Fig 'Brown Turkey' StandardFicus carica

Grow fig trees in a sheltered, sunny position. A warm, south facing site against a wall is ideal. Figs prefer a moisture retentive, fertile, well drained soil that is slightly alkaline. Prior to planting fig trees, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Figs have a vigorous growth habit but can be restricted by constructing a 60cm (2') square, open bottomed brick or concrete pit around the root system. Add a 15cm (6") layer of broken stone to the base of the pit. Alternatively plant figs in large patio containers using a well drained compost such as John Innes No.3. When growing fig trees in containers they should be repotted every two years. If figs are to be wall trained, install support wires prior to planting.

Water fig trees regularly, particularly during hot dry periods. Figs will not require much feeding except for a mulch of well rotted manure or compost to the base of the plant in spring. In particularly cold areas container grown plants can be moved to a frost free position in winter to protect the developing fruits and fruit bearing shoot tips from frost. Protect the fruits and stems of figs grown outdoors by wrapping them in a layer of straw and hessian in severe weather.

Figs may be fan trained against a wall or grown as a bush. To bush train: Start pruning fig trees in the first spring after planting. Select 8 to 10 well spaced branches on a clear trunk of at least 60cm (24") and shorten them by half to encourage more branching and to establish a framework. Remove the central stem to just above the highest of the selected branches. Remove any crossing, crowded or damaged shoots from between selected branches to create an open bush.

In following years figs require little pruning except to remove any damaged or misplaced shoots to maintain the open framework. New shoots can be pinch pruned in summer back to 5 or 6 leaves to encourage fruit formation.

When growing figs in the UK climate the fruits will develop in spring and ripen throughout the summer for harvesting in late summer or autumn when soft. A second crop may begin to develop in late summer. Leave these figs intact - any that survive the winter will ripen the following year.

Caution: The foliage and sap of Ficus carica is harmful if eaten and may irritate the skin and eyes.

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