Upfront I will say that I have had limited success with establishing a fig in my garden. I tried a couple of times but did not succeed. What was my main problem – nematodes! I think that I live on a nematode conservation district as I have lost several nematode-sensitive plants including fruits such as Barbados cherry. As such, I knew that I was facing an uphill battle with my nemesis the nematode. I just could not figure it out! But do not let my experience dissuade you from successfully growing figs here in Charlotte County – I have seen it done multiple times including in our own Demonstration garden on Harborview Road – I even ate a couple! While you may be more apt to grow mangos or avocados in your backyard fruit grove, you may want to also consider adding a fig tree – a relative of the mulberry family – to your collection. Forming more of a large bush than a tree here in Florida, figs can add a different taste to your edible ornamental landscape.
Grown originally in the Old-World tropics, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean, figs can also thrive in our area. The well-known three to five lobed rough green leaves cover the somewhat irregularly shaped deciduous tree in season. The fig fruit is actually a hollow, fleshy fruit stem. While there are several types of figs, only what is known as the “common type” is suitable for Florida. The other types have special pollination requirements that would make fruit production very difficult or impossible in our region. Container grown plants do best when set out in the early spring in well-drained soil in full sun. Figs don’t like wet soil but do need sufficient moisture during the fruiting season.
Figs suitable for Florida have certain preferred characteristics. First, they should have a closed “eye” or ostiole. The “eye” in this case is the opening (it sort of reminds you of a bellybutton) at one end of the fruit that if too large can allow water and insect entry and potential subsequent damage. A closed eye will keep these issues out. A long stem also allows the fruit to droop which again keeps moisture out. Green skin is also preferred because birds are more attracted to feeding on dark-colored fruit. One additional side item of interest – the latex produced by figs can cause dermatitis on your skin. Wear gloves when working with the plant or harvesting the fruit.
There are several common fig cultivars best suited for our area which are generally available at local garden centers. Overall, some of the better disease-and nematode-tolerant/resistant varieties that perform well here include ‘Celeste, ’ ‘Brown Turkey’, and “Ischia”. ‘Celeste’ is small, purplish-bronze in color, and is ripe from mid-July to mid-August. ‘Celeste’ is also a good choice because it has a closed eye. ‘Brown Turkey’ is another popular variety. The fruit is medium in size, has a medium eye opening, and is ready to harvest from the end of July through the fall. You may also find ‘Green Ischia’ on occasion which is green in color and has a closed eye – both desirable traits. Another recommended cultivar ‘LSU Purple’ – a Louisiana State University cultivar – produces a medium-small, glossy purple fig that has amber-to-pink flesh with a closed eye.
Figs are often damaged by wildlife including birds and squirrels – everything loves this fruit!. Try to select light-colored fruiting varieties or pick the ripe fruit early in the day before the critters can get to it – netting is also an option. A fungal disease called fig rust is a very common disease problem. I have seen figs with this fungus which causes leaves to turn rusty brown and deformed – premature defoliation can also occur. Use a Bordeaux spray fungicide as per label directions (please read the label) which will generally indicate an application every two to three weeks – from June to August – on the underside of the leaves.
So, you can see that there are some obstacles that make fig growing challenging. However, with some effort and focused attention to detail, you can grow your own incredibly delicious fresh figs – you will have figured it out! For more information on all types of fruits to grow in your yard, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Sarkhosh, A. & Andersen, P. C. (2019) The Fig. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Andersen, P. C. & Crocker, T. E. (2009) The Fig. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
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