All about Growing Common Figs

Figs (Ficus carica, L.) have been growing in Florida since pioneer days in the early 1900s.
Several varieties like Celeste, Brown Turkey and others have proven to be well adapted to our
climate Statewide.
Figs are divided into four types. We will concern ourselves with self pollinating common
varieties. The other types have special requirements that are not geographically feasible for
several reasons. One reason is the required cross pollination and specific insect requirements of
Capri, Smyrna and San Pedro figs.
Figs grown in groves or in backyard gardens should be spaced a minimum of 20 feet from other
trees and should never be fertilized when planting unless growing in containers. Container grown
figs should be fertilized with approved time released fertilizer only! Choose either a balanced
formula like a 13-13-13 or a 10 -15- 10. Figs can grow quite well in containers and produce
plenty of fruit. Figs can be planted an inch or two deeper than the planted soil level of the
container. This deeper planting helps to develop additional roots. Planting near foundations is
often beneficial in keeping root damaging nematodes away. Heavy mulching and adding organic
material will control nematodes also. Composted Chicken manure will make your fig trees very
strong and productive. Fertilize at least three times a year but not in December, January or
February.
Site
Figs grow best when provided with at least 8 hours of full sunlight. Maximum fruit production is
directly related to the amount of sun provided to your fig tree. Early morning sun is preferred so
morning dew accumulated on the trees leaves; stem and fruit can evaporate quickly. This quick
drying of the foliage etc helps to reduce many fungal diseases. Figs in northern climates can
survive very low freezing temperatures by going into dormancy. The figs we grow in Florida are
less cold hardy but will survive just fine even when the mercury drops into the low thirties with
little damage.
Soil
Figs can be grown in many types of soil but will not tolerate poorly drained sites. Do not under
any circumstance plant your fig tree on sites where water stands for more than 24 hours after any
rain. Fig tree roots are shallow and will not damage foundations of buildings or sidewalks. Do
not plant near septic tanks or clay drainage pipes because they may be damaged by the roots.
One major enemy of fig cultivation is poor drainage. Poorly drained soils will starve your figs
roots of oxygen, which results in stunted growth, diseases and the eventual death of the tree. Figs
are somewhat salt tolerant and do fine near brackish water.

Varieties:
There are a number of varieties recommended for Florida.
The Celeste fig has a small to medium fruit that is brown to purple in color. The tree is large,
vigorous, and very productive. Celeste figs ripen in late fall and may also develop a second crop
in the summer. Celeste has a tight closed eye which inhibits the entry of damaging insects that
can dry and sour the fig. Celeste has a rich sweet flavor. It is an excellent fig for making
preserves.
Brown Turkey also known as Texas Ever bearing is a medium to large sized fig. The tree is
vigorous, very large, and productive. The first crop ripens in May or June and followed by
another crop in the fall. The fruit has a short, plump stem and partially closed eye which reduces
souring on the tree. The fruit is almost seedless and has a mild sweet flavor.
Alma is a Fig variety released by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in the 1970s. Alma
is a late season variety with very high fruit quality. The fruit skin is rather unattractive; however,
the flesh has an excellent rich, sweet flavor. The tree is moderately vigorous, very productive,
and comes into production at a very early age. The eye of Alma fruit is sealed with a thick resin
that inhibits the entry of the dried fruit beetle, thus reducing on-the-tree fruit souring.
Black Mission is not the best choice but fair in Florida. Black Mission produces large black
fruit.
Others to consider for Florida are Excel, LSU Purple, Texas Blue Giant and Hunt.
Pruning/Watering:
Figs require very little pruning. Try to focus on removing weak, diseased, or dead limbs during
each dormant season. Pruning helps to increase the size of your fruit. In mid February cut your
plant back by 1/3 rd of the previous years growth. By pruning your fig tree, you initiate new
growth for the new growing season and maintain the size of your plant. The figs will develop on
the new growth.
Fig trees have shallow root systems and can easily dry out. As mentioned earlier
figs are very susceptible to nematodes that feed on small roots. Sandy soils are more likely to be
infested with nematodes. Keep in mind that nematode damaged roots carry less water into the
tree. Keeping your trees well hydrated but not waterlogged is critical to your trees health. Water
stressed Fig Trees will develop wilted leaves in the afternoon. Leaves can turn yellow when
plants are repeatedly allowed to go bone dry and then are watered and this cycle repeats over and
over. Mulching once again is extremely important and should not be overlooked. Mulching
controls nematodes helps maintain uniform soil moisture and reduces weeds. Water stress is a
major cause of premature fruit drop. Good water management, including regular irrigation and
mulching, helps maintain tree health and vigor and reduces fruit drop.

Dormancy and Cold:

Figs in South Florida rarely go fully dormant. When the mercury drops, so do most of the leaves.
When trees are defoliated, watering can be very harmful. Remember to ease up on water when
your fig trees are without leaves. Trees without leaves can withstand cooler temperatures. Many
can survive temperatures below freezing.
Harvest:
Figs should be picked when fully ripe. They must be picked as they ripen or the fruit is more
likely to spoil. On-the-tree spoilage or souring is caused by microorganisms in the fully ripe
fruit. These organisms are usually carried into the open eye of the fig by insects, particularly the
dried fruit beetle. Daily harvests and the removal of overripe, spoiled figs can greatly reduce
spoilage problems. This is particularly true of varieties which have an open eye. Use gloves and
long sleeves when harvesting figs to prevent skin irritation from the fig latex.
Pests:
A few major problems related to figs in Florida are nematodes, fig rust and fruit souring. Fig
rust is an important fungal disease that attacks the leaves of figs caused by Physopella fici. Fig
rust first appears as small brownish-orange spots on fig leaves. This rust may cause total
defoliation. Fig trees will look ragged, leggy and unhealthy; the trees will also often initiate new
growth that may increase the figs susceptibility to cold injury. Rust is controlled by using copper
soap sprays. Several applications made during the rainy season and also a few in the fall keeps
trees in fairly good condition. When spraying copper be certain to get good leaf coverage with
the spray.
FIG FRUIT FAILURE
Condition

Probable Cause

Suggested Remedies

All fruit drops when one-third to

two-thirds full size.

Wrong variety for area

Destroy tree and replant with

recommended variety.

Leaves drop when mature; fruit

withers and fails to mature.

Fig rust or other leaf-spot

diseases, or twig blight.

Use neutral copper spray.

Rake up and burn old leaves.

Fruiting is poor; tree growth is

retarded. Roots have knots or
galls and are distorted.

Nematode damage, poor

soil conditions or too
much water.

Mulch and keep moisture level

adequate.

Fruit fails to mature; leaves are

Low temperatures have
small. Vigorous new wood arises
killed some stem tissue.
from the base.

Cut tree back to healthy tissue

and develop a new top from
suckers.

Fruit sours and many splits.

Unsuitable variety or
unusually wet year.

If unsuitable variety, replant or

pick fruit before maturity and
preserve.

Fruit is tough and falls

prematurely during hot, dry
weather.

Excessive heat.

No control.