Parthenocarpic figs are those that develop and ripen without pollination or fertilization. This botanical term applies to fruit behavior, meaning the fig matures without requiring the fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes) or any male pollen source. In the fig world, common-type figs are considered parthenocarpic—they reliably produce edible fruit regardless of the presence of caprifigs or fig wasps.

In practical terms, a parthenocarpic fig tree can be grown in areas where the fig wasp is absent—such as most of North America—and still yield high-quality fruit. Both the breba crop (early season) and main crop (late season) can develop fully without pollination in truly parthenocarpic varieties.

This trait is what makes figs like Adriatic, Black Mission, and Celeste ideal for backyard growers. Even some San Pedro-type figs have parthenocarpic breba crops, though their main crop still requires pollination.

Parthenocarpy is not unique to figs; it occurs in other fruits like bananas and seedless grapes. In figs, however, it is central to the classification of fig types and is the most desirable trait for growers outside fig-wasp zones.

The minimum light a fig tree needs to thrive. While most figs prefer full sun, some varieties can tolerate partial shade in hot climates.

Harvested dead moss that had sunk below the living spaghnum. It is actually the dead, decayed plant matter of sphagnum moss that settles at the bottom of the sphagnum bogs. Dried and ground.

Figs are rich in pectin, a natural fiber that aids in digestion and acts as a gelling agent in preserves. High pectin levels make figs ideal for making jams and jellies.

Figs with a delicate skin that naturally peels back when ripe. These figs are prized for their unique texture and easy-to-eat qualities.

A lightweight, porous material added to soil mixes to improve aeration and drainage. Perlite is especially useful when rooting fig cuttings.

In fig genetics and breeding, “persistent” refers to a tree’s ability to ripen fruit without the need for pollination, and it applies to both male (caprifig) and female fig types. The term is especially important when describing caprifigs that do not abort their fruit in the absence of fig wasps. A persistent caprifig will still mature its fruit, even though those fruits are typically not edible. These trees are essential in fig breeding programs because of how they pass on parthenocarpy to offspring.

From a genetic standpoint, persistence is a heritable trait. If a caprifig is persistent, it means that when crossed or used in breeding, it can produce:

• ~25% parthenocarpic (common-type) female figs,

• ~25% persistent caprifigs, and

• ~50% pollination-dependent male or female figs (e.g., Smyrna-type or non-persistent caprifigs).

So while "parthenocarpic" describes the fruit behavior, "persistent" refers to the underlying genetic mechanism that enables parthenocarpy, especially in breeding contexts. Persistent figs can also help identify parental lines for creating self-fruitful varieties in areas where fig wasps aren’t present.

This term becomes essential in discussions among fig breeders, especially those working to introduce new common-type figs from Smyrna or caprifig lines.

Potential of hydrogen - measure of acidity or basicity of aqueous or other liquid solutions. 7 is neutral.

The ability of fig leaves to convert sunlight into energy. Healthy leaves with high chlorophyll content are critical for supporting fruit development.

A fungal disease caused by waterlogged soil, leading to root decay and poor tree health. Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering helps prevent this issue.

Plant Introduction: Another identification system used by the National Plant Germplasm System to track its fig varieties. For example PI 18847 has the common name of Bourjassotte Grise and is also known as DFIC 339.

To remove the apical tips of growing tips to induce side branching. Usually done during active growth.

Pain in the Arse

Substances used to manipulate fig tree growth patterns, such as promoting fruiting, delaying dormancy, or controlling shoot development. These are commonly used in commercial fig production.

Interweaving branches together. Can be used to "fuse" two trees together so they look like one.

Interweaving branches together. Can be used to "fuse" two trees together so they look like one.

The study of how figs interact with pollinators like fig wasps. Understanding this relationship is crucial for growers working with Smyrna or San Pedro types.

Many wild fig species rely on specific wasp species for pollination. This mutualistic relationship ensures the survival of both the fig and its pollinator.

Petals from the Past, commonly used on the LSU Black variety.

Using any number of methods to get roots started on a cutting. The more popular methods are cups and bags but some even direct plant into the ground.

Primary fruits refer to the breba crop, which forms on old wood, while secondary fruits make up the main crop on new growth. Understanding this distinction helps optimize harvests.

Profichi figs are the first crop produced by caprifig trees (Ficus carica, male fig trees). These figs play a vital role in the life cycle of the fig wasp, as they house the wasps' larvae and provide pollen necessary for pollinating certain types of edible figs, like Smyrna and San Pedro varieties.

Profichi figs are not consumed due to their poor taste and texture but are essential in fig cultivation, particularly in areas growing pollination-dependent figs. Collectors and growers value these figs for their ecological importance in sustaining fig-wasp symbiosis.

Everyone's favorite male crop. The profichi crop grows on last years wood (Think female figs breba crop). This crop is the one with all the pollen in it. If you have the wasp. They will come out of this crop coated with pollen and pollinate your female figs. If you do not have the wasp but have a Capri with persistent profichi. You can remove the pollen and manually pollinate your figs.

Designated areas for rooting fig cuttings or air layers. A well-prepared propagation bed with adequate moisture and drainage increases success rates.

The success rate of fig cuttings or seeds to develop into mature plants. Viability depends on factors like cutting condition, storage, and propagation techniques.

Protogyny is a term used in plant biology—and particularly in fig cultivation—to describe a specialized flowering pattern where the female reproductive parts (stigmas) mature before the male parts (anthers) within the same flower or inflorescence.

In figs (Ficus species), this plays a crucial ecological and horticultural role:

• In caprifigs (the wild, male-bearing type used for Smyrna fig pollination), the fig’s internal structure (called the syconium) houses both female and male flowers. A protogynous sequence ensures that the female flowers inside the fig become receptive first, allowing pollen-laden female wasps to enter and fertilize them.

• Later, the interior male flowers release pollen, which fertilize developing seeds or drift back onto wasps destined for new figs.

This timing sequence is vital for the fig–wasp mutualism, ensuring cross-pollination, avoiding the flower fertilizing itself prematurely, and supporting the complex lifecycle of fig wasps that carry pollen from one fig to another.

Even within figs that don’t rely on pollination (common-type figs used for fresh eating), understanding protogyny helps explain why some figs have closed eyes and parthenocarpic fruit development. Dichogamy in Fruit Crops, An overview on Ficus pollination with some notes on Ficus carica, Fig-Biology-by-J-Galil

Protogyny in figs refers to a built-in flowering schedule where the female parts mature before the male parts—a natural sequence that promotes cross-pollination and supports figure wasp life cycles. This biological feature is instrumental in sustaining both wild and cultivated fig varieties, helping explain how figs reproduce and how their ecosystems remain balanced.

to cut off parts for better shape or more fruitful growth. Usually done while dormant. Here is a very helpful writeup and explanation by Pete.

Patrick Shafer (PS) provided most of the comments below on each fig. Patrick’s figs are growing in the Anderson Valley (near Philo, west of Ukiah) with daily highs in the 90s from June to September, but with cool nights