The fig tree is one of the many fruit trees of the genus Ficus. Many species are known for their large leaves and plump and sweet fruits. Most species of fig trees are done by pruning them, then, how to prune a fig tree?
Pruning fig trees is usually done through self-pollination and drought tolerant, although too little water will prevent the tree from producing edible fruit. It is relatively easy to grow a fig tree in your home garden.
Well, in this article you will more clearly know how to prune a fig tree itself. So, let’s look at the following related articles by lavitaebellablog:
Some Things You Should Know About the Fig Tree
In their early years, they need regular watering. Mulching can help retain moisture and prevent too much water from evaporating from the soil. The fig tree also needs regular pruning, which over time will produce new fruiting wood.
Types of fig trees
One of the known types of fig trees is found in the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) visited by The Answer Channel. The type of fig tree that is there comes from Israel. While others are from Jordan, Turkey, Palestine, France, as well as the unique tiger fig (panache) variant.
Different countries of origin, different leaf shapes, fruit shapes and fruit seasons. But the important thing is that you know that the most cultivated types of fig trees in Indonesia are Israeli, Turkish and Arabic fig trees. Tropical climates such as Java are the right place to preserve this tree in Indonesia.
Fig tree height
As the author found that the maximum height of the fig tree ranges from 4.9 to 9 meters. The leaves are wide branched three to five and leathery textured. In addition, this tree is expected to bear fruit twice a year. Usually the harvest season occurs in June to August.
Fig trees love a hot climate and are quite dry so they are ideal for most regions of Australia, where they can be grown at any time of the year.
They need full sunlight but don’t like strong winds, so choose a protected position if this is a problem in your area. Although they grow happily on alkaline soils, they especially enjoy compost-rich and slightly acidic soils, so feel free to dig a lot of 5IN1 Plus Searles into the soil before planting.
The benefits of figs
Besides being able to be used as a medicine, figs can also be made snacks such as sweets and cakes. Figs are known to contain 29 contents including fiber, calcium, sugar and high vitamins.
That is why this fig is useful for curing some deadly diseases such as cancer, and cholesterol and boosting the immune system. The most useful part of the fig tree is its fruits and leaves: As for how to eat figs, it can be done by:
- Eat it whole (raw and cooked)
- Boiling the leaves and drinking the stew
- Its unripe fruit can be preserved
- Ripe fruit can be used as cake jam or make a mixture of bread or cakes
Nutrition Facts
Figs are very high in dietary fiber, potassium and manganese. Potassium figs can help lower blood pressure while high amounts of fiber can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight. Fruit fiber has also been shown to reduce breast cancer rates
Why Prune the Fig Tree?
When you prune a fig tree or fig bush, some positive things happen.
- This process stimulates new growth. When you cut an old branch that is unproductive, the tree dedicates resources to growing new branches that can be more productive.
- The pruned tree becomes thicker and more lively. When trees produce new shoots, they come thicker and warmer than they replace.
- Pruned trees produce more fruit. Whether you have a fig tree, an apple tree, or an orange tree, cutting back down non-fruitful branches will actually result in a greater harvest on the fruiting branches.
How to Prune a Fig Tree
Whether you have a fig tree or a fig bush in your home garden, you will help it thrive by pruning it every year. Consider some general tips for this process.
1. Prune your fig tree in its first year.
If you bought a young fig tree or a fig bush from a nursery, prune it as soon as you plant it in the ground. The first time you prune, you need to deduct about fifty percent of the branches. This will help the tree devote its resources to building a strong root system.
2. Prune your tree again during the first winter of the tree.
Winter pruning should be an annual affair, and it begins with the first winter of your tree. The end of winter is the end of the dormant tree season and the best time to remove your pruning shears. This will encourage new branches to grow in early spring.
3. Continue pruning your tree every subsequent year.
Pruning your fig tree in its first year is important, but plan to continue pruning it next year and the year after. Pruning your fig tree during dormancy will lead to a more productive growing season and fresh fruit begins in early summer.
4. Choose a specific branch to be a fruitful branch.
With your first trimming behind you, it’s time to be strategic. When you prune in the second year of the tree, look for five to six very strong branches extending from the main trunk. This will be your main branch for fruiting. Cut off all other branches smaller than the main trunk.
5. Use clean trimming shears.
Always clean your pruning shears with alcohol before cutting your tree to avoid spreading the disease between plants.
6. Prune the secondary branches.
Secondary branches are branches that grow from the main fruit branches of a tree. If there are secondary branches that stretch less than an angle of forty-five degrees or grow very close to fruiting branches, prune them as well. Pruning of these branches can help create a clear path for the branches that bear fruit as the tree ripens.
7. Prune suckers.
Suckers are small-leaved growths that appear on or around the soil surface near the base of the tree. It will never grow into full-fledged branches, so cut it with your pruner.
8. Consider reducing fruiting branches.
During dormancy, consider reducing the fruit branches of your adult tree to a third or even a quarter of their normal size. This will help keep the tree smaller and sturdier, preventing large branches from breaking off and making harvesting easier as well. Depending on the size of your fruit branches, you may need to use large chestnut instead of pruning shears.
9. Always prune dead wood.
Massive pruning should occur during the dormant season in late autumn and winter, but prune dead wood and diseased wood all year round.
10. Trim less over time.
Young trees need intense pruning to put them on the right track. Older trees can be pruned much less drastically.
Poohon fig is a tree that often da si around us. Many benefits for life. But in some places, farmers choose to prune. The author hopes, after reading this info, there is an additional knowledge and useful.