If you love figs one knows that sweet, soft and sumptuous texture that defines a well-ripened fig. Many a gardener holding that thought has purchased and planted fig tree with hopes and dreams of abundant home-grown figs. Regrettably, a great fig tree is a bit of a unicorn on the cool, windy coast. But don’t despair! Read on for more vetted information from those gardeners who have successfully grown happy fig trees that provide sweet fruit.
Ficus carica or fig trees are semi-deciduous to deciduous depending on winter temps. Their large green lobed leaves will turn yellow in the fall; making an attractive statement in the garden. But check your zone before planting a fig! Marina, California is Zone 9b with summer temps for June, July and August averaging 53º to to 64º—hardly the heat that figs generally require. Our coastal climate has year round mild temps ranging from 42º to 67º. But be prepared to protect trees from occasional periods of frost by covering or (if in a pot) moving to a warmer location!
Fig trees generally love sustained summer heat. They require siting in full sun. This is the critical necessity for growing sweet fruit. Fun fact: figs are not “true fruits” but an enclosed receptacle with the flowers facing inward. Think of a strawberry turned inside out—the formed seeds are the delicate crunch found on the inside of a ripe fig.
Figs can produce a two crops a year—one in the summer and one in the fall. The term Breba describes this ability. Care needs to be taken with any pruning as generally the Breba crop appears on the end of last years growing branch. This is a helpful link that describes best practices for pruning a fig . When summer temperatures are low (June Gloom here on the coast) trees will often drop the summer fruit. But with our warmer days in the fall, there will generally be a window to produce the second fall crop. Don’t forget to water!
Fig trees are available in standard (to 30”), semi-dwarf and dwarf (15’ and under). But any size fig tree can be kept smaller with pruning, grow in a large pot and still have fruit (see pruning link in paragraph above). There are many self fertile selections so a second tree is not needed for fertilization.There are a diversity of fruit colors ranging from pale green to dark purple outer skins with any combo of green flesh, white, rosy pink to deep purple insides. Fig flavors are complex and descriptions wax poetic with descriptions such as sugar, honey, melon, berry and more.
Microclimate, Soil and Watering
Microclimate areas matter for planting a fig. A warm reflective southern facing wall will greatly increase the odds for 1-2 crops in a year. Protection from prevailing winds is strongly recommended. A fig tree should have the maximum day length of sun for the season and not be hindered by shade from larger trees and shrubs.
Good news! Figs like good drainage and can tolerate less than stellar soils. But amendments such as a good layer of mulch should be added to help retain water from dropping quickly past the root zone and requiring more frequent watering in the sand. Speaking of roots underground, gophers adore figs and will eat everything upside they can yank down the hole. Gopher baskets or large pots are a must!
Young fig trees should receive adequate water to prevent wilting and drive growth. Mature trees become more tolerant of infrequent water. But don’t let trees get too thirsty or any fruit forming might get dropped as tree moves into survival mode.
Lastly fig trees require time to establish and may not reliably fruit every year. Age of the tree has been observed to influence reliable fruit production. Cool summers and weather shifts can greatly affect fruiting in our marginally warm climate. Poor watering makes for dry tasteless fruit (if they don’t drop off first). Planting a variety that needs a hotter summer may not produce at all. For the informed gardener, It’s about ticking off all the boxes to grow a happy fig tree.
Varieties that with reported success in Marina
- White Genoa
- Desert King
- Violette de Bordeaux
- Olympian
- Osborne’s Prolific
- Brown Mission
Grow a fig tree from a cutting
Figs are one of the few fruit trees that can be directly rooted into soil from a cutting as they do not require grafting onto a hardy root stock like many other fruits such as apples and plums. Do you have a neighbor that grows amazing figs? Ask them for a cutting and grow your own tree. It’s easy to do and a great way to grow a tree from a proven variety. Here is a video clip on the easy basic steps to propagate a fig cutting.
Here is a link to The Rare Fruit Growers of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. These are the varieties that members have grown north of Marina with good results. Keep in mind that Santa Cruz is a few degrees warmer during the year.
Where to buy trees
Most independent nurseries offer bare root figs in February. Some nurseries will take special orders for specific cultivars in the fall. Figs can be purchased in pots as well later in the season but selection will be limited after February if looking for a specific type.There are on-line sources such as Trees of Antiquity that might have a greater selection of heritage and hard to find cultivars.
Also, the Rare Fruit Growers of Santa Cruz and Monterey hosts a lively scion exchange at the Soquel High School in the month of February. This is an excellent opportunity to gain cuttings for not only figs but many varieties of fruit trees that may not be found in garden centers. Check their web for dates and times.
Figs are generally easy care and have few pests. They are attractive trees with beautiful leaves and an interesting free flowing form. There is a pleasure in watching the fruits form and ripen. With a little insider knowledge—it is possible to grow sweet figs ion the coast.