The fruit of heaven on earth

In place of growing a fig tree, you may easily grow a grafted fig plant in a pot.

The 95th chapter of the Holy Quran, which is in the 30th part of the holy book, begins with a verse in which Allah promises by Fig and by Olive. The chapter is named as Surah At-Tin (literal meaning Fig) and even this naming of a chapter fact is enough for any Muslim to understand the significance of this highly nutritious, nourishing and healthy fruit.

Referred to as the fruit of heaven, the fig is harvested as a soft, fleshy, multi-coloured and sweet fruit. It is, however, more renowned as a chewy, hard, light brown coloured dried fruit which is sliced and consumed especially in the winter season. The dried fig variant is also a part of many jams and preserves, sweet dishes and local delicacies. In Pakistan, fig is usually grown on trees in relatively colder regions of Swat and Baltistan, including Skardu and Gilgit. Though you may have never come across a fig tree in Karachi, you may find a few of these growing in the Gandhi Garden or the Karachi Zoological and Botanical Garden, even laden with the fruit, the variety here is known as the Mysore Fig.

From the kitchen gardening’s perspective, the focus is to grow healthy, organic food with provision of the limited resources available. The aim, thus, is to grow herbs, fruits and vegetables in as limited space as possible, since the availability of a bigger stretch of empty land for gardening would be an unrealistic expectation, especially in a city like Karachi. Therefore, this article culminates the tricks and ideas to grow a fig plant in a pot nstead of growing a tree. Highly rich in fibres and minerals such as potassium and calcium, fig is a good option for the digestive system and bone health and is also considered a good source to regulate and attain healthy weight. Many trainers recommend figs to boost stamina,, due to its nutritional content.

Type of plants

Fig grows on the Ficus, which belongs to the family of smaller mulberry trees. Now the availability of grafted potted plants of figs has made the life of Karachiites  easier, who are already cramped for space. The grafted, potted plants, which are generally from one foot to maximum three feet in height, are easily available in local plant nurseries and are opted both for its fruits and even as an ornamental plant by many. While these plants can be easily grafted here, the actual seedlings naturally grow in countries hailing from the Mediterranean region. It is so common that the fig is also considered the poor man’s food in the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant or tree and it grows throughout the year.

How to sow and grow

One of the oldest fruits in the world, it is believed that the fig tree has been around for more than 7,000 years. Fig plant can grow from the seeds, but the fruit produced from the new plant is likely to be different from the fruit of the parent tree. Another method to grow a fig plant is through an uncommon process known as Air Layering; for which there is requirement of the availability of the fig tree as well. This is a highly successful process of all the fig plant growing methods. But, Air Layering might be quite a difficult process for the new gardeners. This is exactly the reason that it is highly recommended to instead opt for a fig tree cutting for propagation and development of a new plant. The propagation works well right after the winter season in Karachi during the months of December to February.

Generally, a fig plant may take from 18 months to 3 years for fruiting, however, many believe that if the cutting being grafted is taken from the tree which is already on fruiting, then there are high chances that the propagated plant will start fruiting within the first year of its grafting. It is also a very popular belief that if the space for this plant’s roots are compact and the root growth is restricted, there is higher probability of increased fruiting.

Sunlight and watering requirements

The pot of fig plant should be placed at such a location where it is exposed to maximum, but not harsh sunlight throughout the day, a minimum of five to six hours daily. Utmost care should be taken that the soil of the fig plant never turns dry. It should be well watered and the soil should be moist throughout. In Karachi, during peak summers, if the plant is potted in a 14 to 18 inch diameter container, then you may even be required to water the plant twice daily. Avoid watering directly on the base of the plant.

Fertilisers for plant nourishment

Fig plant requires heavy feed which means a generous supply of all components of NPK fertiliser in different stages of plant growth. As always, it is highly recommended to use the organic NPK fertiliser, which is to be given on a monthly basis.

Pest attacks

Figs are a favourite among the birds and rodents like squirrels. Covering the plant with a net or hanging an inverted CD near the plant will help to deflect the incoming birds due to the unwanted sunlight reflection on their eyes.

Fruiting and harvest

Different colours and taste classify figs into different varieties. The availability of these varieties in different regions, the local taste and gardener’s preferences among all play a major role in selecting a certain type of fig. Some of the famous varieties include, but are not limited to, the Adriatic Figs, White Figs, Black Mission Figs, Sweet Figs, Celeste Figs, the Chief Figs and Brown Turkey Figs. The figs may also vary in colour from white, green, yellow, golden, red, to purple and black .

This nutritious fruit is  generally harvested when they begin to hang down and are soft to touch. Usually in Karachi, figs are harvested from March to May.

It is always important to remember that these gardening endeavours can be done with limited resources and less expenditure; even the relevant requirements like the organic fertilisers, pesticides and cheap growing alternatives can all be prepared easily at home.

The writer is a physician and hosts the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at [email protected]