Fig trees thrive in the South’s warm climate

Figs have always been one of my favorite fruit trees, and I find there’s something special about having one in the home landscape.

These fruit trees provide beauty, shade and a steady supply of delicious fruit year after year. I have several varieties growing in my own yard.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Wanda McBrayer in Meridian, Mississippi, to admire her backyard fig tree. Standing tall and full, her tree is a true treasure, producing generous crops of golden-brown figs every summer.

I was impressed by the size and flavor of its fruit. Wanda’s figs have a bronze-gold skin that develops into a rosy blush when fully ripe. When I split one open, I found a rich, amber-colored flesh with a sweet, honey-like taste.

Figs are just as delicious eaten fresh off the tree as they are when turned into preserves or baked into cakes and cookies.

There are several varieties that do well in Southern landscapes.

Celeste is one of the most popular figs, producing small to medium fruit with excellent sweetness and good cold hardiness. Brown Turkey is another dependable option that produces larger fruit and reliable harvests.

I’ve also been impressed with the Louisiana State University varieties. LSU Gold produces large, golden figs with a mild flavor, and LSU Purple has good disease resistance and helps extend the harvest season.

Seeing Wanda’s tree reminded me of how figs thrive in our warm climate.

Figs perform best when planted in full sun, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct light each day, and they prefer well-drained soil that doesn’t stay soggy. While they tolerate many different soils, sandy loam with good drainage seems to work best.

I recommend adding a layer of mulch around the base of fig trees, as this helps conserve moisture during hot summer months while keeping weeds down. Once established, figs are fairly drought tolerant, but I’ve noticed that consistent watering during fruit development makes a big difference in the size and sweetness of the harvest.

Late winter or early spring is the best time to plant a fig tree. During this time, the tree is still dormant and the threat of frost has passed. You can purchase either bare-root or container-grown fig trees. Space each tree 12 to 20 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow.

Fertilization needs are usually minimal. In fact, too much nitrogen tends to push leafy growth rather than fruit production. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is normally all they need, and if growth seems weak, a second light feeding in midsummer can help.

Pruning is another important part of fig care. I recommend doing this in late winter before new growth begins.

When pruning, focus on removing dead or damaged branches, thinning out dense growth and improving air circulation in the canopy. This not only promotes healthier growth but also makes harvesting easier.

From my own experience, the biggest challenge in growing figs is keeping wildlife from eating the crop. Birds, squirrels and raccoons seem to love figs just as much as we do.

Wanda has great success using lightweight garden netting around her figs. The key is to install it properly. Make sure netting is snug enough to keep critters out but don’t bind it too tight, which causes branches to crowd and prevents air and light from reaching the fruit.

With proper planting, care and protection, figs can be a rewarding and long-lasting addition to the landscape.