Welcome back fellow plant fanatics! In the latest installment of our green-thumb journey, we are diving into the diverse and delightful world of fig trees. For those sharing this sweet obsession, or simply intrigued by these ancient fruits, buckle up for an exploration of my personal fig garden and a treasure trove of advice that just might inspire your next fruity endeavor.
Click here to purchase cuttings for any of these varieties!
My Fig Tree Diary: Growth, Varieties, and Harvest Woes
The Tena - A Leafy Giant with No Fruits (Yet)
Let's start with the mighty Tena fig tree. Known for its colossal leaves, it's been part of my collection, growing like a verdant bush and reaching a towering 8ft. But don't let its stature fool you; it's a bit of a tease, having never fruited for me due to its late season nature and the shorter ripening period my Zone 6/7 location allows. Despite my own fruitless results, it’s a variety that's sparked a business journey – selling cuttings and rooted plants to other figgy hopefuls through The American Fig company.
The “Boston Unknown #12” and Little Miss Figgy – Cold-Hardy Contenders
A recent addition is the 'Boston Unknown #12', a rare and potentially cold-hardy gem that's a bit of a mystery. I also have the charmingly named 'Little Miss Figgy', sporting droves of unripe figs that are a race against time to mature before the season’s end. This variety, while marketed as dwarf, seems to reject the rules of miniature growth, stretching to match her peers.
Violet de Bordeaux – A Cold Climate Champion
If you're graced with a chillier climate and desire a fruitful harvest, behold the Violet de Bordeaux. In its first year, it's already a prolific producer of scrumptious figs, dismissing the theory that great yields come only with age and size.
Texas Everbearing – The Abundant Provider
Now, the Texas Everbearing deserves a moment in the sun. Not only does it consistently bear fruit, but it boasts an impressive quantity, albeit staggered ripening. This characteristic makes it ideal for homemade jams – just remember to freeze your bounty as it comes!
Pro Tip: Figs are quite drought tolerant. If you notice dropped leaves, like those on Little Miss Figgy, don't fret too much – they're just showing signs of mild stress.
Mid-Garden Highlights – From Resilient Rookies to Established Edibles
Shifting the spotlight to a couple more fig trees planting their roots in my garden:
Desert King Fig: I recommend keeping this one potted to enjoy the breba crop, being mindful of shared space with nearby musa basjoo banana plants.
Black Madeira and LSU Purple: First-year growers with impressive heights and fruit production, proving their worth for colder zone dwellers.
Unknown Ashbury Black: This towering display of foliage is already 8ft tall in its first season, showing signs of commendable cold hardiness.
Sweet Diana, Nero 600, and Celeste – Cold Hardy Connoisseurs
We must also hail the 'Sweet Diana,' 'Nero 600,' and the 'Celeste.' These are fig trees that flaunt their cold resilience, which for a gardener like me is akin to striking green gold. With 'Sweet Diana' expressing fresh growth after a challenging start, 'Nero 600' starting to sport its first fruits, and the 'Celeste' offering a velvety texture amidst its lush bounty – it’s impossible not to be excited about their future.
Hidden Gems – The Food Forest’s Figgy Secrets
Venturing further into my edible forest, you'll stumble upon the 'Red Italian' and another anonymous contender, the 'Spadafora Unknown,' both promising great taste and frosty resilience. We also have the 'Longue d'Out,' a fig with aspirations of triumph through the winter.
As I sometimes encroach on the wild woods beyond my property with my fig enthusiasts' optimism, I employ the motto - beg forgiveness, not permission. Maybe those wandering through will appreciate the unauthorized fig bounty?
Wrapping Up with a Fig-Filled Bow
This brief tour only scratches the surface of what's happening in my microcosm of a food forest. Each fig tree, whether it's sharing its first leaf or heaving with fruit, contributes to a story of growth, experimentation, and nature's willingness to surprise us. If this rings true for you, sneak a peek at my site for the latest cuttings and rooted plants. They tend to zip off the virtual shelves, so snag your favorites while you can!
If you're eager to sink your teeth into this fruity adventure, don’t hesitate – grab a shovel, select a sunny spot, and get figgy with it.
Thanks for joining this episode of "Plant Fanatics." Should you desire further wisdom, drop a question below, and keep your green thumbs tuned for what's next. Happy gardening, fig friends!