An introduction to pruning fig trees in Australia

There is nothing better for a gardening enthusiast compared to the feeling he gets when he sees a freshly ripe fig on his tree. It adds to the beauty of your garden.

Fig trees are mostly found in Australia. It is an excellent region that grows fig trees. Figs are a great source of fiber, calcium and other important nutrients. You can abundantly find figs in Australian markets.

Fig trees are easy to maintain. These are ornamental trees that are rewarding in your home garden. Fig trees come with a maximum height of 3 to 4 meters.

Historical facts about fig trees

• They originated from south-west Asia.
• Humans distributed it from Afghanistan to Portugal.
• A fig tree is believed to be among the first food crops cultivated by humans.

Growing fig trees

Fig trees grow fast in hot and dry temperatures. Australia is the most suitable region for growing fig trees. Fig trees love the son and dislike harsh winds. If you are planning to grow a fig tree in your house in Australia, you should choose a position that is sheltered.

If you use high nitrogen fertilizers, it would make the leaves grow bigger. You might have to compromise on the growth of the fruit. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use this kind of fertilizer.

It is important for the fig tree to grow in an area with good drainage. If there is plenty of soil in the area you plant the fig tree, it would affect its growth. If you excessively water the plant, the fruit might not be able to set properly. They are sensitive to frost as well. You have to prepare them in the beginning to deal with heavy frosting in Australia.

Harvesting fig trees

Fig trees give you fresh fruit two times a year. You can enjoy perishable figs in the late winter and late summer. Higos is the main harvest in the early Autumn and late summer. Breba grows later in winter.

Figs are best enjoyable when they are freshly plucked. You can keep them indoor to fully ripen them and make them ready to eat. They remain in their best quality for a few days. It is important for you to keep them dry.

When is the right time to harvest the tree? When the fruit starts drooling from the tree, it’s a sign that you should harvest the plant. When you squeeze the figs gently, they should appear soft. To remove the fruit from the plant, hold it gently and pluck it from the bottom to avoid the fruit from splitting. You can store figs for a few days in the fridge.

Pruning fig trees

Pruning the newly planted fig tree allows it to grow well. To keep the tree productive, you should trim it 60 cm from the ground. When you trim and cut the plant properly, you are able to develop its roots to grow efficiently.

Cut back the leaves and wood every season to make sure you get freshly ripen figs. Vigorous plant growth affects the fruit production. Therefore, you need to prune it well to keep it healthy and happy.

The branches of the plant make the tree appear messy. Moreover, there is a greater risk of the pests attacking the plant.

What is the ideal time to prune the fig tree?

If you see damaged and dead branches on the plant, you should remove them off and prune them quickly. They could harm the growth of the fruit.

Your fig plant reaches to its full potential in the third season from the first time you plant it. You need to make sure that you prune it well in the winter.

Fig is a tree that bleeds when you cut it. Therefore, it is essential for you to cut it in the winder to allow it to heal quickly.

Conclusion:

Pruning fig trees in Australia is an essential part of growing healthy and beautiful trees. You need to make sure that you prune them at least once a year. Although fig trees do not require much pruning, but if you want it to yield a high amount of fruit you should take care of it. You should prune it to keep the plant healthy and happy. Check out the helpful tips to prune fig trees in Australia at cactusrose.com.au