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| Mama Fig |
A few weeks back we had to have a termite treatment around
the perimeter of our house. We were able to get a treatment that involved a chemical with low risk of impacts to non-termite species. Still, we were advised that anything edible
growing in the treatment zone should not be consumed. The fruit of my
beloved fig tree was now off limits.
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| Baby Fig |
Before the treatment I cut some stems from the tree and
brought them inside to try rooting them in water. I stripped all the leaves
off, as some websites suggested, stuck them in a jar, and kept the water at a
constant level. After a couple of weeks, one stem was showing some nice root
growth, beginning right where water met air. I planted my cutting out in a
large pot outside, in part shade so it could get acclimated. Within a couple of
days, the nubby bit of green at the top of the stem had sprouted 2 tiny
leaves
A week later
I went to a farmers market and spotted a
beautiful little fig tree, about 4 feet high, with little figs developing. It was love at first sight. The vendor
explained that I could plant the tree, or I could keep it in the pot and
overwinter it outdoors by wrapping it well in burlap. The tree had just been repotted, and wouldn't need
a bigger pot for a couple of years. The variety is called ‘Chicago’
and is hardier than most figs.
I will always miss the luscious bounty of my mature tree. But
as a gardener I am thrilled that I've got a young fig tree and a promising fig start to watch grow!
