Fig tree, <em>Ficus carica</em>: planting, pruning and maintenance

Description and botany

The fig tree or Ficus carica is a fruit tree of the family Moraceae, native to warm-climate countries such as Turkey and Asia Minor.

The genus Ficus includes more than 800 species of figs, of which about 250 species are common in France and thousands of cultivars derive from Ficus carica. Sexual reproduction in fig trees is very complex; only female fig trees, called “domestic fig trees”, produce edible fruits; male fig trees, or “caprifigs” or “wild fig trees”, produce inedible figs because they host the blastophage or “fig wasp”, the sole pollinating insect of the fig tree, present only in southern France. Common fig trees are divided into two groups:

1. Uniferous varieties, producing a single harvest each year, from August to October;
2. Biferous varieties, offering two harvests per year: early July for figs called ‘brebas’ which appear on wood of the previous year, and autumn figs that grow on current-year wood.

Among fig trees there are also self-fertile varieties that do not require other fig plants and do not need the action of the blastophage (parthenocarpic), and self-sterile fig trees.

From a powerful, widely spreading root system, the fig tree forms a vigorous small tree, ramified, with a rounded, spreading and erect habit, often with a gnarled trunk, rarely exceeding 3 to 5 m in all directions at maturity in our gardens. Dwarf varieties exist that do not exceed 1.5 m in height, ideal for container growing or small spaces. Wood is soft and spongy, bark ash-grey and smooth, and branches contain a white milky latex.

Ficus carica – illustration by Giorgio Gallesio

The fig tree is a very decorative deciduous tree because of its abundant, deeply cut and glossy foliage. Flexible shoots bear large alternate leaves, thick and rough, long-petiolate up to 20–30 cm long. Leaves are palmate and the lamina is deeply divided into 3 to 6 variable-shaped crenate lobes. They are glossy above and have a finely velvety underside with prominent, paler veins covered in short hairs. Leaves are bright green to dark green, turning yellow in autumn.

Flowering in the fig tree is unusual. In May, urn-shaped inflorescences called “syconia” appear directly on shoots in the axil of the leaves. These small pouches are lined with several thousand tiny female flowers, resembling grains.

These fleshy receptacles have a small opening, called the “eye”, through which fig wasps enter to fertilise the flowers. Figs can then develop and swell: figs are not strictly fruits but, from a botanical point of view, an infructescence, i.e. “fig-flowers”. The true fruits are the countless tiny grains (or achenes) scattered throughout the fig flesh.

The fig tree yields fruit from July to October. Attached to the shoot by an umbilicate structure, these elongated, pear-shaped pendulous fruits 4 to 5 cm in diameter have a skin that can be thin, velvety, pruinose or glossy, striate or fissured. ‘Bourjassotte noire’ is notable for its flattened shape. Three fig colours are distinguished:

• green figs or white figs with skin from pale yellow-green to dark green (fig tree ‘Goutte d’Or’);
• red figs often called grey figs;
• black or purple figs (fig tree ‘Violette Dauphine’, fig tree ‘Noire de Bellone’).

There is a variegated variety, the Striped Bourjassotte, producing attractive fruits with yellow skin streaked with green.

These fruits contain a fine, juicy and aromatic flesh, white, pink or red depending on variety, sprinkled with tiny grains. Some figs (‘Goutte d’Or’) exude a golden drop when ripe. All release a milky sap or white latex that irritates when detached from their peduncle.

Leaves and fruits of the fig tree

Originating from the Mediterranean, the fig tree retains some susceptibility to cold. It is not well suited to montane climates, but it can acclimatise in most of our regions, tolerating down to -15°C provided it is well exposed and sheltered from winter winds in the coldest areas. It is undemanding regarding soil and will accept ordinary, even poor, stony and dry ground, but performs best in a deep, light, well-drained soil with sufficient lime.

The fig tree was one of the first fruit trees cultivated by humans. Figs were part of provisions of all ancient Mediterranean peoples. Today Turkey, Egypt, Greece and Morocco are the largest fig producers. In France, 80% of national fig production comes from the Var. Louis XIV had more than 700 fig trees of various varieties planted in the kitchen garden of the Palace of Versailles.

Which variety of fig tree should I choose?

Climate is a determining factor when choosing a fig tree. Numerous varieties derive from Ficus carica. In warmer regions, it is possible to harvest figs twice a year: in June and in autumn with biferous varieties. Uniferous varieties produce a single harvest per year at the start of autumn. This main criterion should guide the novice gardener in choosing a fig tree.

North of the Loire, it is essential to choose your fig tree from uniferous varieties because spring frosts are likely to jeopardise a June harvest. In these regions, also choose a self-fertile variety capable of producing fruit by parthenocarpy, that is without fertilization, since the fig tree’s sole pollinating insect is present only in southern France and is too tender to survive in cold climate.

To make the right choice, feel free to consult our buying guide: “Fig tree: how to choose the right variety”

Uniferous fig trees

Fig Tree Rouge de Bordeaux - Ficus carica

An early variety with compact growth, perfect for container growing or small gardens. It is a self-fertile variety with good cold resistance. It produces attractive fruits with almost black-blue skin and sweet flesh.

• Flowering time September
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Fig Tree Noire de Bellone - Ficus carica

This variety, also called Noire de Nice, is self-fertile and particularly well suited to southern France. It is a vigorous, early variety.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Ficus carica Nazareth

Variety producing large fruits with green skin and rosy flesh. Self-fertile, it does not require any other pollinator.

• Flowering time September
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Ficus carica Figality

A recent dwarf variety, self-fertile and hardy, offering abundant, good-sized fruits. Perfect for container growing on a sunny terrace or for small spaces!

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Fig Tree Panachée - Ficus carica

This self-fertile variety produces distinctive striped-skinned figs containing fragrant red flesh.

• Flowering time September
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Biferous fig trees

Fig Tree Goutte D'Or- Ficus carica

This variety, with sweet, juicy flesh, fruits twice a year from late July and again around mid‑August. It is a fig tree with compact growth, perfect for container growing or small spaces.

• Flowering time August
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Ficus carica Précoce de Dalmatie

This self-fertile variety is also very cold-resistant and suited to wetter regions. Its small growth habit allows it to be grown in a pot. It produces figs with yellow-green skin and sweet red flesh.

• Flowering time September
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Fig Tree Madeleine des Deux Saisons - Ficus carica

A self-fertile cultivar particularly interesting for the double harvest it provides. It produces figs with pink, juicy flesh. Well suited to northern regions, as it tolerates cold down to -15 °C.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Ficus carica Ice Crystal

Self-fertile variety with compact growth, perfect for container growing or small spaces.

• Flowering time August
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Duo of Brown Turkey red fig trees and Goutte d'Or white fig trees

A duo of cold-resistant fig trees that are easy to grow in all regions!

• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Fig Tree Violette Dauphine

Early variety, very fertile and vigorous. You will love its attractive fruits with dark purple skin at ripeness and fine, juicy flesh.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant fig tree?

Contrary to popular belief, the fig tree can acclimatise in most of our regions, provided right variety is chosen. It tolerates negative temperatures down to -15°C if given a warm, sunny spot well sheltered from cold winds (south or south-west) and from spring frosts that can jeopardise harvests, especially north of the Loire. Fig tree likes to have its head in the sun: to help it set fruit well, plant it against a south-facing wall that will protect it from cold during harsh winters.

In regions where spring frosts are a concern, it is essential to choose self-fertile fig varieties that do not require intervention of the fig’s pollinating insect, which is too tender to survive in cold climate, as well as single-harvest varieties (‘Ronde de Bordeaux’ or ‘Pastilière’), which produce one harvest per year in early autumn, since young shoots and flower buds can be damaged by cold from about -10 to -12°C, compromising harvest of early figs, which appear sooner.

Not demanding regarding soil, fig tree adapts to all soils, even poor, dry or rocky ones, but will perform better in deep soil that stays cool during first years after planting, is calcareous and well drained. Fig tree likes to have its roots in water in summer, especially during ripening of the fruits. Once well established, it will tolerate drought perfectly.

Fig tree can quickly become invasive in a small garden. Choose planting spot carefully because once well rooted it tends to spread. It can be trained against a wall as well as planted free-standing. In summer, its abundant foliage will provide welcome shade if planted near a terrace.

When to plant fig tree?

The fig tree is planted in autumn from September to November in mild regions or in spring from February to April in colder regions, in all cases outside frost.

How to plant fig tree?

Planting in open ground

Allow spacing of 3 to 6 m between two fig trees depending on mature size.

• soak container for 15 minutes in a basin of water;
• dig a hole about five times the volume of the rootball and loosen soil well;
• lay a bed of gravel at bottom of planting hole;
• bury plant up to collar in a mix of garden soil and potting compost (or well-rotted compost) with 25% coarse river sand if soil is too heavy;
• firm down;
• make a basin around base;
• water thoroughly.

In a pot

Dwarf fig trees (‘Figality’, ‘Icecrystal’) are ideal for cultivation in a pot on a sunny terrace or for small spaces.

• spread a layer of gravel at bottom of a sufficiently large pot;
• plant fig tree in a mix of garden soil and potting compost or well-rotted compost;
• water regularly without waterlogging and avoid stagnant water in the saucer beneath pot.

Dwarf fig ‘Figality’

When and how to harvest figs?

It will take about 5 to 7 years after planting for the fig tree to reach its full yield. Figs reach ripeness in summer, from early July to mid‑August and/or in autumn up to October depending on variety.

They are harvested as they ripen because they must be picked as they reach ripeness and eaten fairly quickly. Pick them once they yield to the touch but are not too soft and come away easily from the tree. Very ripe figs tend to split.

Depending on region, you can harvest between 10 and 100 kg of fruit per tree.

→ Find out more in our tutorial How to harvest and store figs?

How to store figs?

Figs are delicate and rarely keep for more than two days at room temperature. Figs do not ripen further once picked. They should not be stored in the fridge, which spoils their flavour. You can keep them a little longer by storing them on trays so they do not touch, in a dry, well-ventilated room with low humidity. You can also freeze raw figs in airtight bags after washing and drying them.

How to use figs?

Figs can be eaten fresh, dried or processed.

They are used in sweet dishes (tarts, clafoutis, jams, compotes, chutneys) or savoury dishes. They pair very well with some fresh cheeses such as goat’s cheese, cured ham, duck breast (magret) or foie gras.

Roasted or caramelised, they will elevate pork, as well as poultry and white meats. Dried, they are eaten like dried apricots. They are also used to make fig liqueur as well as kefir, a fermented drink.

Figs are perfect as dried fruit. Thread best figs onto a string to form a garland and place in the sun until dry. You can also dry them by placing in the oven for a few hours at Th.1 or 2 maximum. Follow our tips to dry your fruit!

Benefits of figs

Fig skin is packed with antioxidants while fruit flesh is particularly rich in fibre and B vitamins, as well as minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Low in calories when eaten fresh; when dried, it becomes very rich in carbohydrates.

Fig is emollient and soothing, and is one of the “four pectoral fruits” used in decoction (with date, jujube and raisin) to treat ailments of the breathing passages such as cough.

Discover How to make fig tree oil?

Maintenance, pruning and care

Although tolerant of drought, the fig tree needs regular watering, especially during first three years after planting to support its development and fruiting. Soil should remain cool throughout summer. In warmest regions, water once or twice a week. After 2 or 3 years, it will better tolerate dry spells.

Mulch around base every spring and, in regions with harsh winters, protect young fig tree from cold by spreading a thick layer of organic mulch (pine bark, dead leaves, straw) around base and wrap aerial parts in several layers of horticultural fleece.

Every spring, apply an organic fertiliser (municipal composts or well-rotted manure) to boost productivity.

Water potted specimens more regularly but never saturate potting mix with water: too much water may cause roots to rot. Repot every 2 years or top up soil by a few centimetres.

In coldest regions, bring in fig trees grown in containers before frost (as soon as temperatures drop below -10°C).

When and how to prune fig trees

Although fig tree can do without pruning, pruning will improve its growth and fig production. Preferably prune in early spring when sap rises and after harvest (September to December depending on region. Pruning is important but should not be too severe.

1. in March, prune any poorly placed branches or those growing vertically;
2. in April, pinch back young shoots on young fig trees and, on well-established fig trees, shorten current year’s shoots with pruning shear, cutting above the 2nd eye facing outwards from the tree;
3. after fruiting, cut shoots that have fruited;
4. paint pruning wounds with a wound-sealing compound to prevent appearance of fig tree canker.

→ Here are more tips to plant, prune and care for it!

→ Also discover our tutorial: How to prune a fig tree?

Fig tree diseases

Fig tree is a fruit tree that proves more resistant than most other fruit trees, although certain diseases and pests can nevertheless attack it.

Fig tree is susceptible to the tortrix (Eutromula nemorana), a small moth that nests in the fold of leaves. Leaves become covered with bristle filaments and black droppings, they are folded and holey. This is an issue with no impact on fig harvest or tree health. However, in case of heavy infestation, you can use pheromone traps.

More serious is fig tree canker, a fungal disease that often appears following poorly healed wounds after pruning. Calluses and deformities appear. As prevention, seal wounds well so they heal and spray Bordeaux mixture. There is no cure for this disease: cut off affected branches and treat lesions by applying a fungicide and a sealant, then treat entire tree with the same fungicide. In case of too extensive infection, it is better to remove the tree.

In regions with mild winters, fig fly can be a problem: figs are infested by maggots while still green, making fruit unfit for consumption and causing premature drop. As prevention, you can use sticky traps or a pheromone trap (one trap for two trees) or treat with an insecticide one month before fruit ripeness.

Mosaic can affect the whole fig tree: leaves appear riddled with small blisters and large yellow patches alternating with green areas. There is no remedy to eradicate fig mosaic. As prevention, avoid severe pruning.

Presence of fig scale insects is also possible, visible by the appearance of a black powder on the leaves (sooty mould) which eventually weakens the tree. Apply rapeseed oil sprays at the end of winter or during the growing season.

Fig psyllid, a cousin of the aphid, leaves white droplets on the leaves and honeydew that attracts ants: rely on beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings, which are voracious consumers of psyllids.

⇒ To find out more : Diseases and pests of the fig tree. Read also : How to combat the Mediterranean fruit fly?

Fig tree propagation

Fig tree, Ficus carica, is easily propagated by layering but propagation by cuttings is quicker, so we recommend it. Discover when and how to propagate fig trees in our advice sheet.

Associate

In an orchard in the southern half of the country, fig tree will pair well with a fruiting pomegranate, an almond tree, an apricot tree, a peach tree, a white mulberry, a feijoa or Brazilian guava and a loquat.

Fig tree trained as espalier on a well-exposed wall (Jardin du Chaigne)

North of the Loire, it can be paired with a Bigarreau cherry tree, a quince tree, mirabelle plum trees, and the apricot ‘Rustique des Pyrénées®’. Plant it sheltered against a wall that will protect it from cold in harsh winters, alongside pear, apple and Nashi pear trees — all fruit trees that tolerate cold.

Also consider kiwi, kiwiberry, goji, Chinese persimmon, fruit trees that are as hardy as they are exotic, and May berry, a bush producing small fruit and extremely hardy.