Figs a healthy addition to Kiwi gardens
Figs are one of mankind’s oldest cultivated fruits being grown for some 4000 years. The fig trees we grow to eat are a deciduous subtropical tree native to western Asia.
Early settlers brought fig trees to New Zealand and they have been successfully grown in home orchards and backyards ever since.
Figs grow to a ripe old age – we have a neighbour who has a very large old fig tree which is growing on the family farm and she says it was huge some 60 years ago when she was a girl. Every year it produces small black extremely sweet fruits which you have to fight the birds for.
Figs are very good for you as they are a rich source of iron, potassium, calcium and fibre. Weight for weight figs contain more fibre then other fruits and vegetables so they are good for keeping you regular.
They also have an enzyme called ficin (Ficus is the Latin name for figs) that helps digestion and is a mild laxative. Figs are high in polyphenol antioxidants which makes them a good anticancer addition to your diet.
Figs are relatively easy to grow and do not need any special attention and seem to have few pests and diseases. Figs generally grow naturally in warm fairly dry climates, but being deciduous can stand quite severe winter frosts – in fact some cold during the winter will help promote good flowering in the spring for plenty of fruit.
Not too fussy as to soils providing they are not waterlogged, but like most plants figs grow best in a rich one although this is not ideal as it may promote too much growth at the expense of fruit. Poorer clay soils are ideal for figs as they do not stimulate too much growth. Figs can be successfully grown in large containers that will restrict the root system. This makes the trees more manageable and fruitful as the internodes (the distance between the leaves on the stem) will be shortened producing a lot more fruit.
When planting you need to be careful as fig tree roots are described as ‘inquisitive’ meaning they will go good distances to seek water and nutrients. The fine feeder roots need to be kept away from sewer pipes and septic tanks as they will block these very quickly.
Figs do not need plant fertilisers unless growing on very poor soils or in containers, as these promote lush growth at the expense of fruit, Therefore only apply a small dose of NPK fertiliser in spring .
The fungus disease botrytis can sometimes be a problem in cool wet winters and in warm humid areas rust may be a problem causing defoliation. Both these diseases can be controlled by spraying with either copper sprays or a proprietary fungicide. Good orchard hygiene is important, and the pruning of old spent wood and keeping the ground clear of old diseased leaves will help prevent spread of infection.
Figs are delicious when ripe eaten raw with soft cheeses . They can also be dried and then stored in airtight jars for later use or cooked in a sugar syrup and bottled or frozen to make delicious desserts. They can also make very good jams and marmalades.