bearing plant over five years old. The branches must be mature. Each segment should be 15 cm long with three to four internodes. At the bottom, the cut is made obliquely, 2 cm below the last bud, and at the top – in a straight line. The cuttings are kept in a cool, dry place for several hours until the juice stops secreting. Then longitudinal scratches are made on the lower part to destroy the upper layer of bark down to the cambium. Thanks to this procedure, a powerful root system is formed. After this, the segments are placed in a biostimulator solution for some time.

To plant cuttings, prepare containers. A drainage layer of pebbles and expanded clay is laid at the bottom, then loose fertile soil is poured in a layer of 7 cm, and then sand is added in a layer of 4 cm. It is moistened and holes are made in it. The cuttings are removed from the stimulator, washed with running water, the lower sections are dusted with ash and placed in the soil. The containers are covered with a transparent bag or sand and placed in a well-lit place. In cloudy weather, additional lighting is used.

To ensure that the cuttings take root well, maintain the temperature within +23...+26 degrees. The roots appear after 1.5 months, during which the seedlings are ventilated and the sand is moistened. When they get stronger and adapt, they are transplanted into flower pots, which are filled with fertile soil mixture. After 2 weeks, young plants are fed with complex fertilizers for indoor crops.

Caring for figs at home is easy. He loves sunny places very much. With a lack of light, it develops poorly, and the fruits do not have time to ripen.

In summer, the crown of the tree is sprayed every day with warm water and the soil is watered abundantly. Even if the earthen clod dries out slightly, the figs begin to shed their leaves. During fruiting, the amount of watering is reduced, otherwise the fruits will be watery and insipid.

In winter, the plant enters a dormant period. At this time, he is taken to a glassed-in loggia, veranda or other room with a temperature of +10...+14 degrees. Figs do not need light or fertilizing during the rest period. It needs to be watered sparingly and rarely. The main thing is that the earthen lump does not dry out.

In order not to awaken the buds prematurely, cool water is used for irrigation.

Figs begin to be fed after the first buds swell. To do this, use mullein diluted with water. After 2 weeks, a solution of phosphorus fertilizers is added to the soil. During the growing season, the fig tree is fed every 2 weeks, alternating mineral and organic compounds.

Since the roots of figs grow very quickly, they need to be replanted every spring before the leaves bloom. Adult plants older than 7 years are replanted every 3 years, and the new pot should be several centimeters larger than the previous one. Too spacious a container promotes increased root growth, which leads to a decrease in yield.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

• the pot is scalded with boiling water and a drainage layer 3–4 cm thick is placed on its bottom;
• the plant is transferred to a new container without violating the integrity of the old earthen clod;
• the voids are filled with fertile soil, but the root collar cannot be buried.

The transplanted tree is watered with plenty of water and placed in a well-lit place.

In order for figs to fully develop, they must be pruned in a timely manner. Without the formation of a crown, the plant eventually grows into a large tree, which is very inconvenient for an enclosed space. Pruning is carried out before the buds begin to swell. Young plants are left with 3–4 healthy shoots. When the tree reaches a height of 25–35 cm, the crown is pinched. This stimulates the development of side shoots.

In order for the lower branches to become stronger and more powerful in the future, the shoots of the upper tier should be shortened by 1/3. Proper pruning allows you to get a beautiful lush crown, consisting of 3-4 vertical shoots of the main order and a large number of lateral branches.

There is another pruning option that gives the crown a fan shape. It is necessary to pinch the apical bud and remove the branches directed into the crown. The main shoots should be horizontal and parallel to each other in relation to the plane. Thanks to fan pruning, the number of fruiting shoots increases several times, and the tree looks very attractive.

Figs can get coral spot disease. The disease manifests itself as small red formations on the shoots of the tree. As a treatment, the affected areas are cut out, healthy parts are sprayed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or fungicides.

Since figs are native to the tropics, it is quite difficult to grow them in the open ground in the middle zone. Even in the Stavropol region this is not easy to do. It must be planted on the south side of the site. Having planted it on the site, it must be covered for the winter.

To do this, in the fall the bush is tied with a rope into a bundle and bent tightly to the ground. A load is placed on top for a week. During this time, the plant gets used to being in this position and begins to press itself to the ground. Then it is covered with tomato tops or corn stalks, and covered with fertilizer bags on top. Figs under such shelter can withstand frosts down to -25 degrees.