Ficus carica

                  
                 
Common Name Fig, Edible fig, Fig Common
Family Moraceae
Synonyms
Known Hazards The sap and the half-ripe fruits are said to be poisonous[20, 89]. The sap can be a serious eye irritant[238].
Habitats Amongst rocks, in woods and scrub on hot dry soils.
Range W. Asia. Occasionally found self-sown in Britain, especially in the south-west.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun

Summary

       
Bloom Color: Green, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

       
 icon of manicon of lolypop
Ficus carica is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant)The plant is self-fertile.


USDA hardiness zone : 6-11


Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Ficus carica Fig, Edible fig, Fig Common


 
Ficus carica Fig, Edible fig, Fig Common
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Habitats

       
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

                                         
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Edible Uses: Curdling agent.

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 3, 3, 4, 46]. Sweet and succulent, a fully ripe specimen is an exquisite fruit that almost literally melts in the mouth[K]. The fruit is often dried for later use[183] and this dried fruit is a major item of commerce. Figs are usually pear-shaped and up to 5cm in diameter[200]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. The latex from the sap can be used to coagulate plant milks[183].

Composition

                                         
Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.  
Fruit (Dry weight)  
  • 352 Calories per 100g
  • Water : 0%
  • Protein: 6g; Fat: 1.2g; Carbohydrate: 89g; Fibre: 7g; Ash: 3.8g;
  • Minerals - Calcium: 220mg; Phosphorus: 133mg; Iron: 2.7mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 9mg; Potassium: 862mg; Zinc: 0mg;
  • Vitamins - A: 347mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.25mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.25mg; Niacin: 2mg; B6: 0mg; C: 9.22mg;
  • Reference: [ 218]
  • Notes:

Medicinal Uses


Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Cancer;  Demulcent;  Digestive;  Emollient;  Galactogogue;  Laxative;  Pectoral;  Stings;  Stomachic;  Tonic;  Warts.


A decoction of the leaves is stomachic[218]. The leaves are also added to boiling water and used as a steam bath for painful or swollen piles[218]. The latex from the stems is used to treat corns, warts and piles[4, 89, 218]. It also has an analgesic effect against insect stings and bites[7]. The fruit is mildly laxative, demulcent, digestive and pectoral[4, 7, 218]. The unripe green fruits are cooked with other foods as a galactogogue and tonic[218]. The roasted fruit is emollient and used as a poultice in the treatment of gumboils, dental abscesses etc[4]. Syrup of figs, made from the fruit, is a well-known and effective gentle laxative that is also suitable for the young and very old[254, K]. A decoction of the young branches is an excellent pectoral[7]. The plant has anticancer properties[218].

Other Uses
Wood - pliable but porous and of little value[4, 89]. It is used for hoops, garlands, ornaments etc[89]. When saturated with oil and covered with emery is used as a substitute for a hone[4].

Cultivation details

                                         
Landscape Uses:Container, Specimen. Requires a well-drained medium to light loam and some lime rubble incorporated into the soil[1]. Succeeds in dry soils. A heavy wet soil tends to encourage excessive plant growth at the expense of fruit production[1]. Prefers a very sunny position but tolerates part-day shade when grown on a warm wall[202]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[202]. The top growth is susceptible to frost damage and can be killed back to the base in severe winters, though plants usually recover well[3]. Trees require the protection of a south or west facing wall in most parts of Britain if they are to produce a worthwhile crop[3, 219], though free standing trees can succeed in Cornwall[59]. There is a small orchard of free-standing trees in Anthony garden near Plymouth. These were seen in July 1995 with a very heavy crop of ripening fruits that would have been ready by August[K]. Figs are very widely cultivated in warmer climes than Britain for their edible fruit, there are many named varieties[183]. 'Brown Turkey' is the cultivar most commonly grown in Britain and is probably the most suitable for this climate. 'White Ischia' is a dwarf cultivar (though it can still be 5 metres tall and wide) and is ideal for pot culture[238]. It produces an abundance of green-white thin-skinned fruits[238]. Up to three crops of fruit a year can be obtained in some countries[46]. When grown outdoors in Britain only one crop is usually obtained, though in exceptionally hot years two crops are sometimes produced. The fruit usually takes about 12 months to mature in Britain, baby fruits no larger than about 15mm long in the autumn usually overwinter to form the following years crop of fruit. If plants are grown in pots in a conservatory or cold greenhouse, two crops of fruit can be obtained, one in early summer and one in late summer to autumn[260]. Pinch back the new shoots to about six leaves in order to encourage the second crop[260]. It is a good idea to restrict the roots of fig trees on most soil types in order to discourage excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production[3]. This can be done by root pruning, but it is easier to place some kind of permanent restriction around the roots - planting into a large tub that is then buried into the ground is one method. It is important to make sure that the tree still gets ample moisture, especially when the fruits are ripening. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
                                                                                 

Propagation

                                         

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for at least their first year. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts and give some protection for their first winter outdoors.

Cuttings of mature wood 10 - 12cm with a heel, winter in a frame. Fairly easy, but the cuttings must be kept frost free. It is probably best if the cuttings are put in individual pots[78].

Layering.

 

Fig

Fig

Details   Medium rate growth, self fertile.
Common name   Fig
Botanical name   Ficus carica
Family   Moraceae
Height (m)   6
Forest layer   low-tree
Edible  
Fruit / berries  
Drought tolerance  
Shade / Sun   No Shade
Soil type   Dry, Rocky

 Related

How to dry figs so they keep for months

Preserving figs by flattening and sun-drying is an excellent way to retain their sweetness and extend their shelf life. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Harvest Ripe Figs: Select fully ripe figs that are plump and sweet. Avoid overly soft or bruised ones, as they may not dry well.

  2. Wash and Dry: Gently rinse the figs in cold water to remove dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

  3. Prepare for Flattening: Cut off the fig stems and, if desired, slice the figs in half lengthwise. If you prefer, you can leave them whole for a more rustic appearance.

  4. Flatten the Figs: Place a fig (or fig halves) between two clean plates. Gently press the top plate to flatten the fig slightly. Be careful not to squish it too much, as you want to retain the fruit’s structure.

  5. Arrange on Mesh Racks: Transfer the flattened figs onto mesh drying racks. Ensure the figs are spaced apart, allowing air to circulate freely.

  6. Drying Location: Place the racks in a sunny, well-ventilated location, such as a sheltered patio, balcony, or even a dedicated drying area. The sun will help dry the figs while the ventilation prevents mould from forming. If insects are a concern, cover the racks with fine mesh or netting.

  7. Turn Occasionally: Check the figs daily and turn them over occasionally to ensure even drying. Depending on the weather, it may take 3–7 days for the figs to dry completely.

  8. Check for Doneness: The figs are ready when they feel leathery but still pliable and slightly sticky to the touch, with no visible moisture.

  9. Store Properly: Once dried, store the figs in airtight containers or glass jars. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freezer.

This traditional preservation method captures the intense sweetness of the figs and is perfect for enjoying them in winter or as an ingredient in baked goods.
January 22, 2025
Preserve
  preserve  dehydrate  figs 
  January  

Autumn plant propagation

Date   April 15, 2017
Details  
From cuttings
  • Kiwifruit (Actinidia)
  • Strawberry tree (Arbutus)
  • Citrus
  • Kakabeak (Clianthus)
  • Loquat (Eriobotrya)
  • Feijoa
  • Fig (Ficus)
  • Fuchsia
  • Gazania
  • Hebe
  • Lemon balm (Melissa)
  • Mint (Mentha)
  • Oregano / Marjoram (Origanum)
  • Geranium (Pelargonium)
  • Rosemary
  • Sage (Salvia)
  • Myrtus ugni
  • Wisteria
  • Blueberry - Blue Dawn
Division
  • Raspberries
  • Rhubarb division until early spring
Available     March   April   May  
Tags     activity  plants  propagation  autumn