Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Fig, Ficus carica, is native to Syria and Persia, and has been grown in Britain since Roman times. Only a few varieties are hardy enough for outdoor cultivation on warm walls, where they survive most winters unscathed – very hard prolonged frosts may kill all the top growth, but plants revive from below ground. They are best trained on wires for ease of management, with the roots restricted (container cultivation is always successful), otherwise plants make more leaf than fruit.

Grow Ficus carica in a sheltered, sunny position such as against a south-facing wall, ideally in a container. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Top dress with fresh manure or compost annually.

The sap of fig plants can be irritating to the skin and cause a severe reaction in hypersensitive people and pets. Some people are allergic to the figs themselves.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes
Harvestyesyes

Ficus and wildlife

Ficus is known for attracting birds. It has seeds for birds.

Is not known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Ficus poisonous?

Ficus irritates eyes and irritates skin. Its sap is toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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