Intro
Figs are remarkably easy and productive small trees to grow and create drama and interest wherever they are placed. There are an amazing array of varieties available that will now ripen reliably in the Pacific Northwest. Figs are widely used in savoury and sweet dishes alike and are fantastic fresh off the tree. Figs are packed with vitamins and are very helpful with digestion. Fig leaves are also edible and are often used as wraps for rice and other steamed dishes to impart a wonderful nutty flavour to dishes. The leaves can also be used in teas. If placed in the right spot this small tree with ancient origins will reward you for years to come.
History
The fig is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia and was one of the first fruits cultivated by humans. Fossilized remains of figs were found near Jericho dating back as far as 11,400 years ago. The fig finally arrived in North America in the late 1700’s and have grown in popularity and in number of varieties available. There are now a number of incredibly hardy figs that can happily grow and produce on the West Coast.
Growing
Figs are happiest in a full sun (8 hours preferable) position in a somewhat sheltered spot. They appreciate an average sandy loam soil with excellent drainage. If you have a sunny area backed by a fence or shed or part of the house to reflect the heat, you will be able to maximize production. Straw or Mulch applied at the dripline will help protect roots in winter and will conserve moisture when tree is producing in the summer. The trees need little to no fertilizer. Figs can ripen 2 crops a year. At this time in the Pacific Northwest we are mainly successful with ripening the first crop, also called Breba crop. If we do get a long hot summer and a mild warm fall we can also ripen some of the second crop figs often called Main Crop. Whichever crop you are lucky enough to get make sure you pick the figs when they are ripe. Figs are ripe when they are soft and the neck droops or wilts.
Container
Yes, figs can be grown in a container, something about 2 to 2 ½ feet across and 2 to 2 ½ feet deep. Ensure the drainage is excellent and pull your fig back under the overhang in the winter and group with other pots or insulate pot with bags of leaves.
Pollination
For most of the varieties we have on the West Coast, no pollination is necessary and the plants produce figs without the help of bees or other pollinators. For some varieties in warmer climes, a tiny wasp helps to pollinate the plants by climbing into the base of the fig and pollinating the flower maze that is inside!
Pruning
Because we are mainly trying to encourage the first or Breba crop which is produced on 1 year old wood, winter invigoration pruning is done. In this way you are leaving some branches and cutting back others to encourage next years crops. There are fantastic fig pruning videos available on YouTube and one of my favorites is by Bob Duncan of Fruit Trees and More :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB0D_tuKgtQ