Italian Everbearing Fig

Italian Everbearing Fig is more of a shrub than a tree and is sized just right for a smaller garden. Italian Everbearing is so compact that it will happily grow for years in a container on the deck or in a smaller, urban landscape. Copious amounts of fruit (upwards of 15 lbs) are produced late in the summer and early fall for USDA zones 6-8. The frost-free zones of 9-10 will enjoy an earlier summer harvest as well as a late harvest of the pink-fleshed fruit. The trees reach a mature height of 12-15 feet over a long period and maintain a more compact crown than older varieties. Cold tolerance is improved as well, allowing this Ficus carica Italian Everbearing to grow reliably with minimal winterizing. Italian Everbearing Fig Care Plant this fig in a location that receives at least 6 hours of full sun exposure for the best fruit production. Italian Everbearing is self-fertile and does not require another variety for dependable pollination. This fig prefers lightweight and free-draining soil over heavy, wet soils that may lead to rot. Annual fertilization is only recommended for figs growing in containers. Trees growing in average garden soil will only require seasonal mulching with organic materials (compost, shredded leaves, or arborist chips) to help the soil retain moisture through the summer months. Select a container that is at least 20 inches in diameter and has a heavy wide base to prevent tipping over. Lightly prune for shape after harvesting the fall crop of fruit. Pruning early in the season will result in the loss of that year's fruit crop. Growing Italian Everbearing FigItalian Everbearing Fig is more compact not just in height, but in spread and will fit into some of the smallest garden spaces. Frost-free climates will enjoy an early (Breba) crop in June from the fruit that formed the previous fall. The main crop of fruit begins to form at the end of June and typically ripens in September. In areas with cold winters, prune any winter damage in the spring without disrupting the fall harvest. Plant Italian Everbearing in the garden early in the spring as soon as the soil warms and can be worked. This fig can be planted in a container at any time of the year. Potted plants will require regular watering and seasonal fertilizing to produce the best fruit. Use an all-purpose potting mix with added perlite for moisture control and good drainage. The container needs to have plenty of drainage holes at the bottom and will benefit from being placed on bricks or pot feet to further aid drainage. Add a 2-3 inch layer of fresh potting mix each spring to the top of the planter to refresh the soil and cover any roots exposed by erosion over the winter months. Watering Italian Everbearing Fig This fig requires regular watering for the first season or two until its roots are well established. Provide young plants with about 1 inch of water per week. Mature figs typically are drought tolerant and may only need supplemental watering during long periods of drought or heat. Container-grown plants should be monitored for watering regularly. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings to allow good air circulation for the root system. Water the planter until liquid drains from the bottom, ensuring the soil is fully saturated.Feeding Italian Everbearing FigFig trees in the landscape seldom require supplemental fertilizing and prefer to grow in lean soil. Only fertilize figs that are showing signs of nutrient deficiency, such as slowed growth, smaller leaves, or yellowing foliage. Container-grown plants will require fertilizing in the spring and again late in the summer before fruit ripens. Use a slow-release, balanced formula for fruiting trees and shrubs.

Italian Everbearing Fig InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 8Plant Type: Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 12 - 15 FeetMature Spread: 12 - 15 FeetSpacing: 12 - 15 FeetHabit: Clumping, Mounded, UprightFlower Color(s):