Fig Trees for the Austin Area
by Chris Winslow
Recently I've had lots of questions from gardeners about how to grow
fruits and vegetables, and lots of folks in particular want to learn more
about figs.
Luckily for us, many varieties of this deciduous shrub, or small tree
(native to the Mediterranean) flourish here in central Texas.
The location that you choose to plant your tree is critical. For best fruit,
choose a sunny spot. Drainage is also important. With poor drainage, figs
will suffer. You can grow them in clay as well as sandy soils.
Here are some varieties that do really well in areas around Austin.
Celeste: a small fig that’s brown to purple in color. It is a productive and
cold-hardy tree. The fruit is considered high quality when eaten fresh, made
into preserves, or canned. Harvest season is mid-June. Pruning can limit
production because it produces fruit on the last season’s wood.
Alma: a late season producer of high quality, sweet figs. They’re an attractive
golden brown color with amber pulp. Harvest late June to early July.
Texas everbearing: a medium to large-size tree, with medium sized fruit. It
ripens later this month and continues into August... hence the name.
Brown turkey: medium to large figs with a brown to reddish-purple skin with
an open eye. Good quality fruit. Like everbearing, they ripen from
late June to August.
(Extra watering is needed during periods of prolonged drought.)
Whatever you decide, it is always a wise choice to have a fig tree in the
backyard. They add sweetness to a healthy diet, and add joy to the lives
of everyone who lives nearby.. especially at the moment as the harvesting
begins. And nutritionists also acclaim the fig for being fat-free, sodium-free,
cholesterol-free, and high in fiber.
Happy Gardening Everyone!
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