Ficus carica

Size: 0.6m Tall.
Common name: Fig Tree.
Situation: Full/Partial sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy.
Eventual Height and Spread: 2m x 1.6m.

Anyone who owns a fig tree will attest that there are few things more satisfying than growing your own. Also known as Ficus carica, this deciduous spreading shrub or small tree is simple to grow and produces a tasty crop of fruit every year. A Fig Tree requires well-drained soil and idealy full sun to ensure it flourishes and produces a goodquality crop. The Fig tree does benefit from a sheltered spot but it is surprisingly tough and can tolerate some pretty exposed conditions.

Caring for a Fig tree is comes down to watering, feeding and pruning. Look to water the Fig Tree regularly through dry hot spells, especially if potted,but do not leave waterlogged.

An application of liquid feed every two to four weeks through the growing seasonis alsoadvised to help encourage a good crop and keep healthy foliage.

Pruning is important for a Fig tree to retain a good open shelf to ensure healthy fruits. Cut back a third of the main branches in winter when dormant and trim back any secondary branches that are running along the same lines as the main branches. Without getting too complicated look to create a rounded yet open crown for your Fig tree. Also in most cases don't let the fig tree get more than a couple of metres tall as this will make it difficult to harvest the figs.

Following these simple steps should ensure that an abundant crop of figs can be picked from around August to September. A fig tree is doubly useful - giving a garden an exotic feel and helping green-fingered enthusiasts to cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Ficus carica is also known as a Fig Tree.