Fig trees are a delicious and iconic addition to any garden. These plants produce fruit with flavors that are best enjoyed when ripe from the tree. Unlike other fruits, figs ripen entirely on the branch, so planting your own fig tree allows you to enjoy the freshest fruit possible. The common fig tree, which thrives in warm climates, does not require pollination to produce fruit. However, depending on the variety, some fig trees do require pollinators, so it's important to check the type of fig tree you are planting to ensure it will grow properly. This guide provides information on growing your own delicious common fig tree and the conditions that will help it thrive. Plant Attributes:

• Common Name: Common Fig, Edible Fig
• Botanical Name: Ficus carica
• Family: Moraceae
• Plant Type: Perennial, Tree, Fruit
• Mature Size: 10 ft.-30 ft. tall, 10 ft.-30 ft. wide
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich soil
• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.5)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Green
• Hardiness Zones: Zones 8-10 (USDA)
• Native Area: Asia
• Toxicity: toxic to pets

Fig Tree Care:

• Figs are self-fruitful, so you only need one plant to produce fruit.
• Mature fig trees can grow to be 10 to 30 feet tall. If you have space, consider planting several trees to extend your harvest season.
• Choose early, mid, and late-fruiting varieties to extend your harvest from summer into early fall.
• Figs can vary in size, shape, flavor, texture, and harvest time and can be black, green, brown, violet, yellow, or purple.
• Fig trees can be invasive in some regions because optimal growing conditions encourage the tree's roots to spread widely.

Light:

• Full sun is essential for an abundant harvest and the sweetest fruit. Plant fig trees in an area that receives six to eight hours of direct, daily sunlight.
• Less sunlight will prevent trees from producing as many figs compared to those planted with adequate light.
• Fig trees thrive in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South heat. Plant near a wall with southern exposure in the Middle South so they can benefit from reflected heat. In the Upper South, choose cold-hardy varieties such as 'Brown Turkey' and 'Celeste.'

Soil:

• Fig trees can grow in a variety of soil conditions, but slightly acidic and well-drained soil is best.
• Soil with rich, organic matter helps supplement growth. Regular potting mixes work well for fig trees as long as they retain moisture and are well-aerated.

Care

• Fertilize with food such as Espoma Citrus-tone (5-2-6) in early spring and again in early summer.
• Prune fig trees in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged branches and thinning out dense growth to improve air circulation.
• Monitor for pests and diseases such as fig rust, fig mosaic, and fig wasps. Take action if necessary to protect your tree.

In conclusion, fig trees are a delicious and iconic addition to any garden. While they can be challenging to grow in some regions, with the right care and attention, fig trees can produce delicious fruit for you to enjoy.