Fig tree
Ficus carica
Botanical family: Moraceae
Ficus carica, one of the oldest domesticated fruit trees (Jordan Valley, 11,400 years, Kislev et al. 2006, Science). Biferous varieties (two harvests: breba figs in June, autumn figs in August-September): Bourjassotte Noire, Goutte d'Or. Uniferous varieties (single autumn harvest): Sultane Noire, Dauphine. Excellent keeping as dried figs. Source: Pierre Baud, Le figuier, Édisud (2008), the French reference.
Full sun, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, chalky
Moderate: water in hot, dry weather, without overdoing it; too dry, it sheds leaves and figs
Hardy (~-15 °C; the wood often freezes from -10 to -12 °C but the stump regrows; 'Chicago'-type varieties more resistant)
Overwinters in your zone
Parthenocarpic (common French varieties, the wasp Blastophaga psenes is not required)
Sets fruit without pollination
Role in permaculture
A Mediterranean tree hardy to -15 °C (-20 °C in selected varieties). Production possible as far as north of the Loire in a sheltered south exposure. A historic host plant for goats and bird broods. Mycorrhized by arbuscular endomycorrhizae.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Figs: August to October (sometimes a breba crop in June).
Available: August, September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Figs » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/figs/grow-your-own)
- Interfel, « Figue : Présentation, disponibilité, conservation » (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/fruits-sauvages/figue)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
The milky sap of the fig tree (young shoots, leaves, skin of unripe fruits) contains photosensitising furocoumarins: skin contact followed by sun can burn and durably stain the skin (phytophotodermatitis), especially when pruning in summer. Wash your hands after pruning, avoid sun on exposed skin, and wear gloves for a large pruning job.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Voices of peoples
Paraphrases attributed to their documented sources. Never an invented quote.
Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim traditions · Mediterranean basin, from the 2nd millennium BC to today
The fig tree is one of the trees most laden with symbolism of the Mediterranean civilisations. It is the first leaf mentioned in the book of Genesis (Adam and Eve cover themselves with it in the Garden of Eden). It is the tree under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment (the Ficus religiosa, a relative of our fig tree). In the Quran, surah 95 opens with the words 'By the fig and the olive!', two trees associated with the sacred lands of the Near East.
Livre de la Genèse 3:7 ; Coran, sourate 95 (At-Tîn, « Le Figuier ») ; traditions bouddhiques (Tipitaka pâli sur l'arbre de la Bodhi).
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, chalky.
- • Classic companion: Comfrey.