Figs (Ficus carica) can be grown easily in southern Alabama, where the warm climate and long growing season create a very favorable environment for their cultivation. This in-depth guide focuses on growing fig trees in our region, ideal growing conditions, varieties that are best suited for the area, planting and caring tips, health benefits of figs, unique uses and more.
Fig trees flourish in southern Alabama because of its warm and humid climate. They prefer places where summers are hot and winters mild. Southern Alabama's average temperatures, falling between 60 degrees to 90 degrees, favor fig development.
Soil requirements
Figs are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Due to the fact that fig trees cannot withstand waterlogged conditions, good drainage is essential. If your soil drainage is not good, plant your fig tree on a slight mound or in a raised bed.
Direct sun exposure
Fig trees require full sun if they are to yield properly. When planting figs, search for a site with a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can result in poor fruit production and poor growth.
Varieties suited to South Alabama
Choose the fig tree varieties that are heat-tolerant and adapted to south Alabama's climate. Listed below are some favorite varieties.
Brown Turkey — Large fruits are sweet in flavor and have a copper-brown skin. It is popular for southern Alabama, has high productivity and hardiness and bears two crops annually.
Celeste — Also referred to as the "sugar fig," this tree is a great producer of small to medium fruit with a light purple skin and a very sweet, rich flavor. It is highly productive and well-suited to the extreme heat in southern Alabama.
LSU Purple — A cultivar released by Louisiana State University; highly resistant to pests and diseases; medium-sized, purple-skinned fruits with a strawberry-sweet flavor.
Magnolia — A cultivar with medium to large fruits having a bronze or yellowish-brown skin and amber flesh. Magnolia fig possesses rich, sweet flavor and finds its adaptation to the very humid conditions of south Alabama.
Lattarula — This cultivar is also called the Italian Honey fig. This variety has a really wonderful sweet honey flavor to its figs. They have yellow skin and light amber flesh; they are adapted well to warm climates like that of southern Alabama. The light colored flesh also confuses birds on fruits ripeness making it a great option for anyone dealing birds getting their more than fair share of figs.
Watering
Young fig trees require regular watering to get proper establishment. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but should still receive deep watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilizing
Figs are not heavy feeders, but light annual fertilization supports improved yields. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 blend early in the spring and again in late summer. Do not over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen causes lush foliage to grow but not as much fruit.
Pruning
Regular pruning is very important for keeping fig trees healthy and productive. Prune fig trees in late winter, when dormant, to remove dead or diseased wood and to thin out branches growing in crowded clusters. Proper pruning is done for air circulation and sunlight penetrations, which help promote better fruit production.
Figs are fairly resistant to pests and diseases but will occasionally develop problems the most common in our specific grow zone is fig rust.
What does fig rust look like?
Fig rust, caused by the fungus Cerotelium fici, is a very common issue for fig trees, particularly in humid regions like the Gulf Coast. Recognizing fig rust early is key for proactive care. Here are the visual signs to look for:
Yellow spots — The first signs of fig rust appear as small, yellow spots on the underside of the leaves.
Orange-brown lesions — As the disease progresses, these spots turn into orange-brown lesions, which can eventually merge and cover large areas of the leaf.
Leaf drop — Severely infected leaves may turn brown and fall prematurely, leading to defoliation and weakening of the tree.
Preventing fig rust
Remove and destroy fallen leaves and debris around the base of the tree, as these can harbor the fungus.
Clean pruning tools between uses to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
Treating fig rust
Remove infected leaves — Regularly inspect your fig tree and remove any leaves showing signs of rust. Dispose of these leaves away from the garden to prevent further spread.
Apply fungicides
If fig rust is detected, apply a fungicide that is effective against rust fungi. Copper-based fungicides are commonly used for this purpose or a baking soda solution.
Baking soda solution — A mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a few drops of liquid soap, and 1 quart of water can be sprayed on the leaves to help prevent and treat fungal infections.
Improve air circulation — Continue to prune and thin the tree as needed to enhance air circulation and reduce humidity around the leaves.
Figs are not just sweet and delicious but also full of nutrients and health benefits:
High in fiber — Figs are a good fruit with a higher amount of fiber. Figs contain more fiber than prunes.
Rich in antioxidants — Figs are rich in polyphenols, which help to fight oxidative stress and reduce chances of developing chronic diseases.
Good for your heart — High levels of potassium and magnesium in figs help one maintain good cardiovascular health by maintaining the required blood pressure and proper circulation. Fig contain more potassium than bananas.
Bone health — Figs are an excellent source of calcium. Half a cup of the figs provides the same amount of calcium as a half a cup of milk.
Figs can tend to have a short shelf life due to their high moisture content. Store in the fridge on wrapped in paper towels or cloth to help absorb the moisture. Do not store in airtight containers as that leds to quicker spoiling.
Tip: Use this newspaper to wrap them and store in your fridge!
Figs do not ripen after picked so be sure to pick ripe.
My favorite way to preserve and enjoy figs year round are dehydrating them in slices. This can be done in your oven and dried figs are multi use. These can be used in sweet or savory recipes! Great paired with any pork dishes (pan fried with Brussel sprouts and bacon is one of my favorites), salads, baked goods, oatmeal, cheese and crackers and even used later for a fig jam recipe.
Tip: Soak dried figs in water overnight if using in a "fresh fig" recipe.
Dehydrated fig slices
Preheat oven to 200 degrees
Line a sheet pan with baking parchment paper, then set a wire cooling rack on top of the paper.
Wash and dry the figs. Cut off the top stem and trim away any bad spots. Cut in half lengthwise.
Place the halves cut side up on the wire rack.
Bake in the center of the oven for about six hours. This will vary, depending on the size and juiciness of the figs and the peculiarities of your oven. Check at five hours, then every 20 minutes until done. The figs are done when they are quite dry, but not hard, and still a bit sticky to the touch in the center.
Cool completely and put in canning jars or anything with a tight seal. Refrigerate for a few months storage or freeze for up to several months.
Fig jam recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Growing fig trees in Southern Alabama is a rewarding gardening venture. Enjoy the summer savoring the sweet, honey-like flavors of homegrown figs while enjoying the Alabama sunshine. With a little care, some pruning here and watering there, you'll have a fig tree that's the envy of the neighborhood. So, get your gardening gloves on, plant that fig tree, and begin your own backyard orchard. Here's to a fruitful journey — Happy gardening!
— You will not see any blossoms on the branches of a fig tree; the fruit itself is an inverted flower. This is why the inside of a fig can look so unique; what are you seeing is the byproduct of hundreds of female flowers inside a “pouch” (the fig fruit) including their seeds.
— Fig trees can live to be well over 200 years old. The oldest fig tree still stands at 2,300 years old.
Photos provided courtesy of Kitti Cooper.
