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.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
Fruits
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
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.
