Arizona's climate, similar to the Mediterranean, is ideal for 'Mission' figs.
The "Black Mission" fig tree is from the Balearic Islands, located in the western Mediterranean Sea. On the outside, Mission figs are dark purple while their flesh inside is pink. The fruit also develops with a long and narrow shape and is suitable for drying, canning or eating fresh. Since this tree requires dry, hot weather, in the United States, it does well in the Arizona desert. Space should be your first consideration before planting a 'Mission' fig tree, as this plant usually spreads 20 to feet or wider. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plant your Mission fig tree in the winter if it's bare root or in any season if the nursery sapling is in a container. Select a place in full sun and away from plants that don't tolerate shade.
2. Irrigate your newly planted Mission fig tree a minimum of three days a week with 10 gallons of water each time. Reduce the frequency to every other week in the winter months. Mature fig trees require irrigation only during droughts.
3. Measure the current year's growth at the end of the summer. Fertilize the tree if the new development is shorter than 1 foot. Feed your Mission fig plant 2 pounds of ammonium sulfate in late September. Repeat this treatment in February. In subsequent years, fertilize the tree only when the new growth at the end of the season measures less than 1 foot.
4. Prune your young Mission fig tree in the fall or winter to remove water sprouts, twigs that cross over each other and stems that develop toward the center of the tree. Cut the remaining branches back to keep the tree to the size you want.
5. Harvest Mission figs when they become soft and flexible at the neck. Eat them immediately or process them either as dried or canned fruit to preserve them. Fresh figs keep for only two days in the refrigerator.
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