In addition to ordinary fruit trees, many gardeners turn their attention to exotic species and varieties. For example, today many are trying to grow figs in their garden. This process is quite complicated, it is important to choose the right varieties and get acquainted with all the features of care. So, the topic of today's article is figs, care and cultivation in the open field, pruning, planting technology and a few small tricks from those who already successfully grow this wine berry.
Figs in Central Russia
There are several hundred varieties of figs in the world. Of these, you can choose those that will grow in Central Russia. Only the low probability of bearing fruit upsets. This is explained by the fact that for pollination of fig flowers you need wasp-nut growers. And they live exclusively in a particular area. But there is a way out - it is necessary to plant and grow self-pollinating varieties.
Outdoor cultivation of figs
Which grade to choose
To solve the problem of fruiting figs in those regions of Russia in which the nut washer does not live, breeders have bred fig varieties, which are self-fertile.
Today there are a lot of them:
- Dalmatian;
- Nikitsky;
- Abkhazian purple;
- Crimean black;
- Shuisky;
- Gray early;
- Brown Turkey and others.
Gardeners in central Russia prefer Dalmatian figs, the cultivation of which does not bring any particular problems. Its fruits are very tasty, in addition, it tolerates temperature extremes. She feels great even with a decrease in performance to minus 15 ° C.
The greatest yield is formed on shoots of 3-4 years old. On average, fruits weigh from 150 to 200 g, have an asymmetric shape and a greenish-yellow color.
Fig Dalmatian
The best winter hardiness is characterized by Brown Turkey. It can withstand short-term cooling to minus 20 ° С. Fruits abundantly. The fruits are pear-shaped up to 100 g. Color red-brown.
Suitable for the middle strip and Crimean figs. Fruits in oval-shaped purple hues and weighing up to 100 g. Planting gives the best results in the Crimea, Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories, but in the Middle Strip and Moscow Region it can also be planted in order to obtain delicious fruits. But breeding in Siberia is often doomed to failure - it is better to choose a different variety.
Features of planting figs
Before planting figs in the garden, you need to familiarize yourself with all the nuances. We must try to create conditions for the sapling that are close to the usual ones. It is quite difficult, especially in winter. The advice of planting and caring professionals for figs will help preserve the seedling, and eventually get a good harvest.
Fig planting dates
A huge role is played in the correct development of the bush by the timing of planting. You must try to comply with them exactly.
Planting figs is recommended in late April, early May. As soon as warm weather is established and the threat of night frosts passes.
Attention! It is advisable to purchase seedlings in advance and plant them in the ground immediately as soon as the weather provides favorable conditions.
Preparation of soil mix for planting figs in the open ground
Before planting bush figs in open ground, it is necessary to prepare the soil mixture. The plant is not picky about the state of the soil, but it will develop better if it is slightly enriched with nutrients.
During the preparation of the recess for planting, soil is selected and mixed with organic matter - manure, compost or humus. Then the mixture is sent back to the pit, forming a ball of soil mixture of about 20 cm. The rest is filled up after planting.
Preliminary preparation of the soil mixture before planting figs
Technology for planting figs in pits
The place for planting figs is chosen closed from drafts. Before planting figs in the country, a pit is prepared in advance. This is necessary for the preliminary application of nutrients.
Important! Experts advise when planting several plants to prepare a trench, and not pits for each seedling separately.
Planting one plant, prepare depressions with dimensions of 1.5 × 1 m, and in the depth of 0.6 - 0.8 m.
Poured on the bottom:
- superphosphate - 200 g;
- potash fertilizer or wood ash - 200 g.
A prepared fertile mixture 20 cm thick is poured on top, forming a mound in the middle. Then place the handle in such a way that its roots are evenly located on the knoll and begin to fall asleep with soil. The mixture around the seedling is well compacted and watered abundantly with water.
Growing conditions
After planting, the young plant requires systematic care. First of all, regular and plentiful watering is provided.
How to water figs immediately after planting? It is necessary to pour from 5 to 8 liters of water once a week under each bush. Older specimens are watered a little less often, but the one-time rate is increased to 10 liters.
Important! In no case should the soil be allowed to dry out. This leads to a deterioration in the taste of the fruit.
After each irrigation procedure, when the soil dries out a bit, it is imperative to loosen the bed. Watering is significantly reduced during fruit ripening. The last time abundantly irrigated soil after harvest. This procedure allows you to increase the plant's resistance to frost in winter.
How to fertilize figs
In addition to regular watering, figs like nutrition with nutrients.
There are several periods during which fertilizer is recommended:
- Nitrogen fertilizer is what you can feed figs in spring, in the first decade of the growing season. They can increase the growth of green mass.
- In July, the time comes for phosphates, which are responsible for the formation of fruit ovaries.
- In the last decade of the growing season, nitrogen substances are excluded, and focus on potash fertilizers, helping the development of wood.
- Regularly, 1 time for 2 months, fertilize on the sheet with a complex solution.
Important! In order to avoid burns of the root system, before feeding the figs, the bushes are abundantly watered.
Care for figs before the fruiting period (first 2 years)
Initial care for fig bushes is no different from growing young seedlings of other fruit plants.
Consists of highlights:
- Timely and properly watered.
- Regularly feed.
- Thin out the crown and crop in the spring.
- Prepare for wintering, shelter from frost.
At first, timely pinching of the young is important. Do not overload the plant while the root system is developing. It is enough to leave 4 young branches up to half a meter long.
Caring for a young fig seedling
Full pruning is performed after a month after the leaves are discarded. During the procedure, make sure that there are no stumps left. Branches are removed under the very base.
Crown formation and trimming
An important point during the first 2 years is the process of crown formation. There are two ways:
- Stamp. Suitable for shrubs planted in regions with a mild climate.
- Fan. Suitable for plants growing in the northern regions.
With a standard formation in the first 2 years, the crown of the bush is not touched. Only damaged and dry branches are removed. After 2 years, all branches tending upwards are cut off. Leaves only shoots growing down. They are bred to the sides and tied to the stem.
Attention! When fan trimming leave 3 - 4 sleeves. That is, the strongest and most well-developed shoots. The remaining branches are shortened to 10 - 15 cm.
Formation is usually carried out in early spring, until sap flow begins. Summer is not suitable for pruning at all. In autumn, only sanitary thinning can be done - remove affected and dry branches.
How to shelter for the winter
Despite the fact that varieties of figs capable of withstanding frosts have been bred, it is impossible to ignore the procedure for sheltering shrubs for the winter. It is started in late autumn, when a stable temperature is established, not exceeding + 2 ° C.
- They begin with the fact that all the shoots on the north side of the plant are collected in a bundle, connected among themselves and bent to the ground.
- A board shelter is built directly on the surface of the ground using plywood or fragments of boards.
- Polyethylene is placed on top of the boardwalk and covered with a layer of soil.
Such a shelter design will allow you to perfectly transfer all the winter troubles.
Possible problems in growing figs
Problems with figs begin when the plant is not properly cared for. Like any plant planted in open ground, shrubs can be susceptible to disease.
Attention! To avoid this, it is necessary to carry out the planned spraying from pests. Monitor his condition and at the slightest sign of pests, carry out appropriate measures to combat them.
Why figs do not bear fruit in the garden
In addition to the appearance of diseases and pests, often there is such a problem as the lack of fruiting.
This is primarily due to the wrong choice of variety. For planting in the garden, it is necessary to select self-pollinating specimens. Pollination of common types of figs can be handled by wasps of a certain subspecies, which do not live in all regions.
Why figs showered
Another problem that gardeners face when growing figs is the shedding of fruits. This phenomenon is due to improper care of the bush. The lack of regular watering is detrimental to the condition of the fruit.
The second reason may be the poor soil on which the bush grows. Correct the situation by regular feeding.
Following the advice of professionals will provide a chic crown and abundant fruiting of figs
Although figs are classified as unpretentious plants in terms of rooting and growth, care for young seedlings should be correct. It is necessary to listen to the recommendations of specialists, then the bush will thank not only the thick and beautiful greens, but also a rich harvest of delicious fruits.
