If you are a fan of figs, you’ll be glad to know that fig trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow. In Louisiana they are grown in all parts of the state, and with little care, they produce a crop of juicy, sweet figs each year.   
For those of you with already established fig trees, remember to harvest figs as they mature. Figs are extremely perishable and do not keep well on the tree. In addition, ripe figs are very attractive to hungry critters. Birds, such as blue jays and mockingbirds, are especially fond of figs and may become a nuisance. Rubber snakes, artificial owls and flash tape can be used to deter birds. Aluminum pie plates hung from the tree’s branches also work well.
If you are looking to add a fig tree to your home landscape, now is the time to purchase a tree. But wait to plant your tree when cooler weather arrives in October or November. Irrigate young trees during dry periods as fig trees are shallow-rooted and may become stressed easily. Newly planted trees may take three to five years to produce mature fruit. Be patient, the tasty figs are worth the wait.
If needed, apply one pound of 8-8-8 fertilizer per year of age of the tree up to 10 years. A maximum of 10 pounds should be continued for trees 10 or more years old. Do not over fertilize fig trees as this can cause fruit to not ripen. Apply fertilizer in late winter or early spring, never in late summer.
To request a commercial and home fig production guide or for more information contact the St. John Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office at 985-497-3261 or visit www.lsuagcenter.com.
Mariah Bock is the LSU AgCenter County Agent for St. John Parish. She can be reached by email at mbock@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Strawberry-flavored Fig Jam
When figs are very ripe, try this recipe for fig jam (strawberry- or blackberry- flavored).
6 cups mashed figs (about 9 heaping cups, whole)
6 cups sugar
4 small packages (2 large) strawberry-flavored gelatin
1/2 lemon, sliced
Add sugar, gelatin and lemon to figs. Bring slowly to boil, and boil 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Fill sterilized jars to within 1/4 inch of top. Process in boiling water canner 5 minutes.