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The Fig

by Gene Joyner, Extension Agent I

IFAS Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Although most of us like to deal in exotic tropical fruits, one which is not truly tropical is a favorite among all fruit growers, the fig. Figs are native to Asia Minor and are grown throughout the world where climatic conditions are favorable.

The fig is a Ficus, Ficus carica, and most figs make large shrubs or small trees up to 15 to 20 feet tall. Leaves are very large, prominently veined and deeply lobed and may be 8 to 10 inches long. Most figs are deciduous during the winter months and drop their leaves in late December and resume growth in February and early March.

Figs are prized for their delicious fruit, which can be one to three inches in length, violet, brown or black. There are even varieties with yellow fruit. Most fruits are borne from early summer to late fall on new growth, and the fruits generally mature very quickly.

Most figs grow well on a variety of well-drained soils and prefer sun or light shade. Nematodes can be a problem, so figs benefit from heavy mulching and light, frequent applications of a balanced fertilizer. Generally fertilizing should be done three to four times a year for optimum growth and fruit production.

There are nematode-resistant root stocks such as Ficus glomerata, but these are difficult to find. If you have a real difficulty with nematodes, grow figs in containers where nematodes should not be a major problem.

Some named varieties of figs available in the nursery trade include 'Celeste', 'Brown Turkey', 'Magnolia', 'Texas Everbearing', 'Green Ischia' and 'Black Mission'. Figs are easily propagated by rooting cuttings during the late winter and early spring when they are dormant or just breaking dormancy.

Growth on figs generally can be three to five feet a year under good conditions and they require some pruning and shaping when small to keep them from becoming leggy.

Major problems with figs include a leaf disease called fig rust, which is difficult to control, and in most years little can be done to slow down its spread. Occasional spraying with copper fungicide helps a little bit, but nothing really cures it and it is a problem throughout warm climates. Birds and other animals occasionally attack fruit, requiring covering of the fruits or the clusters of fruits to keep them protected.

Figs can be eaten fresh or used for preserves and other types of desserts; they also dry well and once dried keep for long periods of time. If you haven't tried growing figs, many nurseries dealing in fruit trees offer figs of several selections. If you don't have a lot of yard space, grow them as a container plant on your porch or patio and you'll still be rewarded with plenty of figs.

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