Old Dauphin Way Association

Figs

(Ficus carica)

By Bill Nicholas

Figs have been cultivated by man for thousands of years. They were being grown in

St. Augustine, Florida in the late 16th century, and would have arrived on the gulf coast

with the Spanish occupation not long after.

A more care free garden fruit is hard to find since they are bothered by few disease and

insect problems. But you will have to compete with the birds for fruit.

Figs require a moist , well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Fall plantings are generally more successful. Because they are shallow rooted, heavy mulching of 4 to 6 inches deep around the tree is is recommended. This will reduce the need for cultivation which can damage roots, and limit the need for watering.

Figs become quite broad and therefore they should be spaced a minimum of 10 feet apart, and preferably 20 feet apart. Fertilization should be confined to early spring. If using an inorganic commercial fertilizer, it is recommended applying one pound of 8-8-8 for every year of age up to 10 years. Over fertilization can result in fruit failing to mature. Late applications can result in fresh growth susceptible to winter cold damage.

An established fig can tolerate temperatures down to 10 degrees. Below that top kill is likely, but the roots will survive and will produce a new tree.

Figs have the potential to produce up to three crops a year. The spring crop forms on last year's growth. A summer crop can be produced on new growth, and some varieties will produce a fall crop again on new growth. Many figs are parthenocarpic which means they require no pollination to produce fruit.

There are many varieties of figs, and many of those varieties are poorly suited for producing fruit here in the wet, humid, sometimes very cold gulf coast climate.

Celeste is a common variety, long used and well adjusted to our area. The fruit is comparatively small, but is more resistant to splitting and souring in wet periods. It's habit of early dormancy also makes it resistant to cold damage. Spring crops on this variety can be improved with supplemental watering during dry spring periods.

Brown Turkey is another variety well adapted to Mobile. It's fruit is not as resistant to splitting and souring as Celeste, but it is more inclined to good 2nd and 3rd crops. Paired with a Celeste, your fruit production period could be considerably extended.

Other varieties with potential to do well here are a group developed by LSU's Dr. Ed O'Rourke. LSU Purple, LSU Gold, Golden Celeste and Improved Celeste. Though they may be hard to find, varieties worth a try are Alma and Hardy Chicago.

Some varieties can be slow to produce, but quality and quantity of fruit will improve with several years of growth. Pruning should be confined to weak and dead growth.

Propagating figs is fairly easy. Soon after the tree goes dormant, take cuttings 8 to 10 inches long with 3 or more nodes. Plant the cutting with at least 1 node above soil level in the ground or in a pot. Keep the soil evenly moist. This preferably is done in a shady area. By the following fall you should have a well rooted plant.

Figs also do well as an espalier.