Ficus carica

Fig, Ficus carica, is native to Syria and Persia, and has been grown in Britain since Roman times. Only a few varieties are hardy enough for outdoor cultivation on warm walls, where they survive most winters unscathed – very hard prolonged frosts may kill all the top growth, but plants revive from below ground. They are best trained on wires for ease of management, with the roots restricted (container cultivation is always successful), otherwise plants make more leaf than fruit.

Grow Ficus carica in a sheltered, sunny position such as against a south-facing wall, ideally in a container. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Top dress with fresh manure or compost annually.

The sap of fig plants can be irritating to the skin and cause a severe reaction in hypersensitive people and pets. Some people are allergic to the figs themselves.