The mission fig was introduced to the United States in the 1700s when Spanish missionaries settled along the West Coast, and today the fig fruit tree is grown throughout the country. Mission figs do not require other fig trees to pollinate, and are therefore popular with home gardeners who want to sprout the fruit without the extra work of caring for two trees. Fig trees are not hardy, but can withstand temperatures to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit if properly cared for. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plant your mission fig tree in a location of your garden that receives at least six hours of full sunlight daily. Plant purchased trees or cuttings late in the dormant season, generally in late January or February, so that they can be established by the time new growth begins in the spring.
2. Water newly planted mission figs every two days, or whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This high rate of water will encourage the roots to spread out in their new home. In general, newly planted trees need about 10 gallons of water three times per week to promote healthy root spread and new growth.
3. Water established mission figs only in drought conditions; otherwise, the rainfall will provide sufficient water. If drought conditions last more than two weeks, water the tree with at least 20 gallons of water; if the drought persists long enough, you may need as much as 50 gallons of water to satiate the tree.
4. Feed your mission fig only if the tree grows less than 1 foot per year; otherwise, excess fertilizer will only harm the tree. Feed young trees in need with ½ lb. of balanced fertilizer three to five times per year, starting in late winter and ending by late summer. For mature trees, apply 3 lbs. of balanced fertilizer the same number of times.
5. Prune your fig tree if necessary in early summer, after the fruit has ripened. Pruning should only be done to remove dead or damaged plant material, or if necessary to control size or shape. Pruning does not improve fig health.
Tags: gallons water, balanced fertilizer, drought conditions, mission figs, newly planted