Figs are the fruits of the fig tree, as the name implies. These nutritional powerhouses are known for their texture, smooth skin, delicious and chewy flesh, and crunchy seeds. The fruit is shaped like a teardrop and can be eaten fresh or dried. Planting figs not only produces fruit but also improves the aesthetic appeal of your home. It's no surprise that figs are among the best plants for the home garden.
Scientific Name: Ficus carica
Other Common Names: Anjeer, Anjura, Common fig, Dumur, Dimri, Simaiyatti
The fig tree fruit pulp is mildly sweet, and the skin is edible. Not only the fruit, but also the leaves of the fig tree, are packed with nutritional and health benefits. They aid in the management of high blood pressure and sugar levels, as well as the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Indian fig tree, also known as the anjeer fruit tree in India, benefits your digestive health. The anjeer tree thrives in warm climates. However, an experienced gardener can grow them in temperate climates with more care. This blog will walk you through growing sweet Indian fig plants at home. Continue reading!
Indian Fig Cultivation Methods:
You can grow an Indian fig tree from seed or cuttings.
1. From Seeds
Soak anjeer tree seeds in lukewarm water for one day before planting in soil. Soaking increases the likelihood of germination. Use a pot or planter with well-draining soil at all times. Furthermore, keep the soil moist and the pot in an area with plenty of but indirect sunlight.
2. From cuttings
To grow an anjeer tree from cuttings, you'll need a 10-12-inch cutting from a healthy tree. Then, remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a well-draining container. When planting figs, clean them thoroughly and place them in a sunny location. Regularly water the pot. You can move the plant to your backyard once it reaches a height of three to four feet.
Choosing an Appropriate Pot for a Fig Tree
Do you want to grow a fig tree in a pot? Selecting a container with a diameter of 12 to 18 inches is preferable. If necessary, repot the plant in a separate container every two to three years. The size of your plant determines the size of your new planter.
Anjeer Plant Growing Requirements:
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Sunlight: Anjeer plant growth is directly proportional to the sunlight it receives. As a result, place a fig tree in an area of your home that receives at least five to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Soil: As previously stated, the anjeer plant thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost-rich soil to prepare the best soil for anjeer plant growth. You can also use an organic potting mix. Before planting an anjeer tree, keep the pH of the soil between six and eight. It is the most suitable soil for plant growth.
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Water: Fig trees thrive in dry, hot climates. So water thoroughly and let the soil dry completely between watering cycles. Avoid overwatering. Underwatering should be avoided, as it can cause leaf yellowing. Make sure that the potting mix is loose. Water the fruit on the fig plant more frequently when you see it on the fig plant. However, make sure that the soil is not clogged.
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Weather conditions: Temperatures between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius are ideal for anjeer fruit tree growth. Never forget! Exposure to low temperatures can cause fig fruits to spill.
Planting Figs and Getting Good Results Needs Proper Care:
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Fertilizer: To encourage the growth of your fig tree, add manure or compost to the soil. Always follow the instructions and dosage on the label.
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Pruning: Prune it regularly to encourage new growth and keep the plant's shape. The fig tree sucker steals nutrients from the plants, so prune the tree with a good pruner regularly to control the growth of tree suckers.
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Suckers: (Suckers are vertical stems that develop from the root system.) These are fast-growing plants that get their nutrition from the main plant. As a result, it is best to remove them to allow the plant to grow properly.)
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Dormancy: A fig tree goes dormant during the winter. So, don't water it as frequently as you did during the summer. Furthermore, avoid exposing it to the cold wind while ensuring proper air circulation.
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Diseases and Pests: Rust, leaf spots, thrips, root-knot nematodes, twig dieback, aphids, and spider mites are some common diseases and pests that may infest an anjeer tree. To keep insects from climbing the tree, use water jet spray or apply wood ash at the plant's base.
Reap What You Sow: It's Time to Harvest Fig Trees!
It may take three to five years in India for an anjeer tree to bear fruit. The harvesting season begins in February-March and ends in May-June. The fruits are manually harvested at 2-3 day intervals. Pick the fruits when they are soft and wilted at the neck. The milky latex is exuded if the fruits are picked before fully mature.
