Ficus Carica

A mulch of well rotted manure in spring is very beneficial. In the growing season an occasional feed with a liquid fertiliser that favours fruit and flowers is ideal. Tomato feed, Phostrogen or a similar flowering plant food do just this.

Water during the growing season for the first few months after planting. If planted in a root restricted planting pit it is necessary to always water in summer, especially when the fruit is swelling. Try to water quite evenly though, erratic watering can cause the fruit to drop or split.

Birds and squirrels attack the fruit – net the plant prior to fruit ripening to deter them.

As necessary, inward facing shoots and any damaged branches - best carried out in June. Also in September remove any fruit larger than a pea to support the younger fruit that will be better timed for ripening the following year.

Ficus carica (Fig) are best suited to a sunny sheltered spot. Against a wall is ideal. Their root run should be no bigger than 60cm x 60cm x 60cm. The planting hole may be lined with concrete slabs to enable this, which promotes flowering (fruiting) rather than lots of leafy growth. The planting pit may have 10-20cm brick rubble added to the bottom too if available.

Figs are hardy down to -10 deg C but the vulnerable fruit at the growing tips ought to be protected with fleece or straw in winter. This can be removed in April.