Fig Planting and Care

Fig trees (Ficus carica) are a popular fruit crop that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. They are known for their sweet and flavorful fruit, as well as their hardiness and ease of care. However, it’s important to note that fig trees are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so it’s best to grow them in a protected location or in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

When choosing varieties of fig trees to grow in your food forest, consider selecting a cultivar that is well-suited to the specific growing conditions in your area. Some cold hardy edible varieties for central Florida include:

‘Celeste’: This variety is known for its small, sweet fruit and its ability to tolerate cold temperatures. It can survive temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). I like the Celeste because it is cold hardy and “closed eye” on the bottom end to avoid the beetle pest that sometimes enters other open eye fig varieties.

‘Brown Turkey’: This variety is known for its large, sweet fruit and its tolerance to cold temperatures. It can survive temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C).

‘Chicago Hardy’: This variety is known for its hardiness and ability to tolerate cold temperatures. It can survive temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C).

Fig trees prefer well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering. When planting fig trees, make sure to space the trees about 10-15 feet apart and make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Fig trees also benefit from being mulched with leaves or straw.

Fig trees require regular watering, but be careful not to over-water, as they do not tolerate soggy soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Fig trees typically take about 2-3 years from planting to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. The fruit should be picked when it is fully ripe, which is when the fruit is soft and the skin is slightly wrinkled. To harvest, simply pick the fruit off the tree with your fingers.

Fig trees are a nutritious and flavorful fruit that can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies and baking, or dried and used as a sweetener.

Fig trees can be grown in a food forest in central Florida, but it’s important to choose cold hardy varieties and to take extra precautions to protect the trees from frost and cold temperatures. With proper care and attention, a fig tree can produce a bountiful harvest of nutritious and delicious fruit for many years. Keep in mind that fig trees are sensitive to cold temperatures, so it’s best to grow them in a protected location or in a container.