Position – The tiervy fig tree does best when planted in full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sun daily). It should be planted 6 to 8 metres away from other trees to allow the canopy to spread well.
Size – This reaches an average height of anywhere between 2 and 7 metres, with a canopy spread of between 5 and 7 metres wide.
Soil Type – The fig tree should do well as long as the soil drains well and doesn’t become waterlogged. It is not fussy about soil types, but does best in sandy-clay loam with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0. The soil needs to be about 1 to 1.5 metres deep.
Mulch – Mulch around your tree to keep the soil moist and to prevent too many weeds. Use organic mulch like wood chips, grass cuttings, hay or compost. Always keep mulch 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk. If you have a problem with ants, apply wood ash around your tree.
Watering – These trees are drought-tolerant and hardy. Water your young tree regularly to establish it. Mature trees need only be watered once every week or two. If your tree isn’t getting enough water, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.
Fertilising – With the right soil, your fig tree shouldn’t need extra fertiliser. However, if your soil is sandy or if the previous year saw the branches growing less than about 30 centimetres, then a fertiliser can be used. Regular fertilising only needs to be done for fig trees in pots. Over-fertilising with nitrogen helps the tree to grow but inhibits any fruits.
Pruning – The tiger fig doesn’t require much pruning. Prune them immediately after harvesting the main crop.
Harvesting – The fruits will be ready in summer and will usually appear 2 to 3 years after planting the tree. When they are ripe, the skin will change from green to a yellow-green colour and the fruit softens a bit. Pick them when they are still a little firm to avoid bruising them.
