Fig tree (Ficus carica), "Louisiana Purple Ficus (LSU)" variety

The following plant information was last updated on 8/1/2021.

Plant Type: fruit tree/bush

Plant Family: Mulberry

Native Region(s): Mediterranean and western Asia

Landscape Use: bush/shrub, tree

Height: 12-15 feet

Spread: 8-10 feet

Spacing: at least 20 feet away from any buildings or other trees

Hardiness Zones: 8B-10B

Hardy Down To: 15-20° F

Light: 8+ hours of direct sun

Water: Figs require a dry climate with light early spring rains. Heavy rain during fruit development can cause problems with fruit ripening and splitting. Water at least once every week or every two weeks as necessary during the summer months. In periods of drought, water as soon as the soil feels dry to the touch.

Soil: well-draining soil, abundant in organic matter; best in pH between 6.0 and 6.5, will tolerate pH between 5.5 and 8.0

Pollination Type: self-fertile; 2+ trees increases fruit yield

Maintenance: Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth. If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage larger figs.

Fertilize: Only necessary if in a container or sandy soil. For container-grown figs, apply a total of 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen over three to four applications beginning with the first application in late winter or early spring and the final application in July.

Season(s) of Interest: fruiting occurs early summer through fall

Culinary Uses: eat fresh, pie filling, preserves/jam

How to Use: You should harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen off the tree. The figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3 days. Freeze or dry your figs to prolong storage life.

Additional Resources:

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Red Yucca: Neither Red, Nor a Yucca

Image
When I first discovered seed collecting, one of the very first seeds I tried to harvest was that of the Red Yucca. I was attracted to the ease with which they could be identified and plucked from their flower spikes. The sheer number of seeds that can be found in just one pod is quite rewarding.  After doing a quick internet search on how to sow the seeds, I settled on the technique of
Read more

How to Propagate Ivy

Image
I recently had someone ask me how to propagate Ivy (of the Hedera genus). Now, I do run a business where plant propagation is about 4/5ths of the job, but am I going to gatekeep? HECK NO!  So let me tell you how to propagate Ivy! Propagation of ivy (as well as many other plants) is more successful during their time of active growth. Spring is a great time to take cuttings! Step 0:  Mise en place! (Gather your materials) nursery container(s) or a tray, with or without drainage (See: Step 1) potting media of choice (See: Step 1) sanitized cutting implement , be it scissors, shears or blade (See: Step 2) a shallow container of water rooting hormone powder  or equivalent (See: Step 3) a hole-poking implement , such as a chop stick or pencil a spray bottle  or plant mister filled with water Step 1: Prepare your propagation container Prepare sm
Read more

How to Grow Pride of Barbados from Seeds

Image
Store your seeds in a cool, dark place until you are ready to germinate them. There's a little trick to getting these seeds to sprout quickly. The technique involves soaking the seeds for at least 48 hours in water. I’ve personally had success with adding water at tea-steeping range (195° F). I’ve known other gardeners to pour in fully boiled water (212° F). It is also perfectly fine to plant the seeds directly in soil without following the numbered steps below. Sprouting may take longer, but they will germinate once the soil temperature regularly reaches 75-80° F. 1. Add your seeds to a heat-safe container such as a glass jar, coffee mug or thermos.  2. Fill your container with the heated water.  3. After 24 hours, pour off the water and refill with fresh, heated water for the second 24-hour period of soaking. The seeds are ready when they have approximately doubled in size and the seed walls are no longer rock hard. A second soaking is not necessary if the seeds have already ex
Read more