If you live in Pender County, call 259-1235. In most areas, the relatively mild winter months aided figs in producing a good crop of new shoots resulting in a bounty of small green fruit. If youre looking for a fig tree to add to your North Carolina garden, the Brown Turkey, Celeste, Brunswick, and Magnolia varieties are all great choices. They have shallow fibrous roots that may spread vertically and horizontally depending on where they are located. NC State University Extension: Figs The Forgotten Fruit! The Latin name Ficus means edible fig and the species carica refers to Caria, a region in Asia known for rowing figs. Finally, the type of fig variety can also affect when figs will ripen in North Carolina. This tree produces medium-to-large purple fruit, and the pink to amber flesh is especially well-suited for preserving. In fact, over-fertilizing figs can reduce fruit production, cause fruits to split open, and increase cold damage during winter. Read our In zone 6 it may need to be grown in a pot and overwintered inside. Figs produce best in full sun, meaning a location where they get at least a good eight hours of direct sun each day. Unfortunately the fruits sour quickly in wet weather making it a poor producer in rainy years. A fig is a member of the mulberry family that grows in Asia. Working hand-in-hand with our partners at N.C. A&T and 101 local governments, we conduct groundbreaking research that addresses real-world issues in communities across the state. Depending on the variety, some fig trees may only produce one crop per year. It is important to keep in mind that not all figs will ripen at the same time. //-->. Nematodes are especially problematic in sandy soils, and they also may be present in locations where tomatoes, okra or tobacco have previously been grown. Fig trees have a shallow root system, and irrigation is extremely important. Make sure to fertilize your fig tree with a high-nitrogen compound every few years in order for it to stay healthy and productive. 801 S Walker St Overall, the average time frame for figs to ripen in North Carolina will vary depending on the variety of fig grown, the climate and weather conditions of the area, and the stage of growth of the fruit. You can also watch for fruit color changes as the season progresses. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Trees respond by dropping their leaves in late summer or early fall. Copyright Benivia, LLC 2004-2023 Current weather - click for forecast, or enter a I'm so excited for fig season in North Carolina! The same thing that connects it to every corner of North Carolina: NC State Extension. Gardeners in other regions may also be able to enjoy their figs earlier than usual by taking certain steps to encourage earlier ripening. If you dry the figs either in the sun or using a dehydrator, they will last for up to three years in the freezer. The most common stress is lack of water in high-heat conditions. If you are lucky enough to have a fig tree in your landscape, you have access to some wonderfully sweet and nutritious fruit. Newly planted trees need to be watered or . If a fig tree does not receive an adequate water supply, fruit may not form or will not ripen. Figs grown in tree form should be set 15 to 20 feet apart in the row and 20 feet apart between rows. The common fig tree (Ficus carica) is classified as a deciduous shrub. It is fine to cut back your fig tree in February. Plant in full sun or partial shade in rich, moist, well-drained soils. This is because figs do not store well and have a shelf life of only a few days at best. Rust can be treated when trees are bare during the winter or dormant season followed by repeated treatments every two to three weeks to help prevent rust from reoccurring on the next years foliage. What environmental factors influence when figs ripen in North Carolina? Mulching the fig tree in the fall, as opposed to keeping it in place all year, will help keep the ground cool and reduce the chances of winter damage. It is always better to error on the side of picking a fig that is slightly overripe than underripe. So, time may be all that is required. Alma Fig, a sweet, light-yellow variety grown in North Carolina, is another excellent choice. Watering should be reduced during the fall in order for northerners to begin overwintering.