By Michael Harrelson

For The Union-Tribune

Considered by historians to be the first of the domesticated crops, figs (Ficus carica) have long been part of the cultivated diet of humans, according to evidence that stretches back more than five millennia. Many biblical scholars believe that in the Garden of Eden, it was a fig — not an apple — that tempted Eve.

Figs were first introduced to California in 1769 at the Mission San Diego de Alcalá. The dark-purple fig variety that the priests planted has become known as the Mission fig. Today, California is the center of America’s fig universe: 100% of our nation’s dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs come from our state.

Contrary to what most of us think, figs are not a fruit. They are botanically classified as syconium, a fleshy protuberance that contains flowers and expands from the stem. Starting as a bump underneath the bark of a limb, each fig has its flowers and pollen on the inside. As the fig develops, a small hole known as the ostiole forms at the bottom, allowing a tiny fig wasp queen (Blastophagapsenes) to enter and fertilize the flowers. The wasp is not a necessary part of this process for most varieties of figs, as they are self-pollinators. However, even among those self-pollinating varieties, the introduction of the wasp results in a plumper, more flavorful fig.

A varied menu

There are four types of fig trees: Common, San Pedro, Smyrna and Capri. Most figs that we buy are from the self-fertilizing Common group (Brown Turkey, Mission, Kadota). San Pedro (Desert King, King, Dauphine) and Smyrna (Calimyrna, Marabout) require the wasp to fertilize their “main crop.” Capri trees produce figs that are not edible. Their main purpose is to produce the pollen carried by the wasp to fertilize the other three types.

Fig trees produce two crops: The first figs of the season appear on the previous year’s woody growth and are called “breba.” Later in the season, the majority of the figs, called the “main crop,” will sprout from the tree’s new growth. A well-managed fig orchard, with several varieties, can produce from summer to fall.

Figs can also be classified by the flavor profile: Sugar, Honey or Berry. Because of cross-pollination, both intentional and serendipitous, flavor profiles can blend so Sugar-Berry or Honey-Berry can emerge.

Growing needs

San Diego has the perfect set of environmental conditions for fig trees to thrive. Gardeners who want a fig tree in their backyard should plan on putting the tree into the ground in spring or early fall.

Allow plenty of space for the tree to grow. Left unattended, a fig tree can grow very wide and reach skyward to more than 40 feet.

Plan for sun — lots of sun! Make sure there is enough space around the tree for it to get plenty of ventilation and room to spread (think about mature size before selecting a spot).

Fig trees must have well-drained soil. They do not like wet feet. The root-growing area should be amended with an abundance of organic material. Water well after the first planting, but after that, the key is consistency. Once-a-week watering will keep the soil around the roots moist but not saturated.

Fig trees will grow without being fed, but if you want a bumper crop of tasty figs, use a balanced fertilizer (ex.: 10-10-10) applied every four to six weeks once the first pea-size figs pop out. Harvest figs when they soften and the neck begins to bend. Figs do not ripen off the tree, so don’t pick too early.

Fig tree cuttings are easy to root in a container. Remove small strips of bark from a 6-to-8-inch cutting with at least three nodes and insert into a container with moist, well-draining soil. Place a plastic bag over the container and store in a warm, well-lit (not in direct sun) location. Some figs will root within a few weeks; others can take up to three months.

Potential threats

Fig trees are vulnerable to a wide range of fungal, viral and insect issues.

• Mosaic virus will damage young trees but has no lasting impact on a mature fig tree.

• Two insect pests of note are present in our county: The black fig fly (Silba adipata), discovered in San Diego County in 2021, destroys the fig from the inside by entering the ostiole and laying its eggs. The fig-eating beetle (Cotinis mutabilis), which resembles the shiny green june bug, chews holes in ripe, soft figs.

• Gophers are a major problem for in-ground trees. Planting in a wire “gopher basket’ will help.

• Humans are not the only ones who love figs. Vertebrate pests, such as squirrels, rats, raccoons and birds love them, too. Picking up dropped figs, draping row cover over the tree, and the use of protective fruit bags may provide some benefit, but be prepared to share with the creatures who co-occupy your space.

It is believed that the Buddha found enlightenment while sitting under a fig tree. Enlightenment may be out of reach for most of us, but a well-managed fig tree in the backyard can bring joy, beauty and mystery, as well as culinary potential.

Harrelson has been a San Diego Master Gardener since 2012. He practices low-water landscaping at his home in Jamul.

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