Fig (Ficus carica)
Other Names - Common Fig.
Origins - W. Asia, and E. Mediterranean
Type - Perennial (deciduous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 7-11.
Fruit - Summer, Fall.
Height - 30 ft (10 cm).
Cultivation - Well drained, neutral or alkaline soil types. Fig trees like lots of Sun. If you live in lower hardiness zones, place your Fig tree against South, or West facing walls, and fences,
and sheltered from cold Winter winds. Young trees are especially vulnerable to wind chills. That said, and if you happen to live in zones 6 and
below, there is still a good way to grow Figs. Figs adapt well to containers, and will grow in 1 cubic meter (=35.3 cubic feet, capacity) containers. Just keep container grown Fig outdoors for the warmer part of the year, and remember to move it back indoors before harsh
Winter weather.
Fertilize your Fig tree, especially if it is grown in containers, or sandy soils, and if last year's growth was unremarkable (some say less than 1 foot of new growth)
Happily settled Fig tree
tends to dominate the scene. Best, position it where it will not need to compete much with other plants. Prune it moderately, particularly in the Fall with late fruit still attached.
Our zone7 grown tree, took heavy beating with one, or two wind chills, we had late last Winter. Most of our 5ft+, tree went black and we had no option but to cut it back. It sprang back to life the following Summer; top picture on this page shows its new growth.
Propagation - Best by division of rooted suckers.
Other This great looking tree has many useful applications. Adam & Eve, once aware, and shy of their nakedness, have allegedly used fig leaves to dress their bodies. If you like the delicious fresh fruit, best try growing Fig tree yourself, since figs do not keep well, and are unlikely to be seen in food stores.
Fruit that had been dried or turned into syrups, and consumed, is said to gentle remedy for those who experience inconvenience of constipation, and sore throat. Pulp of roasted fruit, brings comfort to external inflammations, sting bites, etc..
Caution - While, white, milky sap of Fig tree can be useful in cheese production, it may also cause allergic reactions, particularly if taken internally.
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References - Find more about Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, Wikipedia, W.D. Williams