Fig Tree

Info

The Common fig (Ficus carica) is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree native to southwest Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. It can grow to a height of 23–;33 ft tall, with smooth grey bark. The leaves are 4-10 inches long and 3-7 inches across. The fruit is 1-2 inches long, with a green skin, sometimes ripening towards purple or brown. The sap of the fig's green parts can be an irritant to human skin.

Figs can be eaten fresh or dried, and used in jam-making. Most commercial production is in dried or otherwise processed forms, since the ripe fruit does not transport well, and once picked does not keep well. Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber.

Varieties

  • Brown Turkey

    Attractive garden tree. Medium to large fruit with a reddish-brown skin tinged with purple. The pulp is reddish-pink and of good quality. Fast growing. Self-fertile.

  • Celeste

    Small, brown to purple tinged fruit with an amber flesh. Large, vigorous, very productive tree. Does not usually have a Breba crop; just one main crop. Excellent fresh dessert quality. Rich, sweet flavor.

Care and Maintenance

  1. Preparing the Hole

    Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and as much as three times as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Breaking up the soil around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to grow into loose soil to hasten establishment.

  2. Placing Your Tree

    Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The tree's root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be just above the top of the soil. Don't dig the hole too deep. It is better if the root collar is slightly (1 to 2") higher than ground level because of possible setting.

  3. Filling the Hole

    Carefully fill the hole with soil when the tree is positioned and straight. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and lightly push the soil around the base of the root ball. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to gently but firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause the roots to dry out. Don't plant the tree too deep. Back fill the soil to the height just below the root collar.

  4. Mulching

    Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the tree. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk. Mulch can be aged wood chips or bark. Mulch helps keep roots moist and insulates them, and prevents weed growth. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

  5. Watering

    Water the tree well as soon as you plant it. Water the tree at least once a week for the first year after planting. A slow, root-saturating, one-hour trickle once a week is recommended for a new tree. The watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly if it rains or is very dry.