Black Mission Fig Tree Care and Information
The Black Mission fig tree produce heavily from a young age. Plant the fig tree in the full sun. Trees can grow over 30 feet tall, but prune to keep as small as 10 feet tall and wide. Plant trees 10-15 feet apart in soil that drains well.
How To Water, Fertilize, and Prune A Fig Tree
Water the fig tree deep but not too frequent. Plant in good soil that drains well. Create a berm around the drip zone. This ensures the trees have a good watering well around the roots to collect water. Water new trees regularly, about 1-2 times per week during the Spring growth season. Increase the frequency to 2-3 times per week during the hot summer. As the weather cools in the Fall, reduce the frequency of irrigation back down to once per week. Discontinue water during the winter while the tree is dormant.
Fertilize the fig tree in the Spring with a balance organic fruit tree fertilizer with a 1-1-1 or a 2-1-1 NPK ratio, such as (5-5-5)or (6-3-3). Manure can be applied in cool climates. Reapply growth formula fertilizer in the Summer. Do not fertilize in the Fall as this the time the tree has slowed growth. Apply a fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium with a 1-2-2 or 1-4-4 NPK ratio such as 4-12-12 analysis.
Prune the fig tree in the winter, while the plant is dormant. Cut the tip to prevent it from becoming too tall and promote side branches from growing. Remove any new growth below the graft, low in the branches towards the center of the trees, and crossing towards the wrong direction. Thin your tree in the summer to remove dry twigs, water sprouts, too many fruits to direct desired growth.
Fig Tree Pest Management
Use a dormant fruit tree spray / horticultural oil in the winter. To protect the harvest use an animal repellant. Also, cover the fruits or net the entire tree to create a barrier.
