How figs grow. Description of the fig tree

Therefore, most often it is not available fresh, but dried or other processed form. But there are varieties of figs that grow and bear fruit even in an apartment, and can please lovers of both sweets and home flora.

Description

Fig, or figurine, fig tree is a subtropical deciduous tree with a wide spreading crown and large lobed leaves. In nature it grows up to 10 m and lives up to 300 years. There are male and female trees: male inflorescences are called caprifigs, female inflorescences are called figs. The inflorescences look similar, but only the figs (female) turn into fruits. Pollination is carried out only by small blastophagous wasps. It is for them that the holes in the hollow inflorescences are intended. Trees, in turn, help wasps reproduce.

The fig fruit is pear-shaped, sweet and juicy, with many seeds inside. It is believed that the more seeds inside (more than 900), the better and more tender the fruit. This fruit is dried, canned, made into jam, and even made (figs are called wine berries).

Thanks to their rich chemical composition, figs have many health benefits. They are included in some medications. They are used in the treatment of many diseases, even early stage cancer. The seeds, leaves and sap of the tree are also medicinal. Figs are very high in calories, especially dried, and satisfy hunger well. They replace chocolate and candies. It was not for nothing that the famous Cleopatra loved figs more than other sweets.

In the wild, fig grows in warm countries with a humid climate: in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, on the Black Sea coast of Crimea and the Caucasus. Cold-resistant varieties have already been developed that can grow in colder climates.

Open ground or home conditions?

To decide where to plant a fig tree, in open ground outside or in a pot in an apartment, you need to take into account the characteristics of your climate zone and how figs grow. Although it is a heat-loving plant, some species can withstand very coldy. The tree may freeze, but in the spring it will come back and bear fruit. Under natural conditions, the fig tree bears fruit almost all year round: spring, summer and autumn. The further north the region, the shorter the warm season, which is why the fruits do not have time to ripen.
In cold areas, it is best to grow figs, if not in an apartment, then in a greenhouse, on a glassed-in terrace or loggia (it is warmer there than outside). If it grows not in open ground, but in a pot, it can be taken outside for the summer and brought indoors for the winter. In warm regions, figs grow safely in open ground and do not require special conditions.

Important! In Ukraine, the climate is perfect for growing figs in open ground, but they still need to be protected from frost for the winter.

Varieties for home cultivation

Indoor figs outwardly resemble their relative - a lush and low plant 2-3 m high. Unlike wild varieties, indoor figs do not require the services of blastophage wasps, since they are self-pollinating and produce delicious fruits even in an apartment. Figs - unpretentious plant, so growing it at home does not require much effort. It loves warmth, but can also withstand coolness. In an apartment, in summer it is best to place the pot near the window on the east side, and in winter - on the south. There is a wide variety of indoor varieties of figs.

Sochi 7 and Sochi 8

As the name suggests, these two varieties of figs were bred in the city of Sochi and have similar characteristics. Without artificial pollination, they bear fruit once a year and produce juicy, sweet fruits weighing 60 g. Recommended for growing indoors.

This wonderful variety brings harvest twice a year, in summer and autumn, without caprification. Fruit Green colour with red flesh, large, up to 130 g; at the first harvest they are larger than at the second.

White Adriatic

This variety of fig tree at the beginning and at the end of summer bears very sweet fruits of a yellow-green color, small in size, weighing 60 g. It does without artificial pollination.

Seyanetsogloblinsky

The variety is named after the scientist who developed it from other domestic fig varieties. It is distinguished by the fact that the fruits appear on it in the fall, in winter the growth stops and the fruits overwinter on the tree as small green ones, and in the spring they begin to grow again, and in the summer the harvest is ready.

Growing and care

Grow fig tree in the apartment it is as easy as a ficus. A little effort in caring for it will certainly be rewarded with a bountiful harvest. First, you need to learn how to grow figs correctly so that at home they take root well and bear tasty fruits twice a year.

Landing

Eat certain rules how to plant figs. Planting should be done in the spring, before it begins active growth. A glass for seedlings or a small flower pot (no more than half a liter) needs to be filled with a substrate of sand and (1:1) with the addition of. Or you can add coarse sand and a little peat to the leaf soil and mix. Source material For planting figs there can also be root shoots.
You can sow several seeds in one bowl and then choose the strongest one. It is enough to sprinkle the seed with damp soil, without compacting it, then cover it with glass and leave it warm. After 2-3 weeks, sprouts will sprout. And after waiting another 5 weeks, the seedlings can already be replanted. Figs planted in this way will produce their first fruits only after five years, so growing a tree at home from seeds is used only in the absence of cuttings.

If a sprout emerges from the root, it can also become new. To do this, you need to bend it to the ground, sprinkle it and secure it. The roots will appear in 3-4 weeks, and the seedling is ready for planting in a pot. More often planting material are cuttings. Trees planted in this way bear fruit in the second year. To do this, you need to follow some recommendations on how best to grow figs from cuttings. It should have at least 3-4 buds. From below you need to make an oblique cut 2 cm below the last bud, from above - a straight cut 1 cm above the first. To speed up the appearance of roots, the leaves can be cut off and a few scratches made on the bottom of the cutting, which will be covered with soil. It is advisable to moisten the oblique cut in a root formation stimulator and immerse the cutting in the moist bud second from the bottom. The soil must be compacted and the cup covered plastic bottle or in a transparent bag. Roots will appear in about 3 weeks.

The soil

Be sure to lay a layer on the bottom of the pot and fill it with soil on top. You can use purchased soil and mix it with ash and sand. Or you can take a regular one from the garden, generously add sand and water to improve water permeability.

Reproduction

Figs are propagated in the same way as planting: by root shoots. You can root root shoots at any time. But it is impossible to grow a new fig from seeds if they are taken from a seedling from a nursery. Female plants are grown there. If there was no male tree nearby, then pollination did not occur and the seeds were infertile. Nothing will grow from them.

The following trees are also propagated by cuttings: plum, thuja, blue spruce, hawthorn,

Features of care

To determine how to care for figs at home, you need to remember that the tree loves warmth, light and moisture. Solar lighting and a warm climate (air temperature within 22-25°C) are needed for proper flowering and timely ripening of fruits. The domestic fig tree bears fruit in June and October. After this, it sheds its leaves and “rests” in winter at a temperature not exceeding 10°C.

Indoor fig is a fruit-bearing plant. In order not to lose this ability, he needs plentiful and regular. Adult plants can tolerate a long break in water, but for young trees this is detrimental. In winter, during the dormant period, on the contrary, you need to water less. The main thing is to make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out. If at this time the leaves on the tree are still green, you need to dry the soil so that the leaves turn yellow and fall off. At the end of February growth begins again and frequent growth should be resumed.

However, this fig tree is famous not only for its leaves - its fruits are so tasty and healthy that they are widely used in cooking and winemaking. You will learn how to care for a fig tree at home and which varieties are most suitable for this by reading this material.

What kind of fig tree: homeland and names in different countries

The homeland of the fig or fig tree (Ficus) is the Mediterranean countries, Asia Minor, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and Crimea. Figs were cultivated in ancient times, according to some archaeological data, 5000 years ago. He was bred in Ancient Egypt, V Ancient Greece.

Currently, figs are cultivated in many countries with subtropical climates. Largest areas Fig orchards are located in Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, USA (California), Georgia, Azerbaijan. In Russia, only the southernmost regions of the European part, especially the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas, are suitable for growing figs.

The plant in question has many names, each country has its own. The Russian version is a fig tree, because its fruits are figs. In another version, they are called figs, and the tree, by analogy, is called a fig tree. Its most famous and common name is fig. In the scientific world, this is Ficus carica. It is believed that the homeland of the plant is ancient Caria, which existed before the Trojan War. For a long time there have been no Carians or Caria, only the ficus that bears her name remains. Craftsmen make wine from figs (or figs). Therefore, another name for the plant is wineberry.

Fig trees live up to 100 years (according to some sources, 30-60). Some specimens live up to 200 years. In India there is one fig tree, which, according to local residents, is as much as three thousand years old.

The fig tree is the first fruit tree mentioned in the Bible. Eve's first clothing after her expulsion from paradise, as we know, was a fig leaf. The Talmud says: “Figs are good for eating, pleasing to the eye and adding to the mind.” According to one of the myths of Ancient Greece, figs appeared as follows. Zeus began to fight the Titans, the sons of the Earth. He struck them down one after another with thunderbolts. Thus Sikeus, the beloved son of the Earth, was defeated. Unwilling to accept her son's death, his mother turned him into a fig tree.

Look at a photo of a fig tree in its natural habitat:

How figs bloom: description of the shape of leaves and flowers (with photos)

Common fig (F. carica) is a deciduous tree or branched shrub. The height of the plant in nature is up to 12 m. It grows on stony and rocky slopes, mainly on limestone. Indoors it reaches 1 - 1.5 m, begins to bear fruit from 2 - 3 years of age. Fig leaves are single, large, petiolate, the lower ones are entire or slightly notched. The shape of the upper leaves of figs is three- or five-lobed, heart-shaped

As you can see in the photo, the upper side of the fig leaf is green, rough, the lower side is gray, finely hairy:

The flowers are small, unisexual, collected in peculiar, pear-shaped, hollow inflorescences (figs) inside, opening with a narrow hole; some inflorescences; ripening early towards the end of winter, so called “grossi” or “orni”, are placed in the upper part of last year’s branches above the leaf scars (such inflorescences in a wild F. tree contain mostly male flowers, in a cultivated tree they contain female flowers); other inflorescences are placed in the axil of the leaves, of which the lowest ones ripen before leaf fall and are called “forniti” (they contain female flowers and only a few male flowers or do not contain them at all), the upper ones, called “cratiri”, remain for the winter (they contain almost no male flowers ).

Pay attention to the photo - male flower fig consists mostly of three to five-partite perianth and 3 to 5 stamens:

Female flowers are twofold: sterile, so called “nut-bearing”, developing mainly in a wild F. tree (caprificus) and fertile, so called “seed”, developing in a real, cultivated F. tree. In the female flower, the perianth is also three to five separate, and the pistil either has a short style and stigma without papillae (in nutty flowers), or with a long style and papillae on the stigma (in seed flowers).

Here you can see a photo of how figs bloom:

The ovary is superior, unilocular, single-seeded; the fruit is a drupe. When the fruit ripens, the entire inflorescence (and perianth) becomes fleshy and represents the infructescence, which is how the fig is called (wineberry, fig). Fertilization is cross-fertilization, which occurs through gall moths (Cynips psenes, also known as Blastophaga grossorum), which lay eggs in the ovary of nut flowers, since these gall moths cannot pierce the ovary of seed flowers with their short ovipositor. A new generation of gallworms hatched from the eggs crawls in the same inflorescence, gets dirty with the pollen of the male flowers that have developed by that time, and finally flies out with the pollen; flies to other inflorescences, and in those of them where the seed flowers are located, pollinates and fertilizes them. This significance of the wild fig tree (caprificus) for the fruiting of the real fig tree was known in ancient times. Even then, in order to get figs, wild fig branches were hung on the branches of a cultivated fig tree; this operation was known as "caprificatio" and is mentioned by Pliny and Theophrastus. In recent times, the meaning of caprification and methods of pollination have been studied in detail by Westwood, Delpino, Solms-Laubach, Fr. Muler, Keen, etc. It is curious that the inflorescences of the wild fig tree are not the same, but just one of them, so called. “mamme”, contain only nutty flowers in which gallworms overwinter, others, so-called. "profichi", contain nutty and male flowers.

Figs are rich (up to 70%) in sugar; they are used as food and as a delicacy in raw or dried form (“wine berries”, “figs”). In trade, several varieties of figs are distinguished (many varieties of fig trees are known in cultivation), for example, small ones - Marseilles, large ones - Genoese; Levantine figs (delivered from Smyrna) are considered the best; dried figs (Kalamata figs) come from the seaside town of Kalamata, the harbor of Messina. S.R.

When describing the fig plant, it is worth noting that its shoots and leaves secrete a white thick juice - latex, which is characteristic of all representatives of the genus Ficus.

Pollination is carried out by blastophagous wasps. In the presence of pollinators and favorable conditions interior, the plant is capable of producing fruit. Keep the plant on light, warm soil.

As shown in the photo, the fig plant sheds its leaves for the winter, and it can be placed in a dark, cool room:

Figs, or fig trees, can grow outdoors in a sheltered location, such as next to a sunny wall. In warm countries it grows into a low, spreading tree, but near the southern wall it develops into a finely branching shrub. In a container, the figs will remain small and graceful, especially if you leave approximately when pruning. five main branches. The plant should be cultivated in a very large container with light, highly nutritious soil. In summer it requires a lot of water and fertilizer. In winter it should be stored in a frost-free place and kept almost dry and, if necessary, in the dark. In this case, the leaves will fall off. If the plant grows successfully, it needs to be replanted every three years. In this case, it is advisable to replace all the soil or as much of it as possible. You can also trim back some thick roots to give more room for the root system to expand. There are many varieties of figs suitable for growing in containers.

What does the fruit of a fig tree look like (with photo)

The fruits of the fig tree range in color from yellow to black-blue, depending on the variety. Yellow-green fruits are more common. They are shaped like a pear, about the size of a walnut or twice as large. Unripe fruits contain caustic milky juice and are therefore inedible. The fruits contain many very small seeds; the taste of the fruits is sugary or moderately sweet.

You can see what fig fruits look like in the photo below:

Fresh fig fruits are delicate and cannot be stored for a long time; depending on the variety and degree of ripeness, they contain: 12–23% sugars, 0.5–4.2% pectin, 3.4–7.4% fiber, up to 1% acids. Fig fruits are rich in vitamins C, B1, B2, carotene, calcium, iron and phosphorus. They are used both fresh and for processing (drying, jam, jam, compote). Dried figs are high in calories and contain 50–77% sugars.

As a remedy, figs are recommended for cardiovascular diseases, vascular blood clots (it reduces blood clotting), anemia, urinary tract diseases, kidney stones, oncological diseases. It is also used as an emollient, expectorant, mild laxative, diuretic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Figs boiled in milk are good for treating diseases of the upper respiratory tract (drink 1/2 cup warm 2-4 times a day). A decoction of fruits and jam from them have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect, improve digestion and have a mild laxative effect. Fig syrup is given to children as a mild laxative. Due to the high sugar content, figs are contraindicated for diabetes, obesity and acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The milky juice of figs is used to treat wounds, acne, and skin cancer.

Description of indoor varieties of figs

The following varieties bear fruit under indoor conditions: Kadota, Dalmatsky, Oglobsha, Violetovy Sukhumi, Sochi-7, Solnechny.

Kadota. The fruits are pear-shaped, convex, ribbed, large, weighing up to 100 g, very tasty. The fruits of the second harvest are formed on this year's shoots.

Sukhumi purple. Gives one harvest per year - in August-September. The fruits are blue-violet, almost black, the flesh is red, not very sweet.

Sochi No. 7. The fruits are large, up to 55–60 g, yellow, with a matte coating. The pulp is dark burgundy, with thick sweet juice. When ripe, some fruits crack. Figs of this variety bear fruit once a year, the fruits ripen at the end of August.

Oglobin seedling. The fruits are medium size, yellow-green. When propagated by cuttings, it begins to bear fruit in the 2nd–3rd year.

White Adriatic. It bears fruit twice a year, in June and at the end of August. The fruits are yellow and sweet.

Black Crimean. Very productive variety, bears fruit twice a year. The fruits are quite large, dark purple, almost black, pleasant to the taste.

Dalmatica. Fruiting is annual, twice a year. The first time was in July, the second time was in September. It forms large inflorescences weighing from 60 to 150 g, pear-shaped, widened at the apex and narrowed towards the base. The color of the fruit is grayish-green, the flesh is dense, fibrous, sweet, light red. The surface is ribbed, slightly pubescent.

Propagation of fig tree by cuttings (with video)

Temperature Requirements: In summer, figs easily tolerate heat; in winter, before the start of the growing season, the best temperature is 3–10 °C, but figs easily tolerate significant deviations from the optimum.

Figs are heat-loving, not picky about soil and adapt well to dry room air. Figs are propagated by cuttings, root suckers and seeds. In the first case, it is better to do this before the leaves begin to bloom, but you can root the cuttings by the end of spring and summer. Woody or green cuttings 0-15 cm long should have 3-4 buds.

An oblique lower cut is made below the bud by 1–1.5 cm, a straight upper cut is made 1 cm above it. For better rooting of the cutting, several longitudinal scratches are applied to the lower part. After cutting, the cuttings are kept for 5–6 hours in a cool, dry place so that the milky sap released at the cutting site dries, and then placed in a heteroauxin solution (1 tablet per 1 liter of water) for 10–12 hours and planted in pots.

Fine expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the pot in a layer of 1 cm, then a pre-steamed nutritious earth mixture (leaf humus - 2 parts, turf - 1 part, sand - 1 part) is poured in a layer of 6 cm. Pure calcined soil is poured on top of the earth mixture. river sand layer 3–4 cm, moisten it well and make holes in it 3 cm deep at a distance of 8 cm from each other.

The lower part of each cutting is dipped in wood ash, and the cuttings are placed in the holes. The sand is pressed tightly around the cuttings with your fingers, and then both the sand and the cuttings are sprayed with water. Plants planted in pots are covered with a glass jar, and those planted in boxes are covered with a special wire frame covered with transparent plastic film.

The sand in boxes and pots should be kept moderately moist at all times. Required condition growing figs - ensuring the room temperature is 22–25 °C. As a rule, after 4–5 weeks the cuttings take root, and after another month they are planted from the box into separate pots with a diameter of 10–12 cm.

Figs planted from cuttings usually begin to bear fruit in the 2nd year. Sometimes shoots grow from the root - they can be separated and planted in separate pots, on which a transparent plastic bag. Usually after 3-4 weeks the shoot takes root. Then the film is opened slightly for a while, accustoming the plant to the outside air. Gradually this period of time is increased.

To grow figs at home, cuttings can also be rooted in water, but this method is used extremely rarely when there is no prepared soil or sand in February-March. The cuttings are placed in a jar of water, and their ends should be immersed in water by about 3 cm. After 2-3 days, the water is changed. If you do this less often, the cuttings will rot. After 3–4 weeks, when good roots appear, the cuttings are planted in pots with a capacity of 0.5–0.7 liters and covered with plastic bags on top.

The video “Propagation of figs by cuttings” shows how this agrotechnical technique is performed:

Growing figs from seeds at home (with video)

If it is not possible to purchase cuttings from fruiting figs, then they can be grown from seeds. Fig seeds remain viable for a very long time (even after 2 years). Seeds are sown in pots at a distance of 1.5–2 cm from each other to a depth of 2–3 cm. To grow figs at home from seeds soil mixture made up of humus and sand in equal parts. After sowing the seeds, moisten the soil well and cover the pots with glass or transparent plastic film. The soil must be constantly kept moist. The room temperature should be 25–27 °C. Shoots appear in 2–3 weeks. Month-old seedlings are planted in separate pots with a diameter of 9-10 cm.

Seedlings begin to bear fruit in the 4th-5th year, although there are cases of earlier fruiting. It is better to replant figs before the growing season begins. Young plants are replanted annually, and 4-5 year old plants - as the root system grows. For ease of planting and caring for figs, you can grow trees in wooden boxes.

Compared to citrus fruits, figs require a larger container, but before fruiting begins, they should not be planted in large pots: they will grow strongly, and the fruiting period will be delayed, and care for large plants will become significantly more difficult. And when the plant begins to bear fruit, its growth will slow down.

With each transplant of young plants, the capacity is increased by approximately 1 liter. So, a 5-year-old fig bush requires a 5-7-liter container. Subsequently, with each transplant, its volume is increased by 2–2.5 liters. Figs are replanted using the transshipment method, although slight destruction of the earth clod, removal of old soil and replacing it with new soil are allowed. When replanting, prepare a soil mixture of turf soil, leaf humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1:1; The pH of this mixture is 5–7.

This video shows growing figs from seeds:

How to care for a fig tree indoors

When caring for homemade figs, keep in mind that this plant is light- and moisture-loving, so during the growing season it is better to keep it in a bright room and water it abundantly. With a lack of moisture, leaves curl and then partially fall off; when the earth clod dries out, the leaves may fall off completely, and although with abundant watering new leaves will subsequently grow, it is not advisable to allow this to happen.

Under indoor conditions, figs bear fruit twice a year: The first time the fruits set in March and ripen in June, the second - respectively, at the beginning of August and at the end of October. In the summer, it is advisable to take the plant out into the loggia or garden.

At the beginning of November, figs shed their leaves and go into a dormant state. At this time, it is placed in a cool place (cellar, basement) or placed on a windowsill closer to the glass and fenced off from the room. warm air plastic film. Water it very rarely, not allowing the soil to dry out completely. The water temperature for irrigation should be no higher than 16–18 °C, so that the buds do not grow. If in the fall the figs stand with green leaves, then a dormant period should be artificially induced: a deciduous crop needs rest, even if only slightly. To induce a dormant period, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly - then the leaves will begin to turn yellow and crumble.

If in winter time the plant was in the room, it begins to grow in December - early January, if it was in the basement or cellar - in February.

If necessary (if the fig grows only upward, without producing side shoots), the crown of the plant is formed by pinching the top of the central trunk. Later the side shoots are also pinched, and the long ones are shortened. This creates conditions for the growth of side shoots. For good development and fruiting, the plant is fed with organic and mineral fertilizers, but not during the rest period.

During care when growing figs, when the buds begin to bloom after winter holiday, the plant is watered with infusion of manure, and after 10–15 days it is fed with liquid nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer. The following solution can be used for watering: Dissolve 3 g of double superphosphate in 1 liter of water and boil for 20 minutes, then add boiled water to the original volume and add 4 g of urea. During the growing season, figs are regularly (2 times a month) fed with organic fertilizers (infusion of slurry, wood ash, infusion of herbs). To make the leaves have a bright green color, twice a year (in spring and summer) the plant is watered with a solution of iron sulfate (2 g per 1 liter of water) or the entire crown is sprayed with it. In spring and summer it is fed with microelements.

The most common pests in open ground are the fig moth, the fig psyllid, and the fig pine beetle. In indoor conditions they are extremely rare. Diseases that affect its leaves include brown spot, anthracnose and gray rot. However, due to the fact that figs shed their leaves annually, these diseases do not cause significant harm to this plant. If necessary, the same control measures are applied against pests and diseases as for indoor citrus crops.

For indoor gardening most suitable varieties figs are considered to be ‘Kadota violet’, ‘Dalmatian’, ‘Smirnsky’, ‘San Pedro’, ‘Chapla’, ‘Sukhumsky’, ‘Sochi No. 7’, etc.

Dried figs are superior in taste to dates. In addition, fig fruits serve as an excellent raw material for making preserves, jams and other confectionery products.

Pruning and caring for homemade figs (with video)

In the southern regions of central Russia, figs can be grown in warm areas in a low-standard form as a wall crop.

Shoot formation in figs is very active, but when pruning figs from a plant, only those shoots that are capable of filling the space between the main skeletal branches should be preserved. In the first year of formation, the main conductor should be shortened to 40 - 45 cm. Throughout the growing season, growing shoots must be regularly tied up, leaving skeletal shoots at a distance of at least 35 - 40 cm from each other.

When caring for figs during pruning in the second year, in the spring, the skeletal branches remaining from last year are shortened by about half. In the period from May to September - the time of intensive growth of figs - growing side shoots are regularly tied up at a distance of at least 40 cm from each other. All excess and weak shoots are cut out. Similar work is carried out in the third year of formation. Such formation must be carried out in winter garden or greenhouse, stopping it in the fourth year.

In mature plants in the fall, after the leaves have fallen, the branches that bear fruit are removed and only one strong bud is left. In the spring of next year, cut out all thickening and damaged low temperatures branches. The distance between the remaining shoots should be at least 15 - 20 cm. At the end of June, all continuing shoots on fruiting branches are pinched to 4 - 5 buds, and after pruning, the resulting new shoots are tied at a distance of 10 - 20 cm from each other.

In the fall, after fruiting has ended, it is necessary to remove all diseased and damaged branches. Old skeletal branches are also cut out to replace them with new growing shoots.

The tenacity of fig roots is limitless. Small fig plants can be found in the Caucasus on poplar or oak trunks, in crevices of vertical walls and stone screes.

Watch the video “Pruning figs”, which shows how to properly perform this agricultural technique:

The fig tree is a unique plant that came to us from ancient times. It is also known as fig or its homeland was the hot countries of Asia. Today there are more than 400 varieties of which have not only a pleasant sweet taste, but also many useful and medicinal properties. Figs are grown in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Greece and other countries with a subtropical climate.

The fig tree (we can see a photo of this wonderful tree in the article) not only bears healthy and tasty fruits, but is also a wonderful decoration for any garden.

The oldest plant known to man

This is one of the most ancient plants known to man. Its age exceeds 5 thousand years. The fig tree is mentioned several times in the Bible. Researchers suggest that the fruit of the fig tree was the forbidden fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, which was tasted by the ancestors of all mankind, Adam and Eve. Later, it was its leaves that served as clothing for them when they were expelled from

They knew about the beneficial properties of the fig tree in Ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula.

In India, it has been considered a sacred plant for many centuries.

The ancient Romans believed that Bacchus gave this fruit to people, so they called it wineberry.”

According to legend, Buddha comprehended all the secrets of the meaning of human life under this tree. For Buddhists, the fig tree has since been considered the tree of illumination. Photos of its fruits can be seen below.

The Greeks used fig fruits in the treatment of various diseases: fever, malaria, ulcers, tumors, leprosy and others. dangerous infections. Figs have become an indispensable tool in the manufacture of many cosmetics. Due to its antioxidant properties and the presence of many vitamins, it is considered an excellent anti-aging agent. Later, when medicine was able to more thoroughly understand all medicinal properties figs, it was found that it copes well with blood clots and sclerotic plaques of blood vessels.

How does a fig tree grow?

The tree, whose height sometimes reaches 15 meters, has a spreading crown. The trunk diameter is about 1 meter. Fig trees live for more than two hundred years. The fruit of the fig tree is a small fruit. When ripe, it acquires a dark brownish-purple color. Inside the fruit are small seeds, shaped like nuts. They adhere tightly to each other and form juicy, sweet pulp.

Figs are harvested twice a year - in early summer and autumn. It is not recommended to store it for a long time. It can deteriorate especially quickly during transportation.

Before sending the fruits for sale, they are well washed, processed and packaged. They eat figs fresh, dried and canned, and they are no less healthy than fresh ones. It is known that fresh figs must be eaten within a few hours after they are picked, otherwise they will quickly spoil and ferment.

Figs are often used as a seasoning for meat. Sweet wine is made from fresh fruits, jam is made, and used in the manufacture of other confectionery products.

Beneficial features

The fig tree is an excellent source of essential oils that help oxygenate the blood and control blood pressure. A large amount of tryptophan normalizes the functioning of the human brain, so it is very useful for people in creative and thinking professions to consume figs at least once a day. In addition to vitamins A, B and C, it contains necessary for a person potassium, magnesium, calcium salts, other minerals and organic fatty acids, carotene, pectin, proteins and almost all types of sugar.

Losing weight effectively and usefully

Regular consumption of figs helps to reduce and stabilize weight, as it contains a large number of fiber and fibre. Thanks to them, despite the low calorie content of fresh fruits, they quickly saturate the human body, reducing the feeling of hunger for a long time. 100 grams of fresh figs contain only 49 kcal, but you need to be careful with dried fruit, as its calorie content increases almost seven times.

Figs are useful for expectant mothers. Thanks to the large number useful substances contained in the fruit, the baby develops correctly. A large amount of iron is an excellent prevention of anemia. Pectin and fiber help cope with flatulence and constipation. It is also known that figs increase lactation and are an excellent remedy for the prevention of mastitis.

The fig tree is a cure for men’s diseases too. Fig tincture helps to enhance male power many times over and effectively cure prostatitis. All you have to do is pour a glass of boiling water over five fruits and let it brew. The tincture should be drunk twice a day.

Contraindications and precautions

With all the huge number of advantages of the fig tree, there are still some disadvantages. People suffering from urolithiasis should treat its fruits with caution, as they contain too much oxalic acid. You should not eat a lot of figs if you have diabetes and gout. Fresh figs are completely contraindicated for people with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that it was not for nothing that people worshiped this unique plant. The fig tree is truly a gift from the gods, designed to serve man at all times.

Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the canopy flowering trees have long become an integral attribute of welcoming spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese take place under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

Agriculture is one of those types of human activity, the successful outcome of which is not always directly proportional to the efforts made. Unfortunately, nature does not necessarily act as our ally when growing plants, and often, on the contrary, even throws up new challenges. Increased reproduction of pests, abnormal heat, late return frosts, hurricane winds, drought... And one of the springs gave us another surprise - a flood.

Let me confess my love today. In love with... lavender. One of the best unpretentious, evergreen and beautifully flowering shrubs that can be successfully grown in your garden. And if anyone thinks that lavender is a Mediterranean or at least southern resident, then you are mistaken. Lavender grows well in more northern regions, even in the Moscow region. But to grow it, you need to know some rules and features. They will be discussed in this article.

Once you have tried such an invaluable product as pumpkin, it is difficult to stop searching for new recipes for serving it to the table. Korean pumpkin, despite its pungency and spiciness, has a fresh and delicate taste. After cooking, you will need to cover the salad and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. butternut squash very juicy and sweet, so there is no need to mash it. If the pumpkin is of a different variety, you can mash it with your hands so that it slightly releases the juice.

Lettuce, as the earliest and most unpretentious green crop, has always been held in high esteem by gardeners. Spring planting Most gardeners usually start by sowing lettuce, parsley and radishes. Recently, the desire for healthy eating and big choice greens in supermarkets make gardeners wonder which of these plants can be grown in their beds? In this article we will talk about nine of the most interesting, in our opinion, varieties of salad.

Pollock is best prepared as a casserole, separating the fillet from the skin and bones. Pieces of fish are mixed with a colorful assortment of vegetables and topped with a sauce of cheese, sour cream and eggs. This fish casserole has a presentable appearance, and its taste is a bizarre mixture of subtle nuances. Vegetables and fillets will be soaked in sour cream, the cheese will harden into a golden brown crust, and the eggs will bind all the ingredients together. Pieces of fish are generously sprinkled with Italian herbs, and pollock acquires an unusual piquancy.

Despite the fact that calendar spring begins in March, you can truly feel the awakening of nature only with the appearance of flowering plants in the garden. Nothing signals the arrival of spring as eloquently as clearings of blooming primroses. Their appearance is always a small celebration, because winter has receded and a new gardening season awaits us. But, besides spring primroses, there is still something to see and admire in the garden in the month of April.

Rapidly growing and turning into wild thickets, hogweed disrupts the existing ecosystem and suppresses all other plants. Essential oils contained in the fruits and leaves of hogweed cause severe forms of dermatitis. At the same time, it is much more difficult to control than other common weeds. Fortunately, today a product has appeared on the market that can quickly rid your area of ​​most weeds, including hogweed.

Carrots happen various colors: orange, white, yellow, purple. Orange carrots are dominated by beta-carotene and lycopene, the yellow color is due to the presence of xanthophylls (lutein); White carrots have a lot of fiber, and purple ones contain anthocyanin, beta and alpha carotenes. But, as a rule, gardeners choose carrot varieties for sowing not by the color of the fruit, but by the timing of their ripening. We will tell you about the best early, middle and late varieties in this article.

We recommend a fairly easy pie recipe with a delicious chicken and potato filling. An open pie with chicken and potatoes is an excellent hearty dish that is suitable for a hearty snack; it is very convenient to take a couple of pieces of this pastry on the road. The pie is baked in the oven for one hour at 180 degrees. After that we put it on wooden surface, having previously released it from the mold. It is enough to slightly cool the baked goods and you can start tasting.

The long-awaited spring for many indoor plants is the period of the start of active growing season, and for most - the return of their decorative properties. While admiring the young leaves and emerging shoots, you should not forget that spring is also a great stress for all indoor plants. Sensitive to changes in conditions and universal, all indoor crops face much brighter lighting, changes in air humidity and temperature conditions.

You can easily prepare homemade Easter cake with cottage cheese and candied fruits, even without any pastry experience. You can bake Easter cake not only in a special form or in a paper mold. For your first culinary experiences (and not only) I advise you to take a small cast iron frying pan. Easter cake in a frying pan will not turn out as high as in a narrow pan, but it never burns and is always well baked inside! Cottage cheese dough made with yeast turns out airy and aromatic.

It is also interesting because its fruits (pumpkins) are used for food by young, not ripe ones (greens). This means you don’t have to wait for the harvest to ripen, and from late spring to autumn you can have fresh vegetables on your menu. In your garden beds, it is better to grow varieties and hybrids of zucchini that are resistant to disease and change. weather conditions. This eliminates unwanted treatments and allows you to get a harvest in any weather. It is these varieties of zucchini that will be discussed in this article.

IN middle lane April is the time when the first flowering of plants in gardens and parks begins. The constant soloists of the spring that has come into its own are the bulbous primroses. But even among the ornamental shrubs you can find those that will delight you with fragrant flowers that enliven the still inconspicuous garden. The main riot of beautifully flowering ornamental shrubs occurs in the month of May, and most of them, as a rule, bloom in mid-May.

Fig tree, or fig (lat. Fícus carica) is a prominent representative of the genus Ficus of the Mulberry family. The Latin name comes from the name of the birthplace of figs - ancient Caria in Asia Minor. It has many different names, the most popular of which are “common fig tree” or “wine berry”. Figs are widespread in countries with a subtropical climate, in Georgia, South Ossetia, in the mountains of Armenia, on the Absheron Peninsula, in the central regions of Azerbaijan, in the Carpathians, on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea and Abkhazia, as well as in countries Mediterranean.

An interesting fact about the fig tree: its fruit, the familiar fruit - the fig - is not a fruit at all, but a flower. Some other varieties of ficus bloom in a similar way.

In fact, the fruits of the fig tree are flowers, not fruits, as is commonly believed.

properties of fruits and leaves

The fig tree is recognized as one of the most ancient cultivated plants, the first mention of which is contained in the Bible.

Figs (also known as figs) are widely used as fresh food. canned and dried form. Fig fruits also make very tasty and healthy jam.

Due to its rich medicinal properties, figs have been used since ancient times as a remedy for colds. Fresh fruits are used as a remedy for coughs and throat diseases. Fig pulp has an excellent diaphoretic and antipyretic effect.

Figs are also high in iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In addition, figs are indicated for palpitations and bronchial asthma. Dried fruits have a laxative effect on the body.

Dried figs are very useful for improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Growing in open ground

Throughout history cultivation Many varieties and varieties of this plant have been bred. To grow it, amateur gardeners are advised to choose self-pollinating varieties.

In addition, when choosing a variety, it is important to pay attention to how this or that variety will be adapted to the conditions of a particular region.

For example, in regions with a temperate climate it is better to plant winter-hardy figs. This variety will survive winter and frost in open ground without any problems.

Popular varieties among amateur gardeners include:

• Brunswick;
• Kadata;
• Crimean black;
• Dalmatian.

Planting: soil, location and lighting

The fig tree is a subtropical plant. This means that the plant loves the sun, heat, and does not like cold and strong wind. These features must be taken into account when choosing a place for planting in open ground. A well-lit place on the south side of the garden is best suited for this purpose. It is important that there are no tall buildings, buildings or trees with a lush crown nearby.

Figs are not capricious in their choice of soil. Almost any soil will do. The only need is sufficient moisture. Therefore, drainage at the bottom of the planting hole is done only under conditions of heavy clay soil. However, a light sandy substrate or perlite would be ideal for figs.

The prepared substrate can be fed with organic fertilizer. After this, the soil is poured in the form of a slide and the roots of the seedling are placed on top, and then they are covered with earth. The root collar is located on the surface.

In those regions where winter frosts are quite severe, it is recommended to plant the fig tree in trenches. The north side of the planting trench should be vertical. To protect it from shedding, you can use film or polycarbonate. The southern slope should be gentle to ensure direct sunlight.

You can plant a fig tree in open ground in the fall, as well as in the spring. In winter, the tree must be covered, and in case of severe frosts, it must be “relocated” to a greenhouse. This also applies to winter-hardy varieties.

Caring for figs in open ground

Outdoor care activities include the following procedures:

1. Watering should be regular and plentiful. When the soil dries out, there is a high probability that the plant will not bear fruit. The approximate frequency of watering is 8–12 times per season. In one go, you need to pour at least 1-2 medium-sized buckets into the soil. If drip irrigation is used, it is necessary to regularly check the soil moisture level.
2. Crown formation. Standard crown formation is popular among gardeners. The crown is formed from 3–4 uterine branches. In this case, the trunk usually reaches a height of about 60 cm. Shoots are cut off during the season (this also applies to the trunk). For 2–4 years after planting, the ends of the shoots and conductors are slightly trimmed. This causes the tree to develop more lateral branches. At the end of spring, you need to pincerate a shoot length of 50–70 cm. After this, once every 3-4 years you need to remove the root shoots and cut off the old branches.
3. Fertilizer. In spring, the fig tree can be fed with mineral fertilizers. To apply fertilizer to the soil, it is better to use the surface loosening method. You can also fertilize with infusion of manure.
4. Shelter. In the autumn, when the temperature begins to drop, and in the spring, when the temperature has not yet risen, the tree must be covered with a greenhouse. A greenhouse made of cellular polycarbonate is perfect for this purpose. It retains the desired temperature and humidity well, and is also quite durable. On especially warm and sunny days, it is recommended to open the greenhouse.

You can prepare figs for winter in the following way:

• Remove the autumn greenhouse;
• Press all branches to the ground;
• Place the board on the trench and cover it tightly with film;
• The entire structure must be covered with a layer of earth about 15 cm thick.

Growing and care at home

Not all of its varieties are suitable for growing a fig tree at home, but only low-growing and self-pollinating ones. These include:

• Shuisky;
• White Adriatic;
• Muason;
• Black Pearl ;
• Oglobin seedling;
• Gift to October;
• Dalmatica;
• Kadata.

Each of them is capable of bearing fruit twice a year, even at home. If you provide the necessary lighting and proper care, the fruits will be quite large and tasty.

Landing

Having chosen the right variety of figs, you also need to choose the right container for planting and soil.

As mentioned earlier, the fig tree is not picky about the choice of soil. For planting at home, the most common soil is suitable. You can mix it with ash or lime, but this is not necessary. You can use crushed eggshells as fertilizer or add a little peat.

Before planting the plant, the soil needs to be prepared. It needs to be steamed. This can be done in a microwave oven. You also need to steam the river sand. They are advised to lightly sprinkle the top layer of soil after planting.

It is better to take a small pot. At the bottom of the pot you need to make high-quality drainage and place part of it in advance prepared soil The soil needs to be moistened with water and a depression made. Next, the seedling is “seated” in a small hole and covered with the remaining soil and sand on top.

Transfer

During the first years of life, indoor figs are actively engaged in the development of a powerful root system. That is why it is recommended to replant the plant annually for 7 years into a larger pot. This is best done in the spring before the leaves bloom.

Then the transplant can be done once every 3-4 years. Also, do not forget about high-quality drainage at the bottom of the pot. And abundant watering after transplants.

Temperature, lighting And level humidity V indoors

All characteristics figs And peculiarities care behind this plant They say O volume, What figs – southern plant And Very loves solar light And increased humidity. Healthy plant And good fruiting 1 —2 times V year Can provide only thanks to compliance these two points.

IN room need to arrange tree on southern side And put pot closer To window. If such possibilities No, That good lighting Necessarily need to create artificially With with help phytolamp.
Humidity V indoors Also recommended support artificially With with help humidifiers.

It is best to place the pot of figs on the south side of the room next to the window.

Watering

Home fig tree loves Not only abundant And regular watering, But And frequent spraying trunks And leaves. For this will do warm water, But Not hot. If admit drying out soil, tree Maybe reset All leaves.

Important decrease intensity And frequency glaze in time fruiting tree. Redundant moisture Maybe do fruit watery And tasteless.

Trimming

Fig tree Fine reacts on pruning. That's why at neat And timely molding tree Can without labor give any desired form.

With the right pruning technique, a fig tree can be shaped into any shape.

Period peace

Practically each subtropical plant It has mine period peace. Figs – Not exception. For him period peace have to on interval With November By January.

IN period peace tree folds foliage. Tree need to put away V dark And cool place. Temperature V indoors must dress approximately from +15 before 0C. Also necessary gradually decrease number watering before minimum.

in spring begins awakening And transition V active period. After appearance first kidney plant need to endure V more illuminated place And start off renew regular watering.

Feeding and fertilizer

When plant goes over To active vital activity, A kidneys start to swell, V soil are being introduced alternately With two weeks in between phosphorus fertilizers And infusion manure.

Can on one's own cook mixture For fertilizers. For this need to dissolve 3 grams superphosphate V 1 liter water And boil solution on throughout 20 minutes. Bring quantity liquids before 1 liters, using boiled water. After this V mixture need to add 4 grams urea.

Two times V year, V beginning spring And V beginning summer, Can spray leaves tree special solution. This will allow save leaves aesthetic bright—green coloring. Solution For spraying getting ready from 1 liters boiled water And 2 grams iron vitriol.

Before the beginning fruiting Not will superfluous add feeding V form nitrogen fertilizers. Such procedure will contribute intensive emergence large fruits on tree.

Problems And illnesses

Fig tree though And Not especially capricious plant, But often subject to various diseases And attacks pests.

TO most frequent diseases figs relate:

1. Gray rot — on fruits figs appears white or grey raid With interspersed watery spots.
2. Fusarium — decay fetus from the inside.
3. Cancer branches — sick plot trunkor branches covered cracks And bares himself. Gradually this region dies off.
4. Anthracnose — on fruits figsappear spots dark colors, And They wither.
5. Souring — fruit figs change mine colorfrom pink before brown.
6. Mosaic -on leaves And fruits are formed brown spots various size, fruit And leaves die off And fall.

Pests, striking fig tree most often:

1. Fire:appearance butterflies gray colors leads To rotting fruits And leaves.
2. Mole—leaf roller: yellowcaterpillars, A V further — butterfly brown colors, traumatizes All tree (leaves turn yellow And fall, fruit are rotting).
3. psyllid: small insect With white body And transparent wings sucks All juices from fruits And kidney, depriving plant life strength And prevents his growth.
4. pine beetle: bug oval odds brown colors traumatizes bark tree, And she gradually dies off.

Reproduction

Home figs Can successfully multiply two ways

Cuttings

Cutting For rooting is selected like this way, to on him was near 3 —4 kidney. Lower half cuttings wetted stimulant root formation And fits V in advance prepared pot With sand or water. If For rooting selected sand, That his necessary previously steam V microwave ovens.

On first time, Bye stalk Not will take root, Can do For him greenhouse from glass banks or cutting plastic bottles. IN room must be enough warm And light. Periodically recommended take away greenhouse And ventilate room, to plant « breathed» fresh air.

At successful rooting And subsequent landings plants V constant soil figs will start fruit already V flow 6 months.

The most popular method of propagating a fig tree among gardeners is cuttings.

Seminal way

Seeds need to choose from the most large And beautiful fruits tree. After collection seeds necessary Rinse water And dry V flow 24 hours.

They're imprisoning seeds V beginning spring. Posted seeds V capacity With soil on depth near 2 —3 cm And slightly moisten upper layer soil. Further do greenhouse from glass banks or plastic cup. After appearance first sprouts necessary ventilate plant, cleaning up greenhouse on some time.

When sprouts enough grew up And got stronger, their Can transplant V more suitable pot With soil.
Seminal way Not especially popular among gardeners And lovers, So How desired result have to wait for a long time. Fruit tree, multiplied seed way, will start Not earlier, how through 4 —5 years.

Seeds should be collected from the largest and most appetizing fruits.

Where buy

Buy ready seedlings For growing fig tree V garden or Houses Can V gardening stores or nurseries, A Also through Internet—the shops. Price seedling will strongly vary V dependencies from varieties figs. Scatter prices behind 1 seedling will approximately such:

• Crimean black, Dalmatian (Russia) from 220 rub.;
• Brunswick (Russia) from 600 rub.;
• Brown (Türkiye) from 790 rub.;
• White Adriatic, Kadata from 375 rub.

Seeds Also available V wide access. Approximate price behind packaging seeds (5 pieces.) amounts to 60 rub.

Fig fruits will become a decoration for the garden and a favorite delicacy on the table.

Large green leaves And Right formed crown will become spectacular addition interior spacious living room or office. Delicious And useful fruit fig tree will be permanent source joy And subject pride For home.

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