Ruqayyah Snyder
Fig trees are well-suited to Australia's hot and dry climate and can be planted all year round. They grow well in full sun, but strong winds should be avoided. While some fig varieties can grow very quickly (3-4 ft) in their first year, others may take a few years to produce fruit. The growth rate of fig trees can vary depending on the climate and variety, with warmer climates providing a longer growing season. Optimal growth and fruit production are achieved with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, well-drained soil, and regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Hot and fairly dry |
| Sunlight | Full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day |
| Soil | Compost-rich, slightly acidic soil with good drainage |
| Watering | Avoid overwatering, especially during the summer |
| Fertilizer | Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers |
| Pruning | Judicious pruning encourages a more compact and productive tree |
| Growth | Some varieties can grow up to 3-4 ft. in the first year |
| Fruiting | Some varieties can produce viable figs in the first year, but it usually takes 2-4 years |
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What You'll Learn
Fig tree varieties and growth rates
Fig trees are native to hot and dry climates, such as the Mediterranean, and can be grown in full sun in most parts of Australia. They are easy to propagate from cuttings and can be grown in containers. There are more than 700 named cultivars of the common fig tree, which is the species grown for its edible fruit.
Fig trees can grow quite tall, with some reaching 40-70 feet, but most varieties are small to medium-sized trees, usually maxing out around 20 feet tall and 20 feet across. Some varieties, like Peter's Honey, are even smaller, reaching 12 to 18 feet tall.
The growth rate of fig trees varies depending on the variety and climate. Some varieties, like Conadria and LSU Tiger, are fast-growing and can produce viable figs in their second year. Other varieties, like Violette de Bourdeaux, are slower-growing and may take 3-4 years before the figs ripen properly. Climate also plays a role in growth rate, with trees in cooler climates having a shorter growing season before the dormant period starts.
- Black Mission: This is the most popular variety grown in California due to its preference for hot and dry climates. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide.
- Brown Turkey: This variety has a moderate growth rate, reaching 10 to 20 feet tall and wide. It is slightly more cold-hardy than Black Mission and produces two crops per year.
- Desert King: This variety thrives in cool climates and is a favorite in the Pacific Northwest. It has a moderate growth rate, reaching 15 to 25 feet tall.
- White Genoa: This variety grows and ripens best in cooler coastal or temperate climates. It has a medium growth rate and is container-friendly.
- LSU Purple: This variety typically grows to around 10 feet tall and is well-adapted to the Deep South of the United States. It usually begins producing in its second year.
Overall, fig trees are fast-growing and can provide delicious fruit in no time, but the growth rate and fruiting time can vary depending on the variety and climate.
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Climate and growth
Fig trees thrive in a hot, fairly dry climate with full sun and well-drained soil. They are therefore well-suited to most parts of Australia, where they can be planted at any time of the year. They particularly enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. In such a climate, care should be taken not to overwater during the summer, as excessively wet weather or overwatering can cause the fruit to split.
Fig trees are not fond of strong winds, so in areas where this is an issue, they should be planted in a sheltered position. They grow happily in alkaline soils but prefer compost-rich, slightly acidic soil. Good drainage is essential, so if you have heavy, clay soil, build up the soil in mounds to improve drainage or plant on a slope where water will drain away easily in wet weather.
At least six hours of direct sunlight a day is recommended for optimal growth and fruit production, although some fig varieties require more. Grow lights should be full-spectrum and placed at the appropriate distance away from the fig tree for optimal photosynthesis and fruit production.
In cooler climates, the trees are unable to grow as long before the arrival of cool weather and the beginning of the dormant period. This means that the estimates of "years to production" can vary greatly. In a warmer climate, such as south Georgia, fig trees have a much longer growing season.
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Soil type and fertiliser
Fig trees are not particularly fussy when it comes to soil type, but they do best in well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6 to 7.5. They can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, but good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. If your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, consider planting your fig tree on a mound or in a raised bed to improve drainage. You can also add organic matter to the soil to help improve its structure and drainage. Well-rotted manure, compost, or worm castings are all excellent choices to help your fig tree thrive.
When planting your fig tree, it is beneficial to mix a balanced, slow-release fertiliser into the soil to provide the tree with a steady supply of nutrients as it establishes itself. A balanced fertiliser has an NPK ratio of 1:1:1, such as 10-10-10, which indicates the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. These nutrients are essential for healthy fig tree growth and fruit production. Nitrogen promotes
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Pruning and propagation
Pruning:
Pruning is an essential practice for fig trees as it helps control their growth, improves air circulation, and enhances fruit production. It is recommended to prune fig trees in late winter or early spring, preferably before new growth begins. This timing allows the tree to direct its energy into producing fruit rather than excessive foliage. Late winter pruning can also help minimise the risk of bacterial wet wood infections, which are more prevalent during the warmer months.
When pruning, it's important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. These branches can hinder the tree's growth and fruit production and may also spread diseases if left unattended. Additionally, remove any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent injury to the tree and improve air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Next, thin out some interior branches to
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Harvesting and ripening
Figs are ready to harvest when they droop a little instead of standing erect on their stems and should feel slightly soft to the touch and smell sweet. The fruit may split slightly, and the 'eye' at the base of the fruit may form a small opening and ooze a sweet syrup. Hold the fig from the stem and twist-pull gently to remove it. Ripe fruit can be stored in the fridge for several days, but don't wash it until it's ready to be eaten.
Figs can be harvested when almost ripe and allowed to ripen at room temperature indoors. They will not continue to ripen once removed from the tree, so pick them when you need them. Once harvested, eat your figs as soon as possible as they are highly perishable and have a short shelf life.
The time it takes for a fig tree to bear fruit depends on several factors, including the variety of the fig tree, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and the method of propagation. Generally, you can expect to start harvesting your figs two to three years after planting. A fig tree grown from a cutting can take between one to two years to fruit, while a nursery-bought tree can take a year to be established enough to produce its first fruit. A fig tree grown from seeds will take much longer, around three to five years.
Some fig varieties will grow very fast (3-4 ft) in their first year, while others will take a little longer. Some varieties can produce viable figs in the first year, but this is rare. Conadria is one of the fastest-growing varieties, and you may get a few first-year figs that develop. These first-year figs usually don't ripen, but occasionally they will. For most varieties, you won't get ripe figs until the second or third year.
If your fig tree is producing figs that never ripen completely, it's probably because the tree is still too young. While fast-growing varieties like Conadria and LSU Tiger can give you edible figs in the second year, other varieties like Violette de Bourdeaux (VDB) might not. Some of the slower-growing varieties like VDB might have figs on the tree in the second year, but they'll usually never become soft and edible. Some varieties can take 3-4 years before the figs ripen properly each year. This could vary depending on your climate. In a warmer climate with a longer growing season, your fig trees may ripen faster.
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