Figs: Unique among fruits grown in NC

Figs are unique among fruits grown in North Carolina. Unlike most fruit, in which the edible portion is matured ovary tissue derived directly from flowers, fig fruits are inverted flowers surrounded entirely by stem tissue. Mature figs contain only the remnants of flowers and unfertilized ovaries. Beyond this biological curiosity, there are some other things to know that making growing figs different than other fruit producing plants.

Figs are large shrubs or small to medium sized trees, growing 10-20’ high and wide. Fruit from fig trees can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and other delicious treats. There are many varieties of figs, but the ones that do best here are Celeste and Brown Turkey. If you have older figs that perform consistently well each year, chances are they are one of these varieties, and if yours do poorly it may because you have another variety not as well adapted to our area.

Mature fruit and leaves on the Ficus carica ‘Celeste.’ Photo by C Smith, CC BY NC ND 2.0

 There are some other reasons why figs might underperform, however, other than just poor varieties, figs generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to use a pound of 10-10-10 per year of age or foot of height (no more than 15 pounds) in the spring. However, if your figs are putting out more than a foot of new growth each year, this much growth will prevent the figs from fruiting heavily and will make them more likely to be damaged in the winter. 

Fig tree form. Photo by Juan Emilio Prades Bell, CC BY SA 4.0

Figs also need relatively little pruning, especially compared to grapes, or most fruit trees, which need fairly heavy pruning to produce a good crop. Fig fruit develop primarily on new wood, typically in late summer to early fall. Pruning strategies for fig trees generally center around controlling the size and shape of the plant for ease of harvest. Prune lightly in late winter just before new growth starts, to remove dead,

damaged, or old branches. Pruning at the wrong time can negatively affect fruit production. 
Site selection is important. Figs are not particular as to soil type, but they do require good drainage. It is important to plant a fig in a protected site for winter protection. Planting them out in the open makes it more likely they’ll be damaged by cold.

Lack of fruit or premature fruit drop can also be major problems with figs. No fruit at all is usually a sign that you have a bad variety. There are some that require a special insect to pollinate it that does not live in North Carolina. The varieties mentioned above do not require a pollinator and will produce fruit under normal conditions. The fruit

Brown Turkey Fig: See the leaves, branches and fruit. Photo: Acabashi, CC BY SA 4.0

may fall prematurely, however, if the figs have been over fertilized, are in heavy shade, were damaged during winter, are under drought stress, or soil drainage is poor.

Cold winters can be difficult for figs. Although it doesn’t happen every year, if we have a day or two in winter that dip into the single digits, some figs may die back to the ground. While figs have a hardy root system and produce new shoots from the ground, the above ground growth is susceptible to damage below 10 degrees. Should this happen to your fig, it will survive, but more aggressive pruning will be necessary to help it recuperate.  
      
Matthew Stevens is the County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pitt County Center.  If you have questions about this article or gardening in general, please contact the Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Infoline at 252-902-1705.