DIY Network

Mulching, Propagation and Care Kelly Givens shares fig-specific care and propagation tips. From "Fresh From the Orchard" episode DFFO-108

A trip to a pick-your-own fig farm yields plenty of fig-growing tips. Kelly Givens learns the importance of mulching and watering figs and finds out why giving figs too much fertilizer is a bad idea. As a special bonus, she demonstrates how easy it is to create lots of little fig trees by propagating stem cuttings from the mother plant.

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Mulching

Figs grow best in soils with steady moisture levels. A thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help keep the moisture level consistent. You can use pine straw (figure A) or any kind of organic mulch, such as ground-up leaves or hardwood mulch. The key is to mulch a wide area around the base of the plants but to pull the mulch a few inches away from the stem (figure B). Mulch piled up against the stem can contribute to decay.

Figure A

Figure B

Mulch also helps keep weeds at bay. In the long term, organic mulches are better for soil, but inorganic mulches, such as long-lasting landscape fabrics (figure C), are also acceptable choices. To install landscape fabric, make a cut in the fabric and fit it around the tree. If desired, you can then cover the fabric with pine straw or pine bark to make it look more attractive (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Caring for Figs

Figs' main cultural requirement is a steady supply of water, and the trees may drop their fruit if they are drought stressed (figure E). Keep an eye on the leaves: if they start to wilt, water right away

Another way to check to see that a fig tree has enough moisture is to pull the mulch away and poke a finger an inch or two into the soil (figure F). If the soil is moist, everything is fine. But if the soil is dry to the touch, then you should water.

Figure E

Figure F

Figs will grow well in soil that's moderately fertile. Soil that's too rich, especially if it has too much nitrogen, will produce a lot of leafy growth on a fig tree but won't result in many figs. Light applications of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, are usually best and can be applied in the late winter, spring and early summer.

Propagation

An easy way to get more figs is to propagate new trees. Figs are one of the easiest fruits to reproduce.

1. To start, take a stem cutting about 6" long (figure G). Remove the leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

2. Place the cutting in a container of potting soil, making sure there is at least one node below the soil and two above (nodes are points where the leaves were attached). Propagate two to three cuttings per pot and water them well (figure I).

3. Place a stick taller than the cuttings in the center of the pot (figure J).

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

4. Place the pot inside a plastic grocery bag or a clear vegetable bag to create a mini-greenhouse (figure K). Close the bag loosely and check on the cuttings after 10 days. Tug the cuttings gently: if you can feel that they've rooted, they've formed new trees. Leave them all in one pot with the bag slightly open for the next six weeks, making sure the soil stays moist, but not soggy, and giving the plants plenty of bright but indirect light.

When propagating, it's a good idea to label the new plants with the date and variety so you can keep track of them.