Cultivated fig trees were first introduced to the Americas in 1575 by Spanish explorers to Florida. This makes it one of the earliest introduced fruit trees to the Americas by European explorers. Remarkedly, the fig has been cultivated by civilizations in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region for nearly 7000 years.

Changes in the environment and introduction of new pests continually push horticulturists to make advancements in cultivation practices and development of improved varieties. This has led to improved varieties which allow a fruit tree native to an arid, Mediterranean climate to be a viable option for backyard fruit growers across the humid, subtropical southern U.S. One thing that surprises me is misinformation surrounding how our common fig trees produce fruit.

July is the prime fig harvest month across the southeast. I suppose this is the impetus for the fig postings popping up on my social media newsfeed. One shared repeatedly is information about the fig flower and pollination, each with a statement that all figs need to be pollinated by a wasp to bear fruit and that this wasp remains inside of the fruit. Reaction is typical, with many people saying they will never eat another fig now that they know it contains a wasp. A little research and you find out you don’t always get the whole truth.

The information is a half-truth. There are figs that require pollination by specific species of wasp to produce fruit. Figs are classified into four categories, caprifigs, Smyrna, San Pedro, and common. We grow common fig varieties in Louisiana for fruit production because they are parthenocarpic, meaning the fruit develops without pollination. The other types of figs require pollination to produce fruit. These will not produce fruit in most of the U.S. because we do not have the wasp needed for pollination.

Fruits of figs develop from a large fleshy stem that is hollow with flowers on the inside. The seeds in the fruit each represent a different flower. There is an eye, or ostiole, at the end of the fruit, which is an opening that enables wasp to enter fruit if it requires pollination. These are found even on parthenocarpic fruit. However, many of the varieties recommended for Louisiana have a closed or partially closed eye. Fruit with open eyes is more prone to attack by insects and diseases and will spoil faster during high moisture periods.

The LSU AgCenter has a history with fig varieties for the south with several releases over the years. These varieties include LSU Gold, LSU Purple, O’Rourke, Champagne, and Tiger. Other fig varieties recommended for our area include Celeste, Brown Turkey, and Florentine. These varieties produce wasp-free fruit, so you can enjoy it without hesitation.

On occasions, Figs can be subject to cold damage. Properly cared for, fully dormant trees can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees. Occasional cold damage does result in more a shrub form of growth rather than tree form though.

Figs need a full sun location with good drainage for optimal growth. Planting is most successful done between December to late February. Generally, a higher soil pH (6-7.5) is optimal. A soil test will determine if liming is required. Fertilizer should be added after the tree has been established. General recommendations are 0.5 to 1 pound of 8-8-8 per year of plant age in late winter or early spring. Excess nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided to prevent delayed fruit ripening and quality.

Fruit production will be limited until trees are 4 to 5 years old. Shallow root systems make trees prone to fruit drop during dry weather. Maintaining a 4 to 6 inches mulch layer will help converse soil moisture. Pruning should be done in late winter to reduce height to allow easier harvesting and to remove diseased, damaged, or crossing limbs.

With minimal care, fig trees make a great addition to the backyard fruit orchard. Try planting two or three varieties to extend your harvest time. These long-lived trees will produce for many years.