Category: Less Common Fruits

(Ficus carica)

Full to Part Sun. Fruits on current year’s growth, purple-skinned fruit

We have been successfully growing figs in USDA Hardiness zone 5/6 for the past five years. Each year the figs die back almost to the ground but then come back up ready to go in late spring each year (sometimes as late as the end of May – don’t give up on them!).  We have chosen varieties which yield two crops a year and therefore fruit on their first year’s growth.  In some years when winter has stuck around late, the figs have been slow to bud out and the big crops they set failed to ripen before fall frosts.  But getting fresh figs to feast on 2 out of 3 years is totally worth the few off years!  In addition, they are gorgeous landscape plants with their large lobular leaves.  Our plants reach around 8’ in height each year starting from the ground and form multi-stemmed bushes.  Fig leaves can be used to wrap meat and fish before grilling or broiling to impart a coconut-like flavor to the meat!  Though the plants are very drought-hardy, we have found that watering well during dry times helps the fig crop to ripen more consistently (it seems the plant will abort its crop to cope with drought).  Best in full sun, but can take half-day’s shade no problem.  Best in a location protected from the North and West (where winter winds come from).  Figs do not need a pollinator.  Space 5’-8’ apart in row. 

 Produces medium-sized purple-skinned fruits with bright pink/red flesh.  Has a sweet, peach-like flavor when fully ripe.   Originated in Chicago, attesting to its hardiness!  . .

Quart pots $8, Gallon* pots $16

Plants are rarely available in ALL sizes listed, and availability of plants varies from day to day. Please call before you come to check availability.