Description

Fig Fruit Seedlings

Experience the ancient, nutritious delight of figs (Ficus carica) with Organic Farm’s premium fig fruit seedlings. These sweet, fiber-rich fruits, high in potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C, offer a unique creamy texture and berry-like flavor with hints of vanilla. Organically propagated from cuttings in Muranga, Kenya, our certified seedlings are robust, disease-resistant, and tailored for Kenya’s diverse climates, making them ideal for farmers and home gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-value crop.

Benefits of Fig Farming

• Nutritional Powerhouse: High in fiber, iron, and copper, figs promote digestive health, heart health, and diabetes management, with leaves potentially reducing insulin needs.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, dried, or in jams, syrups, and desserts; figs enhance both sweet and savory dishes.

• Market Potential: High demand in local markets (e.g., Nairobi’s Village Market) and exports, with prices of KSh 1,000+/kg due to limited supply.

• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in dry regions, requiring minimal irrigation once established, perfect for sustainable farming.

Favorable Climates for Figs in Kenya

Figs thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates with temperatures of 20–35°C and moderate rainfall (800–1,500mm annually). They are drought-tolerant but sensitive to waterlogging.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Baringo (hot summers, mild winters)

• Coastal Kenya: Mombasa, Kilifi (warm, humid, well-draining soils)

• Western Kenya: Kisumu, Kakamega (warm, humid)

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Kitui (dry, hot conditions)

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Thika (moderate climates)

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy loam; tolerates clay with good drainage

• Soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic); tolerates moderate alkalinity up to 7.0

• Nutrients: Rich in organic matter; amend with compost or manure

• Altitude: 0–2,000 meters above sea level, with best yields in warmer lowlands

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Figs

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny site with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight; avoid early morning or late evening sun in dry months to reduce cold injury.

• Clear weeds and debris; test soil pH and amend with lime if too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline.

• Ensure no root-knot nematodes are present in the soil.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft), or 6 ft x 6 ft tilled area per tree.

• Mix topsoil with 20kg well-decomposed manure and 250g double superphosphate fertilizer.

Planting Seedlings

• Use certified cuttings propagated from healthy mother plants (e.g., Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Kadota) for true-to-type traits and faster fruiting (1–2 years vs. 3–4 years for seed-grown).

• Plant the cutting or seedling, ensuring the topmost root is just below soil level; backfill with soil mixture, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Note: Figs are self-fertile but require fig wasps for pollination, which are present in Kenya.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Caring for Fig Trees

• Irrigation: Water weekly during dry seasons for the first 2 years to establish roots; mature trees tolerate drought but benefit from occasional deep watering to increase fruit size.

• Fertilization: Apply balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 10:10:10 NPK) in early spring; supplement with compost annually for nutrient-poor soils.

• Pruning: Prune during dormancy (late winter) with sterilized shears at a 45-degree angle to remove dead, diseased, or weak branches; thin to improve light and air circulation.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests (e.g., ants, beetles) and diseases (e.g., leaf spot); maintain orchard hygiene and use neem oil or integrated pest management (IPM). Avoid milky sap contact, as it may irritate skin.

• Fruit Thinning: Thin fruits to increase size and quality, especially for the main crop (first of two annual crops).

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 3m x 5m (10 ft x 16 ft) for optimal growth

• Population: 150–270 trees per acre, depending on spacing

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 10–20 kg of fruit annually at maturity (3–4 years for cuttings, 1–2 years for grafted).

• Per Acre: 1.5–5.4 tonnes per acre, yielding potential revenue of KSh 1.5–5.4 million at KSh 1,000/kg, though commercial viability depends on market access.

• Fruiting Timeline: Main crop ripens in 3–4 years (cuttings) or 1–2 years (grafted); second crop is smaller. Harvest when figs droop, soften, and change color (e.g., purple for Black Mission).

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Fig Fruit Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted provider of sustainable agricultural solutions in Kenya. Our fig fruit seedlings offer:

• Certified Quality: Propagated from cuttings of select mother plants (e.g., Black Mission, Brown Turkey), ensuring high yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability, certified by KEPHIS.

• Faster Fruiting: Grafted options fruit within 1–2 years, compared to 3–4 years for standard cuttings.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages, tailored to Kenya’s regions.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation preserves soil health and promotes biodiversity.

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya, including Nairobi, Nakuru, and coastal areas.

Start your fig farming journey with Organic Farm and tap into the niche market for this underutilized, high-value fruit. Order your seedlings today to grow a nutritious, profitable crop that thrives in Kenya’s diverse landscapes!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com