Fig trees will thrive in the Pacific Northwest, if you choose hardy varieties and protect them when they're young. It's critical to choose a warm and sunny location, preferably with a southern exposure. Plant only the hardiest varieties in the Willamette Valley; if your tree is completely dormant in the winter, it will tolerate temperatures down to 12 degrees F. After the fruit has ripened, stop watering the tree; this will help it to harden off and increase chances of winter survival. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose varieties that are known to survive in the Pacific Northwest. Try Osbourne Prolific and Desert King, two of the most recommended figs for this region. Plant early varieties such as Peter's Honey or Lattarula or Neveralla if your area warms up early in the spring. Desert King will produce just one crop in late July or early August, while many other figs produce a second crop in September.
2. Choose a warm and sunny site protected from cold winds. Plant your fig tree on the south side of a house or building. The site you select should receive full sun all day. Fig trees can grow large and will shade out anything you're growing under the tree.
3. Buy young fig trees from a nursery, or propagate new trees from cuttings. Select and cut pieces of dormant branch, about 12 inches long and less than 1 inch in diameter. Dip your cuttings in rooting hormone powder and shake off the excess. Keep them in a humid location between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for one week. Plant your cutting in fine soil in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist till the fig becomes established.
4. Plant dormant young trees before growth begins in the spring. Cut the tree back to a height of 2 feet when you plant it. Whitewash the trunk to protect it from heat and sun. Oregon State University Extension Service recommends a wash made from a 1/2 gallon of white exterior latex and 1/2 gallon of water, painted on the truck to a height of 2 feet.
5. Water your young fig tree weekly and deeply till it is established and vigorous. Fertilize your fig tree only if it's potted or if the branches grew less than 12 inches during the previous year. Excessive nitrogen will result in lush leaf growth and will inhibit both fruiting and winter hardiness. Feed 1 lb. of nitrogen during the winter to mature fig trees with less than 6-inch annual growth.
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