| [Image: Figs on the tree] |
| [Image: Figs] |
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Normally I wouldn’t suggest planting much in our August heat. The ground is dry, water is scare with below 12” of annual rainfall, and temperatures are daily in the high 90’s, bumping the 100’s. Still we can dream of things we can do during more tolerant weather. Let me suggest figs for mid summer snacks and as a fall planting. Fig facts are readily available in a new publication “Figs, For Commercial and Home Production in Louisiana” publication #1529.
Fig Facts
Varieties: Celeste- most commonly grown
Brown Turkey – small to medium size fruit
LSU Purple- not cold tolerant
LSU Gold – Excellent flavor
Alma – very sweet, few seeds
Propagation: Figs are propagated by cuttings, air laying or grafting.
Cuttings should be taken in dormant season
3/8” to 3/4” in diameter, 8” to 10” long.
Be sure to include several nodes (joints)
Place in moist (not wet) soil.
Planting: Planting is much more successful in November to February.
Plant in rich well drained loamy soil, 10 x 10 spacing. Provide thick layer of hay or straw mulch.
Fertilization: 1 pound of 8-8-8 per year of age up to 10 years.
Apply in late winter or early spring. Do not fertilize in late summer or newly planted trees.
Figs are very low maintenance and adapt well to most St. Tammany soils. Whether they are eaten fresh, canned or preserved, they are highly nutritious. Try some fabulous figs for fall.