Right now we're enjoying a break from harvesting as we wait for the second crop of figs to ripen. That's right - figs generally produce two separate crops of fruit per year, one in June and another in August.
The first figs develop from buds that formed on the previous year's shoots. The tree sits dormant through the winter, then the leaf and fruit buds begin growing in the spring. The first crop figs expand, while each branch tip extends with new shoot growth. But all along this new stem growth more new figs form. These figs that grow on the current year's growth are the second crop figs. The photo above shows a ripe first crop Black Mission fig along with several immature second crop figs.
Lovers of figs might consider planting one as a backyard tree. Other than a fairly sunny spot, a reasonable amount of space and moderate water, figs don't require much care. Except for bird damage to the fruit, they are one of the most trouble free and productive of fruit trees. They require only minimal pruning, just to eliminate the occasional rubbing branch or to provide headroom if near a walkway. Left alone they continue to expand like most trees, so where space is a problem size can be controlled by heavier pruning. Insect and disease problems are rare and unlike most other fruit trees there is never a need to thin excess fruit, a time consuming chore with most stone fruits!
Lovers of figs might consider planting one as a backyard tree. Other than a fairly sunny spot, a reasonable amount of space and moderate water, figs don't require much care. Except for bird damage to the fruit, they are one of the most trouble free and productive of fruit trees. They require only minimal pruning, just to eliminate the occasional rubbing branch or to provide headroom if near a walkway. Left alone they continue to expand like most trees, so where space is a problem size can be controlled by heavier pruning. Insect and disease problems are rare and unlike most other fruit trees there is never a need to thin excess fruit, a time consuming chore with most stone fruits!
would you like to trade some fig tree cuttings? They root very easy and I have several great varieties. Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you. Ediblelandscaping.sc@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the offer Daniel, but unfortunately our well water is too limited to add more figs at this point. The three we have are among our most water-needy trees, along with our citrus. And right now we are enduring record setting low mid-winter rains following last years below average total. So this summer the orchard is going to be on starvation rations of water.
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