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Fig (Ficus carica)

Ficus carica is a perennial deciduous woody plant that may grow as a shrub or small tree, with many branches and a spreading crown.

LightFull sun is best, though partial shade is also tolerated; against a warm wall, sun for only part of the day can be acceptable.
WaterWatering should be moderate, with soil kept moderately moist but well drained; the plant also tolerates drier soil and some seasonal drought, while prolonged wet, heavy soil should be avoided.
TemperatureSources are few and differ on the lower temperature figure, which is about 4 °C; the upper figure is reported from few sources at about 38 °C. It is generally described as frost hardy. A hardiness range is reported, thou
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Overview

Ficus carica is a perennial deciduous woody plant that may grow as a shrub or small tree, with many branches and a spreading crown.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range: it is mainly described as native from western to central Asia and around the Mediterranean, while some accounts also include parts of North Africa, the Caucasus, the Indian subcontinent, and southeastern Europe. It is reported to occur in rocky places, woodlands, and scrub with hot conditions and relatively dry soils. It is suited to temperate to subtropical environments, favoring relatively dry climates with alternating cool and hot seasons, and tolerates some seasonal drought.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 250–1000 cm, while mature spread is 250–910 cm. Sources differ in describing the growth rate as moderate to fast; the large, alternate, deciduous leaves are deeply palmately lobed and may have rough or hairy surfaces. The tiny flowers are enclosed within a fleshy, hollow, nearly closed inflorescence and are not readily visible from outside; male flowers may occur near the opening, with female flowers inside. Flowering is reported to occur during part of the year; the fruit is commonly pear- or teardrop-shaped, may mature from green to purple or brown depending on the cultivar, has a soft interior with many small fruits, and mainly ripens from late summer into autumn.

Light

Full sun is best, though partial shade is also tolerated; against a warm wall, sun for only part of the day can be acceptable.

Watering

Watering should be moderate, with soil kept moderately moist but well drained; the plant also tolerates drier soil and some seasonal drought, while prolonged wet, heavy soil should be avoided.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources are few and differ on the lower temperature figure, which is about 4 °C; the upper figure is reported from few sources at about 38 °C. It is generally described as frost hardy. A hardiness range is reported, though based on a single source.

Growing medium and mounting

Well-drained soil is suitable, including loam, sandy soil, or a calcareous medium; sources differ on the appropriate soil pH.

Propagation

Ficus carica can be propagated by stem cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering, or root suckers.

Common problems

It is reported to be susceptible to damage from wood-boring beetles of the Ambrosia beetle group and to have recorded fig-related disease problems. It may produce abundant root suckers and form thickets; overly wet soil may promote excessive vegetative growth and reduce fruiting performance. Young plants and tender above-ground shoots are sensitive to frost, severe winters may kill above-ground growth back to the base, winter protection may be needed in some regions, and growth is generally poor in humid tropical environments.

Identification

It is reported to have flowers concealed within a fleshy inflorescence that forms what is commonly called a fig, along with large palmately lobed leaves and white latex released when the plant is injured.

Photos

Ficus carica
📷 unknown · Public domain · source
Ficus carica
📷 Silverije · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Ficus carica
📷 Drepanostoma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Drep · CC BY · source

Sources