Fig trees here are a horticultural challenge

Though best suited for a Mediterranean climate, figs can be successfully grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Gardeners are always looking for a captivating new plant to add to their gardens. One such beckoning horticultural challenge is the edible fig tree.

Although edible figs are widely grown in the Mediterranean basin, our climate is too cool for many varieties. However, figs are part of NW Fruit’s experimental planting program and can be found at the NW Fruit Garden on SR 536, west of Mount Vernon, next to the Master Gardener’s Discovery Garden.

The fig cultivar “Desert King” grows to about 10 feet tall. The white bark on this multi-trunked, deciduous shrub is a pleasing contrast to its large, three-lobed, dark green leaves. The dark green pear-shaped fruit changes to greenish white when ripe.

The fig fruit humans consume is produced by Ficus carica, one of over 800 fig species in the genus. The type most amenable to growing in our area is the “common fig.”

Most varieties of figs produce two crops a year. The first crop, called “Breba,” bears fruit on last year’s wood, and the second, called “Main,” bears fruit on the current year’s wood. The Puget Sound region is usually too cool to ripen two crops.

NW Fruit’s search for fig tree varieties that grow well in the Northwest extends worldwide. NW Fruit volunteer Sam Benowitz traveled to northwest France to get cuttings of varieties to test at NW Fruit. New varieties include “Little Ruby,” “Olympian,” “Brown Turkey,” “Nordland,” “Grantham”s Royal” and “Lattarula.”

Grow figs in the ground

Edible figs thrive in rich soil and a warm microclimate. Plants may need cover in the winter (below 10 degrees) and walls to capture heat in the summer. Regular watering of the fig trees is necessary, especially as they start.

The soil for figs should be slightly acidic (6.0-6.5). Allow spread for fibrous, shallow root systems. Do not fertilize at planting time, but mulch with compost. Train a young fig tree by spacing branches and forcing them to one main trunk. Annual pruning, done in the dormant season, is usually limited to cutting back the previous year’s growth.

Grow figs in containers

In the Northwest, fig trees can be grown in containers. Place the pot, preferably in full sun, and add a few inches of well-draining potting mix. Then, backfill the remainder of the pot with potting mix. The fig’s root ball should be level with the soil line, leaving two feet of space between the soil and the rim of the pot. Add a thin layer of organic mulch around the base of the water line. Water when the top two feet of soil feels dry. Fertilize in the spring and fall with a balanced, organic fertilizer.

Full article on growing figs: skagitmg.org/growing-figs/

Sonja Nelson is a Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Class of 2009.

Questions about home gardening or becoming a master gardener? Write: Skagit County WSU Extension Office, 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A, Burlington, WA 98233; call: 360-428-4270; online: skagit.wsu.edu/mg