Chilton Nursery

spotlight on > figs

Over recent years we have been building up good stocks of figs (Ficus).
We always have good stocks of Brown Turkey and Brunswick, and now have several other varieties.

At a D code in Shrubs, you will find them very competitively priced.

The majority of our figs are grown in 3 litre pots, although we also stock some larger, more established plants

All plants are potted into compost containing 12-14 month osmocote slow release fertiliser. Vine weevil control is also incorporated.

Ficus Bellone :: Figs :: Ficus Brunswick :: Ficus Osbournes Prolific

A beginner's guide...

A native of Persia, the fig was first grown in Britain by the Romans.
Figs thrive on poor soils and established plants can be hardy to -15C.
However, for the fruit to ripen successfully they will need extra heat.
Some will fruit reliably if grown against a wall, while others will benefit from being in a greenhouse.

Restricting root growth will improve chances of getting ripe fruit, which makes them ideal for growing in tubs and pots.

Figs grown outside in the UK will only give one crop a year, while those grown in greenhouses may give two.

Even without fruit, these deciduous shrubs and trees can provide exciting architectural shapes in the garden.

Growing in pots...

Figs should be potted into compost containing John Innes No 3, with broken crocks at the bottom to improve drainage.

Potted specimens are very thirsty during the growing season but need only moderate watering in low temperatures. From May until the end of the crop, feed with a high potash fertiliser.

Potting on and pruning are best carried out in March, and should be carried out every year. When pruning, remove dead wood and remove the tips of young shoots. Be sure to leave the strongest shoots, as these are the ones most likely to fruit.

Plants should be moved indoors for the winter, depending on variety.

Growing as fans in garden borders and greenhouses...

Allow up to 5m horizontally and 3m vertically for your plant. Put wooden stakes at 75cm intervals and train the fig on horizontal wires about 30cm apart.

Restrict roots by creating a box about 120cm by 60cm around the plant, using paving slabs or similar. Make the box about 60cm deep, put rubble in the bottom and fill with lime-rich compost.

Care is much the same as for potted specimens. However, they will also benefit from mulching in autumn and a top dress of blood, fish and bone in March.

If outside, they are best grown against a south facing wall, and will need winter protection.

Growing in the garden...

Figs are sun loving plants and will do best in the hottest part of the garden. In light soils it may be beneficial to grow them with restricted roots, as before.

Depending on species, expect them to grow to around 3m tall and 5m wide, creating a lot of shade. Pruning method is the same as if growing in pots.

They will still need a lot of watering to get a good fruit crop and should be given an annual mulching.

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