Common Fig

Ficus carica

Moraceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated

Common fig (Ficus carica, Moraceae) is a deciduous tree or large shrub from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, reaching about 19 feet tall and wide. Three- to five-lobed leaves (10 to 20 centimeters) are dark green and rough-textured above. Smooth silver-gray bark becomes gnarled with age. The edible fruit develops inside a pear-shaped receptacle (5 to 8 centimeters), ripening greenish to brownish-violet in late summer to fall.

Common fig grows in full sun on moist soil with moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 7a to 8b. It has weed potential and has naturalized in some regions. Documented diseases include canker and dieback, fig mosaic disease, fruit rot, leaf spot, and leaf drop. Sap and half-ripe fruits are potentially poisonous, and sap can be a serious eye irritant. Cultivars include 'Brown Turkey' (cold-hardy), 'Chicago Hardy' (northern selections), and 'Desert King.'

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height
10-30 ft
Spread
10-30 ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Size at 20 yr
15-20 ft
Lifespan
Long-lived

Site Requirements

Light
Full Sun
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
High
Hardiness
Zones 6a–10b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time
Spring (flowers inside receptacle; not visible)
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
Mediterranean region, western and southern Asia

Diseases: Regionally Documented (4)

Pests: Other Associations (2)

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (7 stages)
Stage Typical Window
Bud break BBCH 07 Apr 1-Apr 20
Leaf emergence BBCH 11 Apr 15-May 10
Breba fruit developing BBCH 71 May 1-Jun 15
Breba harvest BBCH 87 Aug 1-Aug 20
Main crop developing BBCH 75 Jul 1-Sep 1
Leaf senescence BBCH 93 Oct 15-Nov 15
Dormancy BBCH 97 Nov 15-Mar 15
Cultivars (6)
'Brown Turkey'
Produces both breba and main crops. Brown-purple fruit with mild flavor. Widely available in nursery trade. In the Puget Sound lowlands, breba is the more reliable crop.
Reliable performance in Zone 8b. Most cold-hardy of the dual-crop varieties.
'Chicago Hardy'
Main-crop producer that fruits on current-season wood. Survives root temperatures to -10°F. Regrows from roots after complete top-kill, pushing 4-6 ft of new growth by midsummer. Purple-brown, sweet fruit. In Zone 8b mild winters, surviving old wood produces bonus breba crop.
Hardiest variety for exposed sites. Recommended for cold-winter microclimates in Zone 8a.
'Desert King'
San Pedro type; breba crop sets parthenocarpically; main crop requires caprification (fig wasp, not present in PNW). Green to greenish-white when ripe. Produces one reliable crop per year in the Puget Sound lowlands, ripening first week of August. Concentrated 7-10 day harvest window. Multi-trunked, to 10 ft with pruning.
Heritage variety of Pacific Northwest. Most widely planted fig from Seattle to Bellingham. Longest track record in NW Fruit research garden, Mount Vernon. Best choice for growers seeking reliable, early harvest.
'Lattarula'
Also sold as Italian Honey. Yellow-green fruit with amber flesh. More vigorous than Desert King. May ripen both breba and partial main crop in warm years.
Second most common fig variety in the Puget Sound region.
'Negronne'
Also known as Violette de Bordeaux. Dark purple fruit with intense, rich flavor. Compact habit suitable for small gardens and large containers. Produces reliable breba and occasional main-crop figs.
Well-rated for Pacific Northwest by grower reports.
'Olympian'
Main-crop producer. Dark purple, very sweet fruit. Found originally near Olympia, Washington. Fruits on current-season wood; tolerates hard pruning. More compact than Desert King.
Washington State origin. Hardy to Zone 6 (-10°F).
Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.