Fig trees are fruit producers that have been in cultivation for centuries throughout temperate climate areas. Black Jack fig is a semi-dwarf variety that produces purple-brown figs with a strawberry-red flesh. Sweet and juicy, Black Jack figs also are known as Black Spanish figs. As with most fig varieties, Black Jack fig trees prefer cool, moist winters and long, dry summers. The best time to plant fig trees is in spring, while the trees are still dormant. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plant the Black Jack fig tree where it will get eight hours of sun and heat daily. This is necessary for the fruit to ripen. Fig trees grow 15 to 30 feet tall, so pick a planting site accordingly.
2. Measure out a 4-foot-square section in the planting site. If you're planting more than one Black Jack fig tree, each section should be 15 to 20 feet apart.
3. Cultivate the soil in the planting section, using a garden fork, rototiller, pick or shovel. Turn the soil over to a depth of about 18 to 20 inches.
4. Distribute enough organic matter--such as leaf mold, decomposed steer manure or similar material--to form a 3- to 4-inch layer on top of the soil. This will ensure the soil is fertile and rich enough for the fig to flourish. Using a garden fork or shovel, incorporate the organic matter 12 to 14 inches into the soil.
5. Peel back the material that encases the root ball, if you're planting ball and burlapped Black Jack fig trees. Expose about one-third of the root ball. Cut the twine or binding that holds the material in place, using scissors or a knife. If you're planting bare-root trees, place the roots in a 5-gallon bucket about one-third full of water.
6. Dig a planting hole for the Black Jack fig that's 3 to 4 inches deeper than the level it was previously growing. The planting depth typically is indicated by a watermark where the roots meet the tree trunk. The hole should be about 16 to 20 inches in diameter.
7. Place the Black Jack fig into the planting hole. Hold the tree vertically while you scoop in shovelfuls of soil to secure the tree firmly in the ground.
8. Fill the hole with soil slowly, tamping it down around the hole as you proceed. Create a berm of soil about 3 or 4 inches tall all the way around the tree, keeping it about 14 to 16 inches out from the trunk.
9. Pour water into the watering ring until it's full. Fill the ring slowly so the water soaks into the soil.
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