Ruqayyah Snyder
Figs can be grown in Australia, and they are a wonderful addition to most backyards. The trees can be planted at almost any time of the year, and they are easy to propagate from cuttings. They can even be grown in pots, as long as the pot is at least 600mm wide and deep. Figs are a versatile fruit, eaten fresh, glazed, dried, poached and cooked, and they are a very healthy option as well. They are high in fibre and vitamin C, and the sap of fig trees is reportedly useful in getting rid of warts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fig tree type | Ficus carica, also known as the "Tree of Life" |
| Climate | Sub-tropical, Mediterranean-like with hot summers and cool, wet winters |
| Soil type | Well-draining, compost-rich, slightly acidic |
| Watering | Avoid overwatering during the summer |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Wind | Dislikes strong winds |
| Pests | Attracts birds, insects, and the fig beetle |
| Planting season | Can be planted year-round, but best during autumn and winter |
| Fruit harvest | Two crops a year, the first from late December to late February, and the second from May to June |
| Fruit perishability | Highly perishable, best eaten within days of picking |
| Fruit size | Full-grown fig trees can be up to 3 meters high and 5 meters wide |
| Pot size | Pot should be at least 600mm wide and deep |
| Pruning | Lightly trim in winter, leave old wood for breba fruiting |
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What You'll Learn
Fig trees grow well in Australia's Mediterranean-like climate
Fig trees are well-suited to Australia's Mediterranean-like climate. The trees thrive in hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making them a good fit for most areas of Australia. They can be planted virtually year-round, but as they are deciduous, there are good stocks available in winter. The best season for figs in Australia depends on the specific climate of the region. Most varieties produce two crops a year when fully established.
The first crop, known as the Breba crop, grows on the previous year's wood, with tiny fruits remaining dormant on the tree over winter and ripening in summer, from late December to late February. A second crop, called the Higos crop, is considered the main harvest of the year and ripens in late summer to early autumn.
Fig trees can grow in various soil types, but well-drained, compost-rich, slightly acidic soil is ideal. They prefer full sun and sheltered positions, as they dislike strong winds. They can even be grown in pots, making them suitable for small spaces. A full-grown fig tree can reach a height of 3 to 6 metres with a canopy spread of up to 5 metres, so adequate space is necessary.
Figs are a versatile fruit, eaten fresh, glazed, dried, poached, or cooked, and they offer health benefits as well, being high in fibre and vitamin C. The trees are easy to propagate from cuttings, making them a rewarding addition to Australian gardens.
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They can be grown in pots or small spaces
Fig trees are a great addition to any backyard or kitchen garden in Australia. They are easy to grow and can thrive in small spaces, such as pots or contained garden beds. This is particularly beneficial as it restricts the spread of their roots, which encourages the trees to be more fruitful and limits their size.
When growing figs in pots, ensure your pot is at least 600mm wide and deep to allow sufficient room for the roots to spread. Use a good-quality potting mix and follow the same steps as you would for planting directly in a garden. As your fig tree grows, upgrade to larger pots to accommodate its expanding root system.
Fig trees can also be trained to grow horizontally across a wall, taking up minimal space. This technique can help utilise bare spots and enhance the appearance of fences. Fig trees can be trimmed and trained into a manageable size, grown as a hedge, or espaliered against a wall.
In terms of climate, fig trees prefer hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters—a Mediterranean-like climate. They thrive in full sun and sheltered positions, protected from strong winds. While they can adapt to various soil types, well-drained soil is essential for optimal growth.
With their versatility and adaptability, fig trees are an excellent choice for Australians looking to grow their own delicious and nutritious fruit in small spaces.
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Fig trees can be planted virtually year-round
Fig trees are a wonderful addition to most backyards. They can be planted virtually year-round, but as they are deciduous, there are good stocks available in winter. The best season for figs in Australia depends on the specific climate. Most varieties produce two crops a year when in full swing.
The first crop, known as the Breba crop, grows on the previous year's wood. You'll see tiny fruits dormant on the tree over winter, and they ripen in summer, from late December to late February. The second crop forms on new growth and ripens in late autumn or early winter, around May to June.
Fig trees are sub-tropical and prefer a Mediterranean-like climate with hot summers and cool, wet winters, making them suited to most areas in Australia. They love a hot, fairly dry climate and full sun, but dislike strong winds, so choose a sheltered position. They can be grown in a variety of soils but prefer it to be well-drained and slightly acidic.
Fig trees can be grown in pots, but they need to be at least 600mm wide and deep to allow room for the roots to spread. As the tree grows, upgrade to larger pots. They can also be trained to grow horizontally across a wall, taking up very little room.
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They have few pests and diseases if given a warm, sunny position
Fig trees are a wonderful addition to most backyards. They are easy to grow and care for in Australia, as they thrive in the country's Mediterranean climate. They can be grown in pots or in the ground and can be planted virtually year-round.
Fig trees have few pests and diseases if given a warm, sunny position. They require full sun and well-drained soil. However, they dislike strong winds, so choose a sheltered spot if this is an issue in your area. Good drainage is essential, so if you have heavy clay soil, build up the soil in mounds or plant on a slope to improve drainage. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as these will encourage leaf production at the expense of fruit.
Despite their resilience, fig trees are susceptible to some pests and diseases. One common pest is the nematode, specifically the root knot nematode and the dagger nematode, which reduce tree growth and yield. To combat nematodes, plant your fig tree close to a wall or building to allow the roots to grow beneath and deter nematodes. Alternatively, use heavy mulch or apply nematicides.
Fig trees can also attract the fig beetle, which skeletonises the foliage and weakens the plant. To control this pest, spray a systemic insecticide. Other pests to look out for include the leaf-eating beetle, which can be controlled with a product like Searles Bug Beater, and the Pacific and two-spotted spider mites, which can be treated with horticultural oil mixed with water or a pesticide containing bifenazate.
In terms of diseases, fig trees are susceptible to fungal problems such as rust and root rot. To control rust, apply copper-based fungicides. To prevent root rot, avoid stressing your tree by providing adequate irrigation and reducing dust in the orchard.
By providing your fig tree with a warm, sunny position and following these pest and disease control tips, you can ensure your tree remains healthy and productive.
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The fruit is highly perishable and has a short shelf life
Figs are a highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life. They are delicate and prone to quick spoilage, so they should be handled with care. Figs do not continue to ripen once they have been picked, so it is important to pick them when they are ready to eat, which is when they are slightly soft to the touch and sweet-smelling.
To extend their shelf life, proper storage is key. Fresh figs should be stored in the refrigerator, which can prolong their lifespan from a couple of days at room temperature to about a week. They should be placed in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, which maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level, ideal for delicate fruits. To further extend their shelf life, they can be stored in a single layer inside a container or a perforated plastic bag, with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Dried figs have a longer shelf life than their fresh counterparts, lasting anywhere from four months to a year, or even up to 18 months if stored in a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed package. To preserve their freshness, dried figs should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. They should also be kept in sealed jars or airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause spoilage.
Overall, while figs are a delicious and versatile fruit, their short shelf life means that proper storage is essential to maximise their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, fig trees are well-suited to Australia's climate and can be grown in most areas. They are native to the Mediterranean, so they prefer hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Fig trees can be planted at almost any time of year, but the best time for planting is during autumn and winter so that the trees can establish themselves while it's cold. Fig trees can be grown in small spaces, such as pots or small, contained garden beds, but they need full sun and well-drained soil.
Figs are ready to harvest when they droop a little and feel slightly soft to the touch. They should also smell sweet.
