How to Grow Fig Fruit at Home, Complete Growing Guide
Have you ever thought that instead of buying expensive and less tasty figs from the market again and again, why not grow them at home? Figs are not only sweet in taste but are also very beneficial for health. If you want a plant in your garden or terrace that gives plenty of fruits with less effort, then figs are a great option.
In this "how to grow fig fruit at home, complete growing guide," we will give you all the necessary information so that you can easily grow fig fruit at home and enjoy it.
Brief information about the fig fruit
Fig, which is called Fig in English, and its scientific name is Ficus carica, is a plant that grows in the Mediterranean climate. Its specialty is that it yields good fruits even with less water, less soil, and less care. Fig is rich in fiber, iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
Benefits of growing figs at home
Possible in less space: You can easily grow it in a pot, also.
Less care required: This plant is more disease-resistant.
Health Benefits: Figs are helpful in problems like constipation, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Long Fruit Bearing Plant: With proper care, this plant can bear fruit for 15-20 years.
Choose the right location and weather
Sunlight and temperature
Full sunlight (6-8 hours) is essential for figs.
It grows better in a hot and dry climate.
Temperatures between 15°C and 35°C are considered most favorable.
Season
Figs are best planted in spring or early summer (February to April).
Extreme cold or frost can harm this plant.
Pot or land: which is better?
If space is limited:
Growing figs in a pot is very easy. Choose a pot that is 15-20 inches wide and deep.
If the garden is:
You can also plant figs directly in the ground, but make sure the soil is well-draining.
Soil and Manure Preparation
Which soil?
Sandy-loam soil is best suited for figs.
The plant grows well if the pH level is between 6.0 to 6.5.
Use of Manure:
Before planting in the pot, mix 40% garden soil, 30% cow dung manure, and 30% sand in the soil.
Give rotten cow dung manure or vermicompost once every 30-45 days.
Plant Selection and Planting Process
Where to get the plant from?
The easiest way is to buy a ready-made plant from a nursery.
If you want to grow from seed, the process will be long and difficult.
How to apply?
Place small stones or bricks at the bottom of the pot to allow for water drainage.
Add soil and place the root of the plant in the center.
Tamp well and water.
Irrigation and Care
How to irrigate?
Figs don't want much water.
Water 2 times a week in summer and 1 time in winter.
Too much water can rot the roots.
Care Tips:
Do not let weeds grow around the plant.
Prune old and dry branches every year in February-March.
If necessary, spray neem oil to protect from insects.
Disease and Pest Control
Common problems:
Root Rot - Caused by excess watering.
Fig fly - causes damage to the fruit.
Aphids and Mites – suck on leaves.
Solution:
Spray Neem Oil Spray once a week.
Cut and separate the diseased branches immediately.
Homemade insecticides such as garlic extract can be sprayed on the leaves.
When and how to pluck figs?
Identification of Fruit:
When the fruit is slightly soft and bends slightly, it is ready to be picked.
If figs are plucked raw, they do not taste good.
How to break?
Break them off gently by hand or cut them with small scissors.
Morning or evening time is better for taking breaks.
My personal experience and suggestions
When I first planted a fig plant in a pot, I thought it would not bear much fruit. But I was surprised to see 6-7 sweet and juicy fruits in the first year itself. Giving sunlight to the plant, limited watering, and pruning from time to time—these are the three things that make it fruitful.
My advice is to buy a small plant to start with, put it in a sunny spot, and be patient. Figs take some time, but when they bear fruit, the wait is well worth it.
Some important tips (Pro Tips)
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
If you keep a flower pot on the terrace, place a brick or stand underneath to protect it from extreme heat.
Do not plant 2 plants in the same pot.
Conclusion: Sweet Companion for Your Garden – Fig
Now, believe me, growing figs is neither difficult nor expensive. With just the right soil, sunlight, and care, you can produce delicious and nutrient-rich figs at your home.
If you are looking for natural, indigenous, and healthy fruits, then definitely give figs a place in your garden. Share your experience in the comments below and share this article with friends who want to make their garden even more special.