Fig Tree - An Overview
Figs, as the name suggests, are the fruits of the fig tree. These unique fig tree fruits are the nutritional powerhouses known for their texture, smooth skin, delicious and chewy flesh, and crunchy seeds. The fruit is shaped like a teardrop and is either eaten fresh or in dried form. Besides fruit, planting figs also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home. No wonder figs are the best plants for home garden.
The pulp of the fig tree fruit is mildly sweet with edible skin. Not only the fruit but the leaves of the fig tree are also loaded with a plethora of nutritional and health benefits. They help manage high blood pressure and sugar levels and lower the risks of cardiovascular conditions. Indian fig tree, popularly called the anjeer fruit tree In India, is also good for your digestive health.
Scientific name: Ficus carica
Common names: Anjeer, Anjura, Common fig, Dumur, Dimri, Simaiyatti
Generally, the anjeer tree grows in warm climates. However, an experienced gardener can also grow them in temperate regions; all they need is a little more care. This blog will take you through the steps to grow sweet Indian fig plants in your home. Let's read on!
Ways of growing Indian figs
You can grow an Indian fig tree in two ways - from seeds and cuttings.
From Seeds
Take anjeer tree seeds and soak them for one day in lukewarm water before planting in the soil. Soaking maximises the odds of germination. Always make sure to use a pot or planter with well-draining soil. Moreover, keep the soil moist and place the pot in an area with ample but indirect sunlight.
From cuttings
To grow an anjeer tree from cuttings, you will need a cutting measuring around 10-12-inches from a healthy tree. Then, pluck the lower leaves and implant the cutting in a container with well-draining soil. When planting figs, make sure to water the plant well and place it in an area with plenty of sunlight. Water the pot regularly. Once the plant reaches a height of three to four feet, you can shift it in your backyard.
Selecting a suitable pot for planting a fig tree
Do you want to grow the fig tree in a container? It is better to choose a container between 12 to 18 inches. If needed, you may need to repot the plant in a separate container once in two to three years. The size of the new planter depends on the growth of your plant.
Requirements for growing an Anjeer plant
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Sunlight: The growth of an anjeer plant is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight it receives. Therefore, make sure to plant a fig tree in an area of your home that gets at least five to six hours of direct sunlight every day.
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Soil: As already mentioned, the anjeer plant grows well in well-draining soil that contains loads of organic matter. To prepare the best soil for plant growth of the anjeer, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost-rich soil. You can also incorporate an Ugaoo organic potting mix.
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pH: Maintain the pH of the soil between six to eight before growing an anjeer tree. It is the best soil for plant growth.
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Water: Fig trees love the dry and hot climate. So water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between two watering cycles. Do not overwater. Caution on the side of underwatering, or it may lead to the yellowing of leaves. Always ensure that the potting mix is loose.
ProTip: Water the fig plant more frequently when you see the fruit coming. But ensure the soil is not clogged.
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Climatic conditions: The ideal temperature range for making an anjeer fruit tree thrive is between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius. Always remember! Exposure to significantly low temperatures can lead to the spilling of fig fruits.
Tending your fig tree: Some useful tips
Planting figs and getting desirable results requires proper tending:
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Fertiliser: Add manure or compost to the soil to increase the growth of your fig tree. Always read the label for instructions and dosage.
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Pruning: For facilitating new growth and maintaining the plant's shape, you need to prune it from time to time. The fig tree sucker steals nutrition from the plants, so prune the tree regularly with a good pruner to control the growth of tree suckers. (Suckers are vertical stems that grow from the root system. These are fast-growing and derive nutrition from the main plant. Therefore, to allow the plant to grow well, it is wise to remove them.)
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Dormancy: A fig tree enters dormancy during the winter season. So, refrain from watering it as frequently as you did during the summers. Moreover, avoid exposing it to the chilly wind but ensure proper air circulation.
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Diseases and pests: Some common diseases and pests that may infest an anjeer tree include rust, leaf spots, thrips, root-knot nematodes, twig dieback, aphids, and spider mites. You can use water jet spray or apply wood ash at the base of the plant to prevent insects from climbing the tree.
Fig tree harvesting time - Reap what you sow!
It might take about three to five years for an anjeer tree in India to bear fruits. The ideal time for harvesting is between June to September. However, in tropical regions, you may see fruits throughout the year. For high-quality seeds, plants for home garden, gardener plants and fig fruit plants online, visit Ugaoo.com, where you can explore indoor plants, plant care, and planters!
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