What fruit tree would be the easiest to grow? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What fruit tree would be the easiest to grow?
Answer Subjective questions deserve subjective answers. In my opinion, one of the easiest and most historically interesting is Ficus carica - “fig tree” or simply “fig.” According to archeologists, figs were grown north of Jericho over 11,000 years ago. They are the oldest domesticated crop known to man.
In the Bible, fig leaves were used as clothing in the Garden of Eden - Genesis 3:7 (date uncertain). Many biblical historians think the fig was most likely the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” which contributed to Adam and Eve’s eviction.
The fig is also one of the two sacred trees in Islam. Mohammed’s followers called it the "Tree of Heaven."
The “Sacred Fig,” Ficus religiosa, is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama was supposed to have been sitting underneath a Sacred Fig when he found enlightenment and became the Buddha.
Productivity, geographic flexibility, longevity and ease of cultivation all contributed to the high status that was often bestowed on this fruit tree. These same attributes make it a very good selection today for any gardener with a warm sunny spot.
Figs have only a few problems. Loss of figs early in the growing season (fig drop) is often due to severe winter (too cold) or summer (too dry) weather. Excessive fertilization can cause a plant to remain vegetative (growing leaves) instead of setting fruit. The variety ‘Celeste’ will drop fruit prematurely regardless of growing conditions. ‘Brown Turkey’ is certainly the most popular variety in North Carolina. This variety will produce figs even if it is killed back to the ground the previous winter.
Figs do not have any disease problems. June bugs (known by entomologists as green June beetles) are the primary insect pest of figs in North Carolina. Simply spray them late in the day, early in the morning or at night (best time). There are several contact insecticides that will work.
If you want more info about growing fig trees, then visit this website http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1353.htm If you do not have internet access, feel free to call me at 910-893-7533, write me at PO Box 1089, Lillington, NC 27546 or email me at gary_pierce@ncsu.edu
The many seeds in a fig are supposed to signify unity and the universality of true understanding, knowledge, and sometimes faith. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if more people concentrated their efforts on growing figs? The same tree that got us kicked out of the garden can get us back into the garden.
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
