In the Garden with Kerry Heafner

F. Carica The Common Fig

If you’re like me, you can stake a claim at a fig tree laden with ripe fruit and just eat yourself sick! Figs are a sweet treat, right in there with local peaches and watermelons, that make the summer heat and humidity worth it. Figs have been grown on homesteads throughout the south for generations and are perhaps the most reliable fruit in Louisiana home orchards. Along with pomegranates, olives, and grapes, figs are among the world’s first cultivated fruit and are mentioned numerous times in ancient scholarly texts and scriptures. They belong to a large genus of plants (Ficus sp.) in the mulberry family (Moraceae). The familiar ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) and rubber tree plant (F. elastica) found in offices all over the ArkLaMiss are tropical cousins of the common fig (F. carica) we’re familiar with, which is native to temperate regions of the Middle East and western Asia.

Botanically, figs aren’t true fruit. That is, they’re not derived from the ovary of a flower. Rather, the structure we call a fig is a cluster of inverted flowers called a “syconium.” In its native range, a tiny wasp called a fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes) enters the syconium through a pore called the “ostiole” or eye and pollinates the unisexual flowers on the inside. After pollination, the syconium swells and matures into a ripened fig. Fig wasps don’t occur in our part of the world, so we grow “parthenocarpic” varieties. That is, our fig varieties form fruit without needing pollination. Also, most of our fig varieties are “closed-eye” varieties where the ostiole is never open to the outside world. In “open-eye” varieties, the ostiole opens as the fig swells and ripen allowing various tiny insects to enter and potentially cause premature fruit spoilage. Depending on variety, figs may produce two crops of fruit. The early crop is referred to as the breba crop and is produced on last year’s wood. The main crop, which we typically harvest from July to August, is produced on current-year’s growth.

Figs are easy to grow because they have a low-enough chill requirement for our region and are adapted to most Louisiana soils. The planting site requires 1) six to eight hours of sunlight per day, 2) somewhat fertile soil, and 3) good drainage. A soil test prior to planting will indicate whether pH needs to be adjusted (6.0 to 6.5) and what nutrients are lacking. A layer of mulch spread around the tree four to six inches thick will help with soil moisture retention and soil temperature regulation. Figs trees can be obtained as either bare root or potted plants. If selecting a potted fig tree from a nursery or garden center, avoid purchasing a tree that is rootbound and at planting, set the tree in the hole two to four inches deeper than the top of the pot then cut them back to encourage new lateral growth for a nice, shrubby appearance and for fruit production. The planting hole should be dug twice as wide the root ball. Do not apply fertilizer at time of planting; allow trees to adapt to native soil and apply fertilizer only annually for long term performance. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly if rain is not expected for several days. Relatively shallow root systems make fig trees prone to drought stress, so consistent watering during dry periods is recommended.

There are some large, magnificent old fig trees to be seen at older home sites in our area. Fig trees are easily propagated by cuttings but can also be propagated by grafting and air layering. If rooting your own fig cuttings, the LSU Ag Center recommends using pieces of dormant wood that are anywhere from six to twelve inches long, with two-year old wood at the base. Dip the cut bases into a powdered rooting hormone (IBA) which is available at local garden centers, and either allow the pieces to callus over for one week at 50 to 60 degrees or stick directly into medium (generic potting medium, sand, peat, perlite, etc., or some mixture thereof) that allows excess water to drain and stays moist but not saturated. Make sure at least one leaf node stays above soil level. Some varieties may take longer to root than others. Cuttings stand a better chance of rooting if misted frequently, or if rooted in an enclosed, humid environment. Cuttings are ready to transplant when they’ve developed a strong, extensive root system, and this should be done gradually by moving transplants out to shaded, then semi-shaded, then finally full sun areas before permanently planting.

When fruit production begins in earnest, figs should be left on the tree until fully ripened. But, don’t be surprised if you find yourself competing with wildlife for the sweet fruit, and vice versa. Deer, raccoons, and opossums can’t resist them. Typically, a fully ripened fig has turned either brown, reddish brown, translucent yellow, or even blackish purple depending on variety, and will be soft to the touch. The short stem should easily detach from the tree. Don’t be surprised if a small drop of white, milky latex exudes from the tip of the fruit. It’s usually harmless but avoid contact with your eyes at all cost.

The common variety in our area has several names: ‘Brown Turkey,’ ‘Eastern Brown Turkey,’ ‘Texas Everbearing,’ ‘Lee’s Perpetual,’ ‘Ramsey,’ or ‘Harrison.’ Take your pick; it’s all the same beast. Other fig varieties the LSU AgCenter suggests trying are:
• ‘Alma’ is a variety developed by Texas A&M and released in 1974. Alma is a late-season variety that does not produce a breba crop. When ripe, Alma figs have a yellow or tan skin and a light tan pulp with pink undertones. Cold resistance is poor so freeze damage may be sustained during a harsh winter.
• ‘Celeste’ is a popular fig in all areas of Louisiana. Celeste figs are small and, when ripe, range in color from brown to violet. Ripeness is indicated by drooping fruit. Celeste is known by other names such as ‘Celestial,’ ‘Sugar,’ ‘Small Brown,’ and ‘Blue Celeste.’ Next to ‘Brown Turkey,’ ‘Celeste’ is the most popular fig variety grown in Louisiana.
• ‘Kadota’ is an Italian fig that is grown in California but makes a good fig in Louisiana. Typically a large, yellow fig, Louisiana ‘Kadota’ specimens often have a magenta flush at the pore end. ‘Kadota’ may be recognizable by its mostly non-lobed leaves. If summers are exceptionally rainy, fruit split open and may sour. ‘Kadota’ is reported to have poor cold tolerance, but the specimen identified as ‘Kadota’ at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo has survived for many years through several very cold winters.
• ‘LSU Gold’ was released in 2001and is a reliable performer in all areas of Louisiana. Fruit are similar to ‘Kadota’ in many ways. ‘LSU Gold’ is reliably cold tolerant.
• ‘LSU Purple’ is a 1991 release by the LSU AgCenter. The stalk on ‘LSU Purple’ figs is about ½ inch long and skin is reddish to dark purple. Trees are vigorous growers and fruit may be produced on even juvenile specimens. ‘LSU Purple’ may produce three distinct crops in one season if conditions are right, with figs hanging on the tree until November or December. Cold winters may kill fairly young specimens back to the ground, but they rebound well enough during the season to produce a crop. I was gifted a specimen a couple years ago that I strongly suspect is ‘LSU Purple.’

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, go to the Ag Journal page at www.myarklamiss.com and submit your questions.I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!