Growing Figs

Fig trees are an often-overlooked backyard tree that produces very tasty, high-nutrition fruits.  In many parts of the world, figs are a staple food.

LOCATIONS WHERE FIGS CAN BE GROWN

Figs will grow in areas rated Zone 8 or higher.  That’s a limited area in the U.S., though some indoor dwarf varieties (that are generally low-bearing, but pretty) are also available.  Figs require very warm weather and lots of sunlight and cannot withstand long winters.

SITE SELECTION FOR FIG TREES

Most fig varieties are indifferent to soil, though lighter, rich soils will obviously grow stronger trees faster.  So long as there is enough soil depth (5+ feet) and drainage for floods, figs will do well.  They prefer a pH of 6.0-6.5 and have no problem with some salinity.  If the figs are to be dried, soil with a fair amount of lime is often preferred.

PLANTING FIGS

Although figs can be raised from seed, most are propagated by cuttings or greenhouse germination.  Trees should be about 13 feet apart (though this does vary by variety) and trained to grow upright.  Shading of young plants for part of the day is usually recommended until they are established.  Fertilize at a 10-30-10 ratio.

CC flickr photo by Alex E. Proimos

PROPER CARE OF FIGS

Fig trees are often cut back severely in the fall/winter in order to create a later harvest the next year.  Some growers will stagger cuttings in their orchards in order to spread out the harvest.  Fig trees do not often branch laterally on their own, so many will manually notch branches to promote this.  Fig trees grow fairly rapidly and produce fruit quickly, but begin to taper off in production after 12-15 years, though they can live to be very old if left alone.

HARVESTING FIGS

Fig sap contains latex which can irritate the skin or produce allergic reactions, so harvesters should wear gloves and long sleeves to protect themselves during harvest.  The figs are usually hand-picked and then laid out in the shade to dry for a day.  Fig trees can bear up to 360 fruits in one year.

FIG PEST CONCERNS

Fig trees are most prone to nematodes, which go to the base of the tree and dig down into the roots.  In tropical areas, trees are often planted near walls to prevent this burrowing and in commercial orchards, they are protected by heavy mulch.  In some areas, a stem-borer is a problem, but not in the Americas.

Leaf rust caused by Cerotelium fici is a common problem worldwide.  It happens during rainy seasons and causes leaf spots and early leaf fall.  This can undermine yields.  Affected trees must be destroyed as this virus is untreatable.