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FIGS

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• New varieties have allowed figs to be planted beyond the southern counties of England. There are now figs that will survive a winter temperature of minus 15ºC.
• Figs can be black, green, purple or white. The seeds inside the fruit are edible.
• Not easy to get a reasonable crop of figs.
• The roots of the plant will have to be restricted to obtain fruit or the result will be a large tree and little fruit. The roots can be restricted by growing it in a tub (will need re-potting every 3 years) or using rubble under the roots and paving stones around the roots.
• Self-fertile.
• A sheltered area facing south or south-west is needed. Trained as a fan across a wall is effective since the wall will act as a radiator. Remember that if it is in a pot - make sure that you can repot!
• Pruning (June) - once established - take back all young shoots to 5 leaves - this encourages young fruiting shoots.
• The fruit that you will harvest one year develops in the previous year. The fruits to protect and preserve from September onwards are the tiny (pea-sized) fruits towards the ends of the shoots. Remove all other fruits.
• You will need to protect young shoots and fruits during harsh winters.
• Don't let the root dry out during summer.
• Don't overfeed.

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