One of the earliest fruit trees to be cultivated, indigenous to regions from Asiatic Turkey to northern India, and grown widely in Mediterranean countries, Ficus carica, also called common fig, is a temperate species that prefers full sun, dry weather during fruiting, and some winter chilling. Ficus grow very well in cool coastal climates. In colder climates, plant ficus in a warm, dry location and generously mulch before winter.
Ficus 'Little Ruby', a compact multibranched shrub or small tree, rarely grows taller than 4 to 6 feet high, but it can be pruned to a desired size. The tree has broad and deeply lobed deciduous leaves and has ornamental value in the garden or container. 'Little Ruby' is self-pollinating and starts bearing fruit 1 to 2 years after planting without any pollen from other varieties.
The fruit has a reddish-brown exterior and ruby red flesh that is sugary sweet, with jammy notes. Fruits are borne on spring new growth and ripen from late July to early October. The fruit is small but the breba crops are huge, typically 10 to 15 lbs. or more per plant. The figs can be allowed to dry on the tree and gathered after falling, or they can be picked ripe and dried. Frequent turning during the drying process improves the quality of the fruit. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried and can also be canned or preserved. They contain significant amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
One of the easiest fruits to grow, Ficus requires at least 8 hours of sunlight during the growing season but grows well in a wide range of soil types. Drought tolerant, usually satisfied with natural rainfall, this tree is a good choice for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens. It is disease and deer resistant and generally pest free.
