Does a Fig Blossom?

Blossoms

• The blossoms of the fig tree are unique in the manner by which they help to create the fruit itself. The inverted fig flowers containing the male and female flower parts are covered with stem tissue to form the fruit. This entire specialized structure is referred to as syconium. When the fruit is mature, it contains the remaining portions of the original flower structures. The seeds inside the fruit are actually unfertilized ovaries that did not develop.

Tree Form

• Fig trees have a potential height of up to 50 feet, but usually do not grow taller than 10 to 30 feet. The muscular, twisting branches are wide-spreading, and the wood is generally weak. Fig tree wood is highly prone to decay and trunks display large tumor-like growths where branches are shed or cut. The wood excretes a milky sap that irritates the skin. Trees that are frequently damaged by frost grow in the form of multi-trunked, large shrubs.

Foliage and Crop

• The deciduous foliage measures up to 1 foot long, and is bright green in color. The alternate leaves are deeply lobed with hairy uppersides and less hairy undersides. Fig trees produce two fruit harvests per year. The spring crop, or breba, is produced on last season's growth and the second main crop is produced during fall on new growth. The fruit on trees grown in colder regions is frequently damaged by spring frosts.

Growth Requirements

• Select an area of full sun and a spot protected from very cold winds for growing figs. The trees adapt well to a range of soil types including moderately dry and infertile. The recommended pH is 6. Amend very sandy soils with organic matter, prior to planting, and increase pH with lime in acidic soils. The addition of organic matter increases moisture retention in soil. Fig trees grow equally well in containers.