Figs (Ficus carica) are native to the Mediterranean and have been around for thousands of years. Figs are technically not a fruit, as they are formed in a flower sac where flowers are grown internally. For that reason, figs do not need to be pollinated to produce. The Willamette Valley, where the winters are not too cold and the summers are hot enough, is a suitable place to grown figs.

Most fig varieties have two distinct crops each year. The first crop is produced on growth from the previous year, while the second crop is on this year’s growth. Many times, the first crop is the only crop that will ripen. The second crop can be affected by a reduced growing season when there are low temperatures in the early fall. Fruit formation takes up to two months to reach full ripeness.

Lack of water is one reason that figs may not ripen. While figs will not tolerate soil that does not drain well, they do need water during the fruiting season. The roots of a fig tree tend to be close to the surface of the soil and can dry out. Adding mulch around the trees, but not touching the bark or the base of the tree, will help to maintain moisture in the soil and help reduce the amount of weeds that compete for water.

Fig trees needs full sun, 6 to 8 hours per day. Without enough sun the figs may not ripen properly. A south facing location is best. Fig tree should also be well-spaced so they do not shade each other causing them to not receive enough sun. Proper pruning can be done to help maximize the amount of sunlight penetration and can affect the quality and quantity of fruit. This link, Pruning and Thinning Fig Trees, has basic information.

Figs grow reasonably well without much fertilizer in most soils. However, it might be wise to test your soil to make sure there are no missing nutrients. If nothing else, check the pH to make sure it is neutral, between 6.5 and 7.0, the ideal range for figs. The Lane County Master Gardeners are offer pH testing for $2.00 a sample on November 5^th, November Soil pH Testing links to more information.

In addition, the Lane County Master Gardeners have seminars each month, January through October, and plan on having one on Figs next spring. Check their calendar early next year for Lane County Master Gardeners Events for more details.