Ficus carica aka Edible Fig
Taxonomy
The Ficus carica, commonly known as the Brown Turkey fig, is one of the oldest cultivated plants native to Syria and Persia. It is a species of small tree or large shrub that can grow up to 7–10 m (23–33 ft) tall, with smooth white bark and large leaves with three to five deep lobes. It produces an edible fruit referred to as a syconium, which is tear-shaped and 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long with a green skin. When ripe, it changes to brown with a hint of purple on the outside and contains sweet, soft, reddish flesh with numerous crunchy seeds inside. All plants in the Ficus genus produce figs that are pollinated by tiny wasps, but these plants contain milky sap when twigs are broken which makes them toxic. Figs can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into various goodies such as jam, rolls, and biscuits and are in season from late summer to early autumn. In 2018, 1.14 million tonnes of raw figs were produced worldwide with Turkey and other North African countries (Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria) as the main producers, collectively accounting for 64% of the total production.
Common names
Edible Fig, Common Fig Tree, Brown Turkey FigHow to care for Edible Fig
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Edible Fig is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Edible Fig should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Edible Fig loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Edible Fig requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Common Fig Tree is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Edible Fig to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Edible Fig is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Edible Fig does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Edible Fig should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Edible Fig as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Edible Fig’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ficus Genus
Ficus nervosa Ficus Nervosa
Ficus auriculata Roxburgh Fig
Ficus variegata Variegated Fig
Ficus umbellata Umbrella Tree Fig
Ficus virens Spotted Fig
Ficus diversifolia Mistletoe Fig
Ficus aspera Mosaic Fig
Ficus benguetensis Ficus Benguetensis
Ficus sagittata Trailing Fig
