Page 21 - Edible Trees For Tucson

• The Spanish brought fig trees to the West
Indies in 1520. They were widely established
in Mexico by the late 17th century.

P L ANTIN G N O TES
• Chill hours: Low chill requirements.
• Height/Width: 10-30 feet/15-50 feet.
• Lifespan: 30-40+ years.
• Water needs: Moderate; trees prefer 1 inch
per week during growing season.
• Soils: Grow in a wide range of soil types.
• Microclimates: Fig trees are generally cold
hardy to 10-20°F.
• Pollination: The “common” fig has female
flowers that do not need cross pollination to
set fruit, though some produce larger fruits if
cross pollinated.
CARE

• Young trees must be trained to have
strong support limbs to carry heavy crops.
Pruning and removal of dead branches
keep structural integrity, improve light
penetration and promote growth.
• Pathogens include Botrytis cinerea, particularly
in wet spring weather, and Phomopsis cinerascens
that infects stem wounds and causes fig canker.
• Fig root-rotting fungi can affect trees and be
highly persistent once established in the soil.

H AR VES T
Figs are primarily eaten fresh, dried whole or as
a paste. Fresh figs are often served with cream
and sugar. Figs may be stewed or cooked in
pies, puddings,
cakes, bread and
other baked goods,
or added to ice
cream. The whole
fruits may also be
preserved in sugar
syrup or made into
jam, marmalade or
fig paste.

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