Position – Full sun is required for good fruit setting. Plant your fig tree at least 5 to 6 metres away from any buildings or other trees to allow its roots and canopy to spread comfortably.
Size – Most mature fig trees grow to about 6 to 8 metres tall, with a similar spread.
Soil Type – Fig trees can grow in most types of soil as long as the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic material. They do not like acidic soil, so use ordinary organic compost to keep the pH up.
Watering – Water your fig tree every second day after transplanting it. Thereafter, it will need a good soaking once a week, if there has been no rain.
Mulch
Apply organic mulch to your nectarine tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Alternatively, apply a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Thereafter fertilise annually in early spring.
Pruning – It’s best to prune your tree during the winter by removing suckers growing on its base. Cut away dead and diseased wood. The main branches can also be cut back.
Harvesting – Figs don’t ripen once they’ve been picked, so be sure that they are ready to enjoy before plucking them. Generally, they are ready to pick once they hang down and are not perpendicular to the stem. They will also change colour as they ripen (the colour depends on the species).
