Description
These iconic plants produce delicious fruit with flavors best experienced ripe from the tree. Unlike other fruits, figs ripen entirely on the branch, so planting your own allows you to harvest the freshest fruit. The common fig tree, thriving in warm climates, does not require pollination to bear new fruit. Figs are self-fruitful, so you need only one plant to produce fruit. Mature fig trees can be 10 to 30 feet tall. If you have more room, plant several. Choose early, mid and late-fruiting selections to extend your harvest from summer into early fall. Some figs will produce bonus fruit early in the season, called a “breba” crop and the main crop. Figs can vary in size, shape, flavor, texture, and harvest time and can be black, green, brown, violet, yellow, or purple. Full sun is essential for an abundant harvest and the sweetest fruit. It’s ideal for planting fig trees in an area that receives six to eight hours of direct, daily sunlight. Less sunlight will prevent trees from producing as many figs compared to those planted with adequate light. Fig trees grow in various soil conditions, but slightly acidic and well-drained soils are best. Soil with rich, organic matter helps supplement growth. Regular potting mixes work well for fig trees as long as it retains moisture and is well-aerated. These plants grow well near coastal regions but also tolerate loamy, clay, or sandy conditions. When fruit is developing, it’s important to water regularly. Check daily, and pick just as the fruit ripens. During the first year, as plants become established, water regularly and mulch. Once established, figs can be very drought tolerant.
- Thriving in direct sunlight, fig trees need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and do best within USDA hardiness zone of 6-9.
- Ficus Carica prefer semi-arid climates with warm temperatures and light spring rains. Excessive watering during fruit ripening can hurt the crop.
