The Original Superfood?

- Corey Elliott

Why should I grow a fig?

F igs are highly productive plants that thrive in environments where most fruiting plants would struggle. They produce an abundance of fruit that can be enjoyed both fresh and dried for year-round eating.

These delicious fruits boast a wide range of health benefits. They are a source of calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron and vitamin K which can help regulate blood pressure and are a well-known aphrodisiac (ooh-la-la). Couldn’t we all use a little boost in “vitality?”

Fig trees are not only a valuable option as a fruit-producing plant, but they are also highly ornamental, providing an elegant Mediterranean aesthetic to your garden.

How do I grow a fig?

Figs are best planted in a full sun location, ideally, southwest facing, where they can bask in the heat of the late afternoon sun. They perform exceptionally well when planted against a fence or wall where they can benefit from the residual heat.

Figs are vigorous growing plants that require little in the way of fertilization. A light application of slow release-general purpose fertilizer can be applied in spring to encourage additional growth. Pruning is often necessary to promote a well-branched tree and is best done in late winter to prevent sap bleeding.

If you are limited on garden space or looking to add a Mediterranean flair to your outdoor living area, you can also grow figs in containers.

A few tips for growing figs in pots:

• Select a smaller growing cultivar such as Violette de Bordeaux, Lattarula, Little Ruby or Fignomenal

• Make sure you are planting your fig into a fairly large container, ideally with a minimum diameter of 16.”

• Fertilize regularly to provide supplemental nutrition; container grown plants have limited soil to root into and therefore, a limited supply of available nutrients.

• Figs in containers can be more susceptible to damage from harsh winter conditions; they are best moved to a protected location near your home for the winter months.

Selection

When it comes to variety selection, it is extremely important to select early ripening varieties that are well suited to our coastal climate. Here at Cedar Rim Nursery, we offer a diverse selection of figs, including many dwarf varieties, which are ideal for smaller garden spaces. A few of our top recommendations would be:

Brown Turkey

A heavy producer, even in cooler, coastal climates. Produces medium-sized figs with coppery purple skin and sweet amber-pink flesh.

Olympian

Exceptional cold hardiness and early ripening. This variety produces extra large figs with striped green and purple skin; flesh is a dark red, nearly violet colour and very sweet.

Chicago Hardy

The most cold-hardy fig available, a highly productive plant that produces medium-sized figs with dark bronzepurple skin and jammy strawberry-coloured flesh.

The perfect pot for your fig tree