Fruitscaping with Fig Trees

Figs are one of the easiest, most problem-free fruits you can grow. They’re a great choice for organic gardeners as the few problems they do encounter can always be overcome without the use of harsh chemicals.

Figs come in a wide array of flavors, textures and ripening seasons. Some have thin skins with delicate, juicy centers reminiscent of maple syrup. These are perfect for eating fresh from the tree. Whilst others have a natural rich, sweet texture that lends itself well to drying or for making preserves.

Small by nature, the fig tree is ideal for use in the shrubbery border. Their distinctive leaves make an excellent accent or specimen tree. Try mingling the broad, deeply lobed leaves of the fig with the willowy pomegranate and fine- textured, misty blue tones of the blueberry. Tie it all together with a lush ground cover of strawberries for a never-ending cycle of flowers, fruit and fall color. The smooth, limber trunk of the young fig is perfect for training into espalier or twisting into odd specimen trees. Lay the trunk flat against the ground and the new vertical shoots make an instant hedge. Small-space gardeners take note. The root restraint of container growing brings extra-bountiful crops from the fig.

Recommended Fertilizers

• Starter Fertilizer:  Plant with Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus.  This will increase root mass and help avoid transplant loss in difficult planting conditions.
• Fertilizer to Maintain:  Our varieties of Fig Trees work great with Espoma Organic Citrus-tone Fertilizer.

Growing Guide

View Full Fig Tree Planting and Growing Guide

Interesting Facts

Fig Eyes: Figs can’t see, but they do have eyes. At the bottom of the fruit is an opening known as the eye. Water or insects can pass through this opening and cause fruit rot. Varieties with a long neck or peduncle allow the fruit to droop, preventing moisture or pests from entering the eye. While we would love to sell only closed eye figs, there are so many great varieties out there that we give the “eye” information when available.

Birds: If birds are a problem in your area, select the light-skinned fig varieties. Birds have a built-in notion that ripe figs are supposed to be dark. They think the yellow-skinned fruits aren’t ripe yet and leave them alone.