Bargad (Banyan Tree): How to Plant and Care for India's National Tree in Jaipur
Ficus benghalensis
The Bargad (Ficus benghalensis) is a huge, long-lived shade tree whose aerial roots become new trunks. Here is how to plant it in Jaipur, how to care for it in its first three years, and why it needs plenty of open space.
Care in the first three years
These are practical suggestions for Jaipur conditions.
- Monsoon (Jul to Sep): Weed and repair the basin; widen it in year 3.
- Post-monsoon (Oct to Nov): Lay 8 to 10 cm of mulch, kept away from the stem. Water weekly in year 1, every 10 days in year 2, and every 2 to 3 weeks in year 3 if it is dry.
- Winter (Dec to Jan): Jaipur's record low is −2.2 °C. For the first two winters, cover saplings on cold-wave nights.
- Spring (Feb to Mar): Check for scale insects, mealybugs and thrips. In year 2, keep one strong leader and remove crossing shoots.
- Summer (Apr to Jun): Water twice a week in year 1, weekly in year 2 and every two weeks in year 3. Renew the mulch; if leaves scorch, add a shade net on the south-west side.
- All year: Check for termites at the base and keep the guard until the stem is beyond browsing height. Later, let a few aerial roots reach the ground where there is room.
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Please check important details against the sources shown in each section.
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