Type: Deciduous tree
Exposure: Full sun
Water Use: Medium
Mature Size: 12’ x 15’
Fig trees are a beautiful addition to local backyard orchards. Their large leaves give yards a lush tropical appearance, and the sweet fruit is wonderful for eating fresh, drying, fruit leathers, baking, jams and canning. Fig trees can produce two fruit crops per year: the “breba” crop in the spring and “main” crop in summer.
The primary limitation for figs is low winter or spring temperatures that may sometimes partially or completely kill fig tree canopies. If the roots are not killed during winter, fig trees that have experienced freezing temperatures usually grow back vigorously and can even produce some main crop fruit in the first year of regrowth. Fig trees should be planted in a protected area next to a south facing wall and mulched or tarped to minimize freeze damage. Figs are tolerant of abuse and relatively content with intense sunlight, extended droughts and alkaline soils.
“Celeste,” “Brown Turkey,” “Hardy Chicago,” “Desert King,” Kadota” and “Violette de Bordeaux” are only a few of the fig varieties that do well. “Black Mission” is a readily available but not very cold hardy for the greater Albuquerque area. In general, backyard fig varieties require no cross-pollination to produce fruit.
Source: NMSU August 2014 Fruits and Nuts for New Mexico Orchards Guide H-310. And Subtropical Fruit Trees for the High Desert.
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