The fig, or fig, is a rather unpretentious deciduous tree that prefers a subtropical humid climate with warm winters. Similar climatic conditions can easily be arranged indoors in colder areas. Therefore, it is possible to grow figs at home in closed ground, in pots or greenhouses. With sufficient care, homemade figs can bear fruit in adulthood.

Indoor figs can be grown by purchasing a ready-made seedling with known varietal characteristics and seller's guarantees. But it is much more interesting to grow your own fig tree from cuttings or seeds. It is quite easy to get planting material for cuttings if you happen to go to places where figs grow - warm tropical countries or subtropical coasts.

As cuttings, segments of fig branches no thicker than the little finger, up to 15 cm long and with 3-4 live buds, are suitable. A suitable time for harvesting cuttings is the period of winter cooling, when the trees have shed their leaves and are in hibernation. Cut cuttings prepared for growing homemade figs should be stored for several weeks in a cool place at 10-12 degrees Celsius to dry and simulate wintering.

It is necessary to germinate cuttings of a homemade fig tree in a small pot with river sand, having previously treated the lower part with any root-stimulating drug. For germination, the fig stalk is transferred to a warm, up to 25 degrees Celsius, and a bright place. The sand must be constantly moist, this is achieved with small regular waterings and shelter for the first time from a glass jar. Bud swelling on a fig twig indicates the awakening of the plant and the formation of the first roots. After the appearance of a few leaves, indoor figs need to be transplanted into permanent soil and a large pot.

Growing figs from seed at home.

Seeds may be a more accessible material for planting homemade figs. Fresh figs, although rare, can be found for sale in grocery stores and markets. For planting, seeds of the most mature fruit, including spoiled ones, are suitable. Dried figs, which are commercially available all year round, also make it possible to obtain ready-made seeds for planting a homemade fig tree. You should know that a fig tree grown from a seed will not have the varietal characteristics that a seed fruit has, but such a plant will be physically stronger than its brother obtained by cuttings.

Washed, clean seeds of ripe figs are soaked in water for 1-2 days, and then planted in the soil. Infertile seeds will float on the surface, while viable specimens, having gained moisture, will be at the bottom of the container, ready to germinate. Live seeds should be germinated in a tray in moist coarse sand or vermiculite. The use of soil or compost for this purpose is not advisable, as this can cause the development of mold that is detrimental to fig seeds.

Fig seeds germinated at home need a warm and humid environment. This can be done with a transparent cover for the tray, which must be removed for a few minutes to ventilate the seeds. The tray is placed in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight. Germination of fig seeds can take up to eight weeks. After the appearance of small sprouts with leaves, the shelter must be removed, thus acclimatizing the plants to home humidity conditions. At the same time, you will have to water the tray more often, preventing the surface from drying out.

After the fig sprouts reach 3-4 centimeters, they can be transplanted into small pots up to 12 cm in diameter with permanent soil. As a soil for growing figs at home, flower soil with the addition of coarse sand is suitable; you can use the soil gathered under the forest floor.

Homegrown fig seedlings need regular watering every two days as the topsoil dries out. Excess moisture should flow freely through the drainage holes in the pot. Figs will respond well to regular spraying of the crown with water. A mature fig tree can easily tolerate direct sunlight for half a day, but young plants should be protected from excessive sun by placing them in shady places.

A growing fig tree needs to be transplanted annually in stages into a larger container that you can provide for home grown figs. In the absence of the possibility of further transplantation, the upper part of the soil should be replaced with minimal damage to the roots. Thus, the plant will be able to replenish its mineral reserves even in a pot.

Homemade figs for crown formation can be subjected to gentle pruning, that is, gradually 1-2 branches at a time, preferably during the winter dormancy. With the creation of favorable conditions, a homemade fig tree in a few years will be able to bloom and form fruits. At the same time, a plant grown from a cutting is capable of fruiting 2-3 years earlier than a tree planted with a seed.

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Healthy and tasty figs in nature grow in a subtropical climate, on the Mediterranean Sea. Does not require complex special care. Therefore, it is loved and successfully grown at home. The tree bears fruit twice a year.

Figs come from the genus Ficus. Houses have been grown since the 18th century. Scientists have developed indoor varieties that are small in size, self-pollinating.

The table shows the main types.

Variety	Description of fruits
Sochi 7, Sochi 8	Breeding species, bred on the basis of the white Adriatic by the scientist Yu.S. Chernenko. Medium size, 65-70 gr, yellow-green skin color, red flesh, juicy. They ripen at the end of summer.
Sochi 15	Lemon color, pink inside, 75 gr. Fruiting in autumn, from September to November.
Dalmatic	Large, 130 gr. Green on the outside, scarlet on the inside. Harvest in July, October.
White Adriatic	Yellow-green shade, 60 gr, sweet. In June, August.
Seedling of Ogloblin	Selection species, bred by N. A. Ogloblin. They are tied in the fall before the rest period. They leave for wintering in the form of small green berries. By the summer they are gaining growth, during the growing season they ripen.
Sary Apsheron	Small, 40 gr. Cream color, salmon flesh, sugar. Double bountiful harvest in late summer and early autumn.

How to grow figs

Figs are grown in three ways: planting seeds, cuttings, root propagation. For planting, use universal soil mixed with sand, peat, leafy soil. As a fertilizer, ash, lime, eggshells are mixed.

seeds

Seed for planting is obtained from a mature fruit.

To do this, they are taken out of the core, washed under running water and allowed to dry. At this time, prepare a container for planting. The bottom is covered with drainage. The soil mixture is poured (manure, turf, sand (peat) in a ratio of 2: 2: 1).

As a fertilizer, ash is used (1 tbsp per 1 liter of substrate). Water abundantly and lay the seeds on paper or a napkin. Top covered with soil. They create a greenhouse with an air temperature of + 23 ... + 25 ºC. Daily arrange airing, monitor the humidity. The soil is moistened by spraying. A moisture level of 2 mm is maintained in the pallet.

After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots appear. The seedlings are being cut. After the first leaves dive into separate pots.

The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting.

cuttings

The procedure is recommended to be carried out in April. To obtain a cutting, a semi-lignified shoot is chosen. Sections are made from below under the kidney along an oblique, from above in a straight line. Leave 3 buds on the seedling. The leaves are cut to 1/3 part for rapid root growth. The resulting stalk is placed in a pre-prepared soil (cleaned moistened sand), creating a greenhouse effect.

Roots appear after 3 weeks. The tree is ready for planting in a separate container.

Root growth

The shoot is pressed to the soil, sprinkled with soil. Roots will sprout within three weeks. The plant is separated and planted. When propagated by cuttings and shoots, the first fruits appear in the third year after planting.

Fig care at home

To create optimal conditions, two main factors are taken into account: humidity and illumination. Figs have two stages of development: in winter the flower is at rest, in summer it begins to bloom and bear fruit.

Location and watering in different phases of life

The rest period lasts from October to March. At this time, the plant needs rare watering, once every two weeks to moisten the soil. The air temperature does not rise above +10…+12 ºC.

From the end of February, figs begin to grow actively, the rest period is replaced by flowering. Increase the frequency of watering. Sometimes a warm shower is carried out if the size of the tree allows. If not, then spray. In warm weather, expose to fresh air.

The optimum air temperature is +22…+25 ºC.

top dressing

Fertilizers are chosen filled with organic matter, minerals. Apply during the flowering period twice a month. Alternate cow dung with infusion of herbs (wood louse, dandelion, nettle). Feed once a season with ferrous sulfate (iron vitriol) to prevent pests and diseases.

Figs also need potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizer with trace elements is sold in the store. Top dressing is carried out during the growing season one-time.

pruning

Figs are a fast growing plant and require maintenance to maintain their appearance. To fix the size, the formation of a green lush bush, the branches are cut off. Old, bare ones are completely removed to obtain new shoots.

The more fresh young shoots on the tree, the more fruit the fig will produce.

The procedure is carried out at the end of winter before the start of the active period.

Diseases, pests

Figs are not susceptible to attack by insects, subject to simple care rules, the grower will not cause much trouble.

To maintain comfortable conditions for the root system, regularly loosen the soil. The formation of the crown contributes to the strengthening of the lower part, the absence of pests, the greening of the tree: the branches are cut in time, the leaves are pinched, and watered abundantly.

The fig tree is a storehouse of elements useful for the body, vitamins, minerals. Especially recommended for people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

• vitamins (A, B, C, PP);
• cellulose;
• pectin;
• macro-, microelements (potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus);
• mono-, disaccharides (glucose, fructose).

Potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart and reduce the possibility of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Thanks to ficin, the wine berry helps to thin the blood, which leads to a decrease in the risk of blood clots and serves as a preventive measure against diseases: thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.

The fruits of the fig tree are a good diuretic. To prevent kidney disease (pyelonephritis, stones), they are recommended to be eaten.

It is assumed that the fig (fig tree, fig tree) is the most ancient cultivated plant. In the 16th century, figs began to be grown not only in open ground, but also as a pot culture. Undersized varieties have been bred that do not require pollination by insects, which means that everyone can get a tasty and healthy fruit right on their windowsill. The plant does not require special care, but it is still worth considering the fact that the fig is a native of the subtropics, and it needs the appropriate conditions.

Preparing for planting figs at home

The fig tree can be propagated by both cuttings and seeds. The successful cultivation of figs at home largely depends on the quality of the planting material, which is why special attention should be paid to its choice.

Selection and preparation of planting material

A fig tree grown from cuttings will begin to bear fruit much earlier than that obtained from seeds. If there is an adult mother tree, then cuttings for planting can be prepared independently. If not, you can buy seedlings. To prepare seeds (fig pits) for planting, they are washed well in a fine mesh sieve and dried on a napkin. For these purposes, only fully ripened fruits are suitable. Within a day, the seeds are ready for sowing. Figs grown from seeds will begin to bear fruit no earlier than the fifth year of life.

Landing dates

It is possible to harvest cuttings from the fall (before the start of the dormant period of the plant), but then they will have to be kept in wet sand in a cool, dark place for three months. If cuttings are carried out in January, then next month the branches will be ready for planting in a pot.

Seed propagation is carried out at the same time, with the only expectation that the seeds will need additional time to hatch. Pre-soaked seeds are ready for planting in the substrate after 3 days. After about 10 days, the sprout will reach 3 cm (growth rate largely depends on temperature, watering, soil quality).

Choosing a place in the house

Before buying fig tree seedlings, it is worth considering whether there is a suitable place for the plant in the house. Despite the fact that indoor figs are bred adapted for living at home, they will need a well-lit room (southern exposures), and an adult specimen will need space. The possibility of placing a tree in the fresh air will favorably affect the health of the plant, accelerate its growth and the quality of fruiting. That is why it is recommended to take the pot of figs to the balcony or garden with the beginning of spring, as soon as the air temperature warms up to 15 ° C.

It is allowed to grow figs in the country or in the garden. As practice shows, the fig tree winters quite well in our climate, but it must be covered for the winter. For example, in Stavropol, figs feel great in the southern areas, protected from through wind, but bear fruit once a year. The weather conditions of this region do not allow the maturation of the second wave of the harvest. However, this does not upset gardeners, since even from the first wave, several kilograms of vitamin fruits can be harvested.

In Ukraine, figs grow to a greater extent in Odessa, but they also manage to bring a crop only once. A berry set by the end of summer usually does not have time to ripen.

Pot selection and soil preparation

The fig tree is not demanding on the composition of the soil, but grows best in the soil for vegetable crops with the addition of peat and ash. It is useful to enrich the substrate with crushed eggshells, which are doused with boiling water before drying. Strongly saline and clay soil is categorically not suitable for figs.

Before planting the plant, it is recommended to steam the soil, and pour boiling water over the pot.

Flat bowls are not suitable for planting figs, and too deep tubs are also not suitable. For a young plant (the stage of growing cuttings), pots with a volume of about 1 liter are optimal. Every year the size of the container should be replaced with a larger one. A drainage system must be provided in the home tub.

planting figs

It is necessary to plant a fig tree in early spring so that it has time to take root well and adapt before the end of summer. In a fig tree grown from a cutting, the first fruits appear no earlier than the second year of life.

Rules for caring for figs at home

Figs do not belong to capricious cultures, they can even adapt to life in a dry climate and poor soil. But if we talk about the proper cultivation of this plant, there are some rules that should be followed.

Watering frequency and water quality requirements

The fig tree loves soft settled water at room temperature or a little warmer. The frequency of watering depends on the season and the air temperature in the room. In the summer, the plant should be provided with frequent abundant watering, it is best to do this every other day. It is necessary to water so that the liquid passes through the soil and exits through the drainage holes of the pot. Water should wet the entire substrate well.

Closer to the dormant period of the tree (October-November), watering is reduced. Now soil moistening is carried out approximately once every four days. Once the figs have shed all their leaves, they are ready to be placed in a dark, cool place until next year. Now care is only to prevent the soil from completely drying out. The earth in a pot is always moistened with cool water.

The choice and timing of top dressing

It is advisable to feed a plant that has awakened after hibernation. As soon as the kidneys begin to swell, it's time to apply phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers. Manure in a diluted, liquid form is enough to make once every two weeks. Also, throughout the growing season, complex fertilizers for indoor plants will perfectly cope with their role. They are quite enough for year-round maintenance of the tree without additional “solo” additions of individual minerals. When the figs are preparing for fruiting, universal fertilizers can be replaced with top dressings for fruit-bearing plants.

Air humidity

Reduced air humidity adversely affects the health of figs.

In addition, dry air provokes the appearance of spider mites.

Do not neglect regular spraying with warm settled water. In addition, an adult plant with large leaves should be periodically wiped from dust with a clean, damp sponge. If necessary, provide additional moisture with a tray of pebbles and water.

Lighting and temperature conditions

One of the most important conditions for good growth and yield of figs is lighting, it must be bright. It is necessary to place a tree in the house exclusively on the southern windows; a flowerpot with figs should not stand further than 50 cm from the window. The fig tree prefers high temperatures, but subject to regular moisture. Dry soil negatively affects the health of the plant and the tree can completely shed its leaves. Too high a temperature (over 30 ° C) with poor watering and air humidity can completely destroy the fig.

We can say that figs, like other indoor plants that came to us from the tropics and subtropics, make the main requirements precisely for humidity and air temperature. In room conditions, with the advent of autumn, the fig stops its growth and goes into a state of rest. In the wintering room, the air temperature should not fall below 5 °C. Temperatures above 15 ° C are also undesirable - it can provoke a premature exit of the plant from dormancy.

Pruning and crown shaping

Crown formation requires certain knowledge and skills, but not everyone can boast of such experience. Before deciding to prune a fig tree yourself, it would not be out of place to study the advice of experienced gardeners:

• the pruned specimen must be a fruit-bearing tree (young seedlings are not pruned);
• pruning is carried out at the beginning of the year before the buds swell;
• mainly the upper shoots are shortened, the lower branches due to this become stronger;
• shoots growing inward are also to be removed.

Timely pinching of the upper buds of the apical branches will not allow the tree to stretch excessively, and the lower shoots will become stronger and more fertile.

fruiting figs

Under natural conditions, fruiting of figs occurs twice a year. Growing figs at home, you should not always count on such a result. The first harvest wave is in July, the second is expected in September. It takes one month for the fetus to fully mature.

The taste of the berry depends not only on the variety of the fig tree, but also on the conditions of its maintenance. Caring for figs during the fruiting period is more reverent. The tree must be protected from drafts, and watering should be slightly reduced (so that the fruits are not watery). With proper care, even a small tree can produce a full-fledged harvest of several kg.

Transplanting a young plant

The first few years, figs are transplanted annually after the plant leaves the dormant period, but before the leaves bloom. Young seedlings develop quite quickly and need a larger pot. After the seventh year of life, figs do not require such a frequent change of pot - you can transplant every two to three years or if clearly needed.

An adult fig tree is transplanted into a container only 5 cm larger in diameter than the previous one, otherwise the roots will actively grow and fertility will decrease.

In order to transplant figs, the pot must be poured over with boiling water, and at least 3 cm of drainage should be placed on its bottom (you can use pieces of foam). Drainage is essential for a plant of any age, it will allow the roots to breathe, eliminating stagnant water and rotting of the root system.

Pest and disease control

The fig tree is not very susceptible to common houseplant diseases, but there are still such diseases. Although this is a rather rare phenomenon, but it does take place - coral spotting. A fungal infection that manifests itself in the form of small red formations on the stems of a fig tree. At the first detection of symptoms of the fungus, the affected shoots must be removed, and the tree should be treated with fungicides (a strong solution of potassium permanganate is also suitable).

Another ailment characteristic of the fig tree is the spider mite, but it happens only if the plant is not cared for properly. To avoid getting to know him, the fig tree should be sprayed regularly and monitor the humidity in the room.

Reproduction at home

Propagating figs at home is very simple. The main thing is to observe seasonality and cutting rules. In the case of seed propagation, everything is a little longer and more painstaking.

Features of seed reproduction

When sowing seeds without pre-soaking, drainage is poured into a flat pan (box, bowl), then seedling soil (it must contain peat), watered with warm water. Seeds are sown and sprinkled with a thin layer of earth. Water carefully again, it is better to moisten from a spray bottle. The greenhouse is covered with a film or glass and placed in a place with a temperature not lower than 25-27 ° C.

Every day, a makeshift greenhouse is opened for a short airing. The earth must always be moist.

As soon as the first shoots appear (this can take up to two weeks), the bowl is opened and taken out to the south window. When the seedlings grow up, it should be thinned out, removing the weakest shoots. Grown seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place, this is done in the spring.

Planting cuttings

Only healthy specimens are suitable for planting. If you have to cut the cuttings from the mother tree yourself, then you need to know some rules:

• fruit-bearing specimens are best suited for harvesting cuttings;
• the most suitable time is the beginning of the year (January, the first half of February);
• for cuttings, branches of the lower tier of the plant are taken;
• there should be 3-4 buds on the handle;
• the optimal length of the handle is about 15 cm.

youtu.be/hQjpJwcGRwM You can keep the cuttings in a vessel with settled water until the first roots appear, or you can root them immediately in the ground. The soil must be calcined or steamed, placed in a container, well moistened. A cutting is placed in the soil, sprinkled with earth, watered again and covered with a transparent cap (jar or plastic bottle).

Conditions for rooting cuttings

Proper planting guarantees rapid rooting of planting material. The substrate must be necessarily light, and watering timely and warm. The greenhouse must be located in a well-lit room and, if necessary, organize additional lighting.

Rooting will happen much faster if you make several vertical cuts at the base of the cutting.

When the first leaves appear on the handle, the cap must be removed. After six months, the seedling is fully adapted, and next spring it can be transplanted into a pot.

Varieties of figs for home cultivation

The most common varieties bred for growing indoors are: "black pearl" (with purple fruits), "kadota" (yellow-green fruit), "dalmatic" (green berries with red flesh), White Adriatic fig, "moisson ". All varieties bred for cultivation as a pot culture are parthenocarpic.

Each variety of homemade figs not only gives a very healthy and tasty fruit, but also has a very attractive appearance. Large carved leaves and a beautiful crown of a tree have always attracted the attention of flower growers, and the possibility of obtaining such an exotic crop at home has doubled this attention.

One of the amazing representatives of the plant world is figs, the cultivation of which at home is of particular interest to both the beginner and the experienced gardener. Acquaintance with an elegant representative of the flora should begin with a definition.

Figs in the people have two common names: a fig tree and a common fig tree. The genus to which it belongs is called ficus, and the family is mulberries. Indoor ficus, which can often be found in any apartment, is a distant relative of the plant. In the wild, it is found in the jungles of the subtropics in the form of a tall tree, but indoor figs are undersized and do not exceed 2 m.

If you wondered how to grow figs at home, then this can be done through seeds or cuttings. The latter method is more practical and does not require much time. A subspecies of the plant, which is called fruit-bearing indoor figs, is able to decorate any room with itself, while also feeding the whole family with healing and tasty fruits. With proper care, one small tree can bring its owners from 4 to 10 kg of fruit.

Growing from seed

If the gardener does not know how to plant figs using seeds, then the following option will come in handy. Its peculiarity is that it is necessary to sow, starting from the end of winter - the beginning of spring (February-March). In the event that the seed is taken directly from the fruit, it must be taken out together with the pulp, and then transferred to a glass jar, adding a small amount of water. After a short period of time, when everything has fermented, the seeds are thoroughly washed with water, while removing those that float to the top. Having carried out the necessary manipulations, the resulting material should be sown in a box with soil to a depth of no more than 0.6 cm.

In order for the seeds to germinate successfully, it is necessary to cover them with glass or polyethylene film. Favorable temperature for the germination process is + 21 ... + 24 ° С. Remember that the seed of this plant is photophilous, so the box should be near a light source. Within 30 days, the first shoots will appear. During this time, it is sometimes necessary to remove the insulating coating in order to water and ventilate the seeds.

Broken sprouts, which already have 2-3 formed leaves, are transplanted into pre-prepared containers with a special substrate. It can be prepared as follows: the bottom of the tank is lined with drainage (most often expanded clay) with a layer of 1.5 cm, a mixture of soil is poured over it, similar to ordinary ficus, and the final layer is fine sand, which is washed and heat-treated, by about 2 .5 cm

Reproduction by cuttings

Special mention deserves the method of propagation of a fig tree by cuttings. For these purposes, both lignified and green shoots are suitable, which can be purchased either in a specialized store or from friends who are already growing figs. At this stage, choosing the right cuttings is half the battle. Please note that the cutting should be from 12 cm high, preferably with 2-3 buds, while it is necessary that the plant itself arrives during the growing season. Make sure that the cut is thoroughly dry, for this it is enough to place the cutting for 6 hours in a cool room.

Rooting is best done in the last decade of January or early February. The decisive moment in this regard is the moment when the fig tree has already shed its leaves and began to grow new shoots. If all the rules are followed, then the future figs will take root quickly and without any problems.

When cutting, it is necessary to take into account the following characteristic features:

• watering is done with warm water, then cover the cuttings with a glass container;
• when landing, it is best to use river sand;
• it is necessary to plant a cutting in the same way as a stone, at least 2.5 cm into the soil;
• for the full development of each plant, a separate container is needed;
• experienced gardeners advise that before planting a cutting, a couple of shallow cuts or scratches should be made in its lower part in order for future roots to form more actively.

If it is necessary to accelerate the growth of the cuttings, a special indoor greenhouse can be created for the fig tree. The temperature in it should not exceed +24°C. This method of propagation involves the possibility of placing the cutting not only in the sand, but simply in a container of water, where the plant is kept until the first young roots appear. After they have taken shape, the figs are transplanted into a pot. The ideal soil option is relatively dry, with a layer of drainage in the form of rotted leaves or sod. In the future, an adult plant needs a capacity of at least 6 liters so that the fig feels confident in it.

Care rules

Grown plants, whether it is at least figs from seeds or from cuttings, require close attention and constant care. Planting figs is only a minor part of the matter, most of the time you will have to carefully protect it, taking into account the characteristics characteristic of the plant.

In winter, try to keep the fig away from heating appliances, which can cause irreparable harm to it. An adult plant does not require special light sources for itself. "Hibernation" of figs lasts from the last decade of autumn until January. A sign of this is the fall of most of the leaves. Watering is needed much less, it is enough to keep the soil in a little moisture.

In order to avoid untimely development of the kidneys, it is necessary to water the fig with cold water. When the buds swell, you can take the tree to a more lit place and start active watering, feeding the figs with fertilizers. It should be remembered that the plant responds positively to nitrogen fertilization. This fertilizer should be the first and main for him. When the kidneys swell, "feeding" with phosphates is required.

Transfer

The rules for transplanting a fig tree will be useful to know for both a beginner and an experienced gardener. With the advent of real spring, when the sun begins to warm for real, it is necessary to take the pot with the tree into the open air. Keep in mind that a young fig tends to rapidly grow its root system, so transplantation must be done annually, otherwise inaction threatens to kill this representative of the flora. In the time interval, the process must be carried out before young leaves appear.

If the tree has been growing for more than 6 years, you need to replant it every 2-3 years. It is important to consider that the container into which the fig is transplanted should be 4 cm larger than the previous one in width. However, do not overdo it: too much area is harmful to the tree due to the fact that overgrown rhizomes will begin to affect the yield level.

An obligatory element during transplantation is the drainage system, which is lined with the bottom of the tank. Experienced gardeners recommend leaving the root neck on top, while giving preference to a place for a tree where there will be an abundance of light. Crown formation is also an important point that affects the health of the fig and the number of its fruits.

crown formation

The moment when the buds swell symbolizes that it is time to take on the formation of the crown for the tree. To begin with, almost all branches should be cut, leaving a maximum of 4-5 of them. When the top reaches the mark of 23 cm, they begin to pinch it. This manipulation avoids excessive growth of lateral branches. They should also be shortened by almost a third of the total length so that the lower shoots do not begin to weaken.

Remember that those buds that are directed towards the center of the crown are subject to pruning. If you carefully and carefully follow this, the fig crown will look elegant, consisting of 5 vertical branches and shoots on the sides. The crown in the form of a Chinese fan also looks aesthetically pleasing, so you can emphasize the interior of the room. At the same time, the tree not only looks beautiful, but also bears fruit more abundantly. To achieve a similar result, make a clothespin, starting with the topmost kidney.

Remove branches that grow directly into the crown itself, while leaving shoots running horizontally. This will contribute to the abundance of fruits in the future. The crown will achieve the shape of a fan if a pair of horizontal parallel branches is left during pruning.

If you are not attracted by the appearance of the tree, then cut immediately above the kidney - this will greatly increase the number of shoots that will delight you with fruit. At the same time, the fig will not become a decoration of the house, but it will give twice as many fruits.

Do not be lazy to spray the tree with water every day so that it grows in conditions of humidity close to natural. Water procedures should be repeated every week. Otherwise, the bush may be affected by a fungal infection. It manifests itself in the form of small red dots that appear on the stems. Having noticed these signs, it is necessary to immediately cut off the infected branches and treat the fig with a solution of potassium permanganate.

If your tree has grown from a cutting, then it will begin to bloom and bear fruit in the 2nd year of life, if from seeds, then only in the 5th year. Flowering occurs in early spring. The final ripening of fruits falls at the end of summer. Ripeness can be determined by the fact that the fruits change color from green to the one that is characteristic of the selected variety.

Doctors say that fig fruits are extremely useful. They contain vitamins A, B, C, as well as calcium, organic acids, pectin, iron and phosphorus. The fruits have healing properties, strengthen the immune system, promote expectoration, and fight inflammation.

As it turns out, figs at home began to be grown back in the 16th century. Its fruits in taste and content of substances useful for the body are not inferior to garden or wild figs. The tree is compact, unpretentious, grows well even on the windowsill, bears fruit twice a year.

There are two ways to grow a homemade fig tree:

• by cuttings or planting root shoots;
• from seeds.

To grow a fig tree, ordinary soil mixed with a small amount of river sand and leaf humus can be used, to which a little lime or ash should be added. Not bad if a little mixture of finely ground eggshell and peat is added.

Growing homemade figs from cuttings

The easiest way is to plant cuttings that are cut from fruiting figs. They will be more hardy if fully matured branches are cut from the bottom of the tree. Cuttings take root better if cut in January or February before the plants shed their leaves and young shoots begin to grow on them. The length of the blanks for the cuttings is about 10-15 cm, each of them should have 3-4 buds.

Cutting is done with a sharp knife. The upper sections of the cuttings remain straight, but the lower ones are made inclined and several longitudinal small cuts are applied to them - the roots in this case are better formed. Sections are dried in the open air in cool conditions until the milky juice hardens (6-7 hours).

Fig seedlings adapt faster if they are first placed in a heteroauxin solution for 10-12 hours. There are three ways to carry out the process of rooting cuttings:

1. Putting them in a container of water.
2. Planted in a box or vessel with wet sand.
3. By planting the stalk in a small pot specially prepared for this. Drainage (expanded clay) should be poured at the bottom of the container, steamed soil should be laid on it, and a thin layer of steamed sand should be sprinkled on top. Before planting, the cutting should be washed with water, placed in a prepared shallow hole and slightly crushed around the ground.

In all three cases, the seedlings are covered from above with suitable glass vessels and they try to ensure a constant temperature in the room, where it should be light and warm. In the second and third methods, sand or soil must be systematically watered with slightly warmed (but not hot!) Water. Glass covers should be periodically removed to ventilate the plants.

After about a month, the cuttings that have taken root by this time can be transplanted into pots with prepared soil. At the bottom of them, too, there should be drainage from a porous material, and the surface of the soil is sprinkled with steamed sand. The cuttings, rooted in the third way, are transferred along with a clod of earth to their permanent place and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

Since it is not always possible to find a tree from which cuttings can be cut, ready-made cuttings or seedlings should be purchased. Sometimes seedlings are grown, and then cut into several cuttings. With cutting propagation, the first fruits can sometimes be obtained already a year after planting the seedling.

Propagation of figs by planting seeds

To obtain fig seeds, choose healthy and large fruits. The seeds taken out of them are carefully washed with water, and then dried for a day. Planting seeds in prepared soil is carried out in early spring.

Seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm and not very plentiful watering is carried out. A container with planted seeds is covered with glass or polyethylene. After the first shoots appear, the cover is removed for several hours a day so that the plants can breathe. When the seedlings have grown enough, they need to be transplanted into containers of suitable sizes. The first fruits with this method of reproduction usually appear 4-5 years after planting.

Features of care for indoor figs

It is very important to spray the trunks and leaves of fig trees with settled warm water all year round and water it abundantly. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the tree may shed its foliage. In addition, spraying helps prevent the appearance of spider mites. The intensity of watering should be reduced during fruiting - the fruits may become watery.

Like any subtropical plant, home-grown figs have a dormant period. In this plant, it lasts from November to January. Therefore, for this time it should be placed in a cool (with a temperature not higher than +15 and not lower than 0 ° C) and a shaded place. The number of waterings also decreases, and the water for them should be cool. Trees shed their leaves during this period.

When the buds begin to awaken, the plant must be brought out into the light, regular watering should begin, and fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is needed for intensive fruiting. And during periods when the buds swell, caring for a tree includes alternating top dressing from phosphorus fertilizers and a manure solution.

Up to 7 years, the indoor fig tree, in which the root system is growing rapidly, should be transplanted into a larger pot every spring before the leaves bloom. After that, transplantation is carried out every three years. Drainage at the bottom is still needed. After transplanting, the tree must be exposed to light.

It is very important to properly form the crown, especially since without pruning the tree can become too large. They begin its formation by pinching the apical buds. Pruning is best done before the buds swell so that the upper shoots are directed to the sides, and not inside the crown. Shoots growing inward are removed. Mostly the upper branches are shortened, due to which the lateral and lower ones become stronger. So you can grow a tree with a beautiful crown.

Figs at home during the year can give 1 or 2 crops. With two harvests, the first of them ripens in July, and the next in September. Ripening lasts about a month. The ripe fruit becomes soft and begins to secrete sweet juice from the eyes. One well-groomed tree can produce more than one kilogram of tasty and healthy fruits in a season.

It remains to be added that due to the unusual dissected leaves, figs can also become a spectacular home decoration.