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Fig (Ficus carica)

Ficus carica is a perennial, deciduous woody plant that may grow as a shrub, small tree, or spreading multi-stemmed tree.

LightFull sun is best, though Ficus carica tolerates partial sun; beside a warm wall it can also accept shade for part of the day.
WaterMaintain moderate moisture while avoiding waterlogging; Ficus carica suits moist, well-drained to well-drained soil and can also adapt to drier soil and seasonal drought.
TemperatureSources differ on the lower temperature figure, with limited evidence placing it at about -15 °C. With few sources, an ideal temperature range of about 16–26 °C is reported, while an upper figure of about 38 °C is also r
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Overview

Ficus carica is a perennial, deciduous woody plant that may grow as a shrub, small tree, or spreading multi-stemmed tree.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range: it extends from western Asia to the Mediterranean region, while some accounts extend it eastward into Central Asia, Pakistan, or the Indian subcontinent, and others include North Africa and southeastern Europe. It is reported to occur on rocky ground and in woodland and scrub with hot, dry soils. It is suited to temperate through subtropical climates, especially relatively dry climates with warm and cooler seasonal periods, tolerates some seasonal drought, and is cultivated in many warm-temperate through tropical regions worldwide.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 300–1000 cm, while mature spread is 250–900 cm; growth is moderate to fast. The large, alternate leaves are usually deeply palmately lobed, may have a relatively rough surface, and are shed in winter. Many tiny flowers occur inside a fleshy, hollow, nearly enclosed syconium and are not readily visible externally; male flowers may occur near the opening, with female flowers inside. The syconium may mature from green to purple or brown depending on type, with soft, sweet flesh containing many small fruit- or seed-like structures, and generally matures from late summer into autumn.

Light

Full sun is best, though Ficus carica tolerates partial sun; beside a warm wall it can also accept shade for part of the day.

Watering

Maintain moderate moisture while avoiding waterlogging; Ficus carica suits moist, well-drained to well-drained soil and can also adapt to drier soil and seasonal drought.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ on the lower temperature figure, with limited evidence placing it at about -15 °C. With few sources, an ideal temperature range of about 16–26 °C is reported, while an upper figure of about 38 °C is also reported. It is generally reported to be frost hardy.

Growing medium and mounting

Sources support well-drained medium to light loam, sandy soil, or chalky soil, but differ on soil pH preference; excessively heavy, wet soil is considered unsuitable.

Propagation

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

Common problems

Ficus carica is reported to be susceptible to damage from ambrosia beetles and to have disease problems. Heavy, wet soil may cause excessive shoot and leaf growth and reduce fruiting performance, while plants can produce abundant root suckers and form thickets. Young plants and new above-ground growth are more susceptible to frost damage; severe winters may cause above-ground dieback, and winter protection may be needed in cold areas.

Identification

Large palmately lobed leaves, white latex, and flowers concealed within a fleshy, hollow receptacle forming a syconium are readily recognizable features.

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