How to Plant Fig in Nigeria
Figs (Ficus carica) are among the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world, valued for their sweet, nutritious fruits and their medicinal benefits.
Though native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, figs thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, making Nigeria a favourable environment for their cultivation.
Figs are consumed fresh, dried, or processed into jams and other products.
With rising health awareness in Nigeria, figs are gaining popularity, and cultivating them presents both nutritional and commercial opportunities.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to plant figs in Nigeria, following step-by-step instructions to ensure healthy growth and successful harvests.
Description of the Plant
The fig tree is a deciduous plant belonging to the Moraceae family.
It can grow between 3-10 meters tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
The tree has broad, lobed leaves that are rough in texture, and a shallow but extensive root system that helps it absorb nutrients efficiently.
The fruit of the fig is unique because it is technically an inverted flower.
The sweet, soft flesh contains tiny crunchy seeds and is enclosed within a green, purple, or brown skin, depending on the variety.
Figs are rich in dietary fibre, calcium, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B, and K.
Apart from their nutritional benefits, fig trees are also valued for shade, ornamental purposes, and their cultural significance in different parts of the world.
Planting Season for figs in Nigeria
The best planting season for figs in Nigeria is during the early rainy season (April–June).
Planting at this time allows the young trees to establish roots with the support of natural rainfall.
However, because fig trees are drought-tolerant once established, planting can also be done later in the year using irrigation.
The key is to avoid planting during the peak dry season (November–March), when water stress can hinder seedling establishment.
Planting the Figs
Planting figs involves several careful steps to ensure proper establishment and growth.
Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 – Choose a Location
Figs need plenty of sunlight to grow well, so select a location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Avoid shady areas under tall trees or buildings.
The soil should be well-drained because figs do not tolerate waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.5) are most suitable.
Step 2 – Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the land of weeds, stumps, and debris.
Plough or dig the soil to loosen it, which improves aeration and drainage.
If it is clay soil, mix in sand and organic matter to improve texture.
Mark out planting holes at a spacing of 5–7 meters apart to allow trees enough room to spread.
Each hole should be about 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide.
Refill the hole halfway with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure before planting.
Step 3 – Means of Propagation
Figs can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering, but the most common and reliable method is through stem cuttings.
Cuttings ensure that the new plants maintain the same qualities as the parent tree, while seeds may produce variations.
- Stem cuttings: Hardwood cuttings (20–30 cm long) taken from mature, healthy fig trees are planted directly into prepared soil.
- Air layering: This involves inducing roots to form on a branch while still attached to the parent tree, then cutting and transplanting it.
- Seeds: Though less common, seeds can be used for propagation, especially in experimental or research planting.
Step 4 – How to Plant Figs from Stem Cuttings
- Choose mature, disease-free branches from a productive fig tree.
- Cut stems 6–12 inches long and about pencil-thick.
- Ensure each cutting has 3–4 nodes (points where leaves or buds grow).
- Remove any leaves from the bottom half.
- Fill pots with well-draining soil or plant directly into the ground.
- Insert the cutting 4–6 inches deep, with at least one node buried.
- Firm the soil gently around the cutting.
- Roots usually form in 4–8 weeks.
- Once new leaves appear, it shows the cutting has rooted.
- When roots are strong, transfer to larger pots or plant directly in the garden.
- Space trees 5–6 meters apart in the farm.
Step 5 – Watering
Watering is crucial during the first year of growth.
Newly planted figs should be watered 2–3 times per week during dry periods to encourage root establishment.
Once established, figs become drought-tolerant and need less frequent watering.
Avoid overwatering, as this may lead to root diseases.
Mulching around the base of the tree helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Step 6 – Apply Manure
Figs respond well to organic manure and compost.
Apply well-rotted animal manure, poultry droppings, or compost into the planting hole during establishment.
As the tree grows, apply additional manure once or twice yearly, especially before the rainy season.
Supplement with NPK fertiliser in small quantities to promote vegetative growth and fruiting.
Maturity and Harvest
Figs typically take 2 to 3 years to start bearing fruit when propagated through cuttings, while seed-grown trees may take longer (4–5 years).
The fruiting season in Nigeria generally falls within the late rainy season to the dry season (August to December).
Figs are harvested when they are fully ripe because they do not ripen well after picking.
Signs of maturity of figs include the following:
- The fruit becomes soft to the touch.
- The skin changes colour depending on the variety.
- The fruit bends at the neck and droops slightly.
- Sweet aroma near the fruit.
- Harvest figs carefully by hand to avoid bruising, as they are delicate and perishable. Handle gently and store in cool conditions to extend shelf life.
Pests and Diseases
Figs in Nigeria may be affected by several pests and diseases, some of which are:
- Fig beetles,
- aphids,
- mealybugs,
- nematodes, and
- fruit flies.
other pests as birds and bats, feed on ripe fruits and cause heavy losses.
Diseases like;
- root rot (caused by waterlogging),
- rust (orange spots on leaves),
- anthracnose, and mosaic virus also affect figs.
Pest and Disease Control
Effective pest and disease management ensures healthy fig trees and high yields.
Control measures include:
- Cultural practices: Proper spacing, pruning, and removal of diseased leaves and fruits reduce disease spread.
- Organic methods: Use neem oil, garlic extract, or soap sprays to control insects like aphids and mealybugs.
- Chemical control: Apply approved insecticides and fungicides when infestations are severe, but always follow safety guidelines.
- Physical control: Netting can protect fruits from birds and bats.
- Soil management: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and apply organic matter to improve soil health.
Fig farming in Nigeria holds great potential due to the adaptability of the plant and the rising demand for figs as both a fruit and a health food.
By understanding the right planting season, following proper land preparation, propagation techniques, and adopting effective pest management,
Nigerian farmers can successfully grow figs for both personal use and commercial purposes.
With patience and proper care, a fig orchard can become a rewarding investment, providing abundant fruits and contributing to food security and economic growth.
Hope this article was useful.
