Fruits · Moderate
Potted fig tree
Ficus carica
Large free-draining growing-medium tub in full sun in summer, brought in frost-free for winter; no pollination needed.
- EC (mS/cm)
- n/a
- pH
- n/a
- Cycle
- perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Sound origin
Ficus carica
The common fig (Ficus carica) takes its name from Caria, in Asia Minor. It is one of the first domesticated fruit trees: figs selected more than 11000 years ago have been found in the Jordan Valley.
Source: Wikipedia
What it provides nutrients
Per 100 g, raw · Fig, raw
- Source of fiber
% of an adult’s reference intake (EU Regulation 1169/2011). “Source of”: at least 15 % per 100 g, “high in”: at least 30 % (thresholds of EC Regulation 1924/2006).
Key steps
- The common fig is self-fertile: its fruit forms without pollination (Penn State Extension).
- Hardy varieties for the north: “Chicago Hardy,” “Celeste,” “Brown Turkey,” “Violette de Bordeaux” (Penn State Extension); choose a compact plant for the tub.
- In hydroponics: large tub or bucket of free-draining growing medium, repotted step by step into a container just slightly larger than the roots (University of New Hampshire).
- Water when the top 3 to 5 cm are dry; in winter, bring it in before frost to a cool unheated room and water every one to two weeks (University of New Hampshire).
- About 90 days between the appearance of the small fig and ripeness (Penn State Extension).
- Ripe when it changes color, softens, droops on its stem and the eye opens (Penn State Extension).
In which system?
| Tower | NFT | Growing medium | Kratky |
|---|---|---|---|
Approximate calendar
| Sowing | none |
| Plants | Apr., May |
| Harvest | Aug., Sept., Oct. |
Garden, patio, balcony: Belgian and northern French climate, earlier farther south. Estimates to adjust with your own dates.
Frequently asked questions
Potted fig tree in hydroponics: what pH?
No specific range is published for this crop in the Oklahoma State table: we do not force an unverified figure. Start from the common range of 5.5–7.0 and write down your results.
Potted fig tree in hydroponics: what EC?
Oklahoma State has published no value for this crop. Start low, watch the growth and record your measurements in a log.
Potted fig tree: which hydroponic system?
Best suited: growing medium (Dutch bucket). Large free-draining growing medium tub in full sun in summer, brought in frost-free for winter; no pollination needed.
Potted fig tree: when to set out plants in Belgium?
Start from plants, set out in April and May (garden, patio or balcony, Belgium or northern France).
- Penn State Extension, Figs in the Home Garden
- University of New Hampshire Extension, Is it possible to grow an edible fig in a container?, 2021