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General Information
In general, edible figs like hot summers to produce good crops, but there are many varieties that bear excellent fruit in the coastal Southern California climates where summers are cooler. For these climate zones, it is important to choose varieties (such as \'White Genoa\', \'Brown Turkey\', and a host of others) that need less heat to ripen well.
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Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
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Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
January1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.February1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. PrunePrune lightly to maintain good branch structure and size.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.6. PropagatePropagate by stem cuttings taken at pruning time, before the new leaves.March1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. FertilizeFertilize with a balanced plant food. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, since they inhibit fruit formation.4. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.5. MulchMulch to conserve water use and protect surface roots.6. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.7. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.April1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.May1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.June1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.7. HarvestHarvest small early summer crop (this crop may be quite small after a cool spring). Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.July1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.August1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.7. HarvestHarvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.September1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.7. HarvestHarvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.October1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.7. HarvestHarvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.November1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. WaterWater regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers.6. HarvestHarvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.December1. BuyBuy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and gophers. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
January
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
February
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
March
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
April
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
May
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
June
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
July
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
August
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
September
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
October
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
November
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
December
Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
January
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
February
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
March
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
April
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
May
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
June
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
July
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
August
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
September
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
October
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
November
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
December
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
Sow Seeds
When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?
March
Fertilize with a balanced plant food. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which will discourage fruiting.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
March
Fertilize with a balanced plant food. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, since they inhibit fruit formation.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
March
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
April
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
May
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
June
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
July
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
August
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
September
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
October
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
November
Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
February
Prune lightly to maintain good branch structure and size.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
March
Mulch to conserve water use and protect surface roots.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
June
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
July
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
August
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
September
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
October
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
January
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
February
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
March
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
April
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
May
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
June
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
July
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
August
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
September
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
October
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
November
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
December
Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
January
Control snails and gophers.
February
Control snails and gophers.
March
Control snails and gophers.
April
Control snails and gophers.
May
Control snails and gophers.
June
Control snails and gophers.
July
Control snails and gophers.
August
Control snails and gophers.
September
Control snails and gophers.
October
Control snails and gophers.
November
Control snails and gophers.
December
Control snails and gophers.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
February
Propagate by stem cuttings taken at pruning time, before the new leaves.
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
June
Harvest small early summer crop (this crop may be quite small after a cool spring). Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
July
Harvest small early summer crop (this crop may be quite small after a cool spring). Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
August
Harvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
September
Harvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
October
Harvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
November
Harvest main late summer/fall crop. Pick fruit only when fully ripe -- it should come off easily from the branches.
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