Ficus (Fig) Carica
Grows sweet tasting edible fruit!
Figus Carica also known as Brown Turkey or the Common Fig Tree. Fig is a deciduous fruit tree with large foliage of deeply lobed deep green leaves. Small petal-less flowers are contained in a hollowed-out receptacle, which enlarges to form sweet tasting edible fruit. It generally fruits from August to September. RHS AGM winner.
Ficus carica produces sweet, juicy figs from August to September. The fruits develop in the spring, and then ripen from August to September. A second crop may sometimes develop in late summer and, if protected, these will ripen the following summer. Height: 3m (9′). Spread: 2.5m (8′).
Grow fig trees in a sheltered, sunny position. A warm, south facing site against a wall is ideal. Figs prefer a moisture retentive, fertile, well drained soil that is slightly alkaline. Prior to planting fig trees, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Figs have a vigorous growth habit but can be restricted by constructing a 60cm (2′) square, open bottomed brick or concrete pit around the root system. Add a 15cm (6″) layer of broken stone to the base of the pit. Alternatively plant figs in large patio containers using a well drained compost such as John Innes No.3. When growing fig trees in containers they should be repotted every two years. If figs are to be wall trained, install support wires prior to planting.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harvesting Period