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FARM SCENE FOR THE SALISBURY POST
Darrell Blackwelder
January 27, 2005
Figs are Old World fruits originating in the Mediterranean Basin in the same family as the ornamental rubber tree, weeping fig and mulberry. Fig trees often become a family heirloom, surviving for decades. Many old home sites have figs near a protected area such as a barn or against the house. Rowan County is in a marginal area for fig culture. Cold weather is the limiting factor for fig production. Figs, considered sub-tropical fruits, are often killed back to the ground in temperatures below 20 degrees, therefore, in our area figs are more of a bush rather than a tree. January's bitter weather may have severely damaged figs this season. Brown Turkey and Celeste are two varieties that adapt relatively well to our climate. Celeste ripens in mid-July and Brown Turkey two weeks later in August. These varieties should be planted on fertile, well drained soils. Avoid poorly drained, tight clay soils. Fig trees prefer sandy-loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Fluctuating winter temperatures are a common problem for fig trees in Rowan County so plant figs in an area that is protected from the winter sun and cold winter winds. Unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter months may cause premature growth. Damage is certain with a sudden plunge in temperature. Planting fig trees on a northern exposure will help maintain dormancy and reduce cold injury. Spring is the best time to plant fig trees in order to avoid cold injury. Plant them in full sunlight, avoiding competition from neighboring trees or shrubs. Fig trees require a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10. A rule-of-thumb for the amount of fertilizer to use is one pound annually for each foot of height. Reduce the nitrogen if the fig tree produces more than 2 feet of new growth per year. Excessive growth makes the tree more susceptible to winter injury, light fruiting and fruit splitting. Although figs require very little pruning, it should be done in late winter, just before new growth begins. Make smooth clean cuts, close to the lateral branches. Avoid leaving stubs. Prune to control the height of the tree or bush. Remove dead wood or suckers from the trunk or main branches. Remove weak or drooping branches. Prune about one foot of new growth each year on most of the branches. Fresh figs are not tasty until soft and ripe. Pick figs just as they begin to soften. These can be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees. Figs used for preserving may be picked a few days before they are fully ripe.
Cooperative Extension 4-H Department is taking orders for small fruit plants. Sales from the plants are used for 4-H programs in Rowan County. Small fruits for sale this spring are strawberry plants, muscadine grapes, figs and blueberry bushes. Deadline for orders is February 25th. Plants will arrive in early March and picked up at the Agriculture Center. Contact Cooperative Extension at 704-633-0571 for more information on varieties and prices.
Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu
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