Ficus Tuffi is a very popular fast growing hedge plant, with bright emerald green foliage, that darkens with age. Tuffi can be clipped into any shape and used as part of formal gardens. Tuffi looks fantastic when pleached, creating a avenue down a driveway or as a privacy screen.
Planting Calendar
Tuffi can be planted throughout the year but does best when planted in Spring and Autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Position
Ficus Tuffi can be grown in either sun- partial shade and can also be grown in pots. A free draining soil that is rich in organic matter is best to grow Tuffi.
Soil
When planted into the ground Ficus Tuffi likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus Fertiliser together into your existing soil. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a slight mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, to help slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Ficus have large roots systems so you will need a pot that is at least 50cm in diameter.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. To provide your Tuffi with all the essential nutrients feed with Kings N Phos K. If planted into a container feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster to encourage strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Thrip can be an issue on Tuffi during the hotter months.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is does not come into direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Spray with Groventive Garden Systemic Insecticide monthly as a preventative rather than cure.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Prune after each flush of new growth. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Tuffi likes good drainage but take up a lot of water. For continued growth and lush plants ensure the soil is kept moist.
Expert Tip
Leaves that are folded over with brown/bronze bumps on them are a sign of Thrip. They live inside the folded over leaf,in their own little micro climate.
Tip
Pleached Tuffis look great under planted with Star Jasmine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is making the leaves curl in half and have brown raised bumps on them?
Ficus Tuffi can be attacked by Thrips. They curl the leaf over to shelter in between the layers. Spray with GroVentive 2 Way Systemic Insecticide, mixed with Enspray99 oil. Remember prevention is always better than cure
Why are the leaves on my Tuffi going yellow?
Ficus Tuffi can be very thirsty and does not like to dry out. Ensure that you water well and deeply 3 times a week during the hotter months of the year. Lack of fertiliser can also be a cause, regular applications of Kings Nitrophoska T.E will provide the nutrients it needs.
