• USDA handbook
• California-RFG Presentation
• LSU Extension Publication
• University of Florida Extension Publication
• IARO / USDA Review
• University of Arizona
• HAND POLLINATING FIGS (BREAKING NEWS)

These are all features created by Fig Database. Some have copied it, some are still trying to copy it. Fact of the matter is that they can keep trying but they can't ever duplicate the original.

• A modern and user friendly design for your overall experience.
• Faster load time throughout and responsive so you can use it on any mobile device.
• An extensive collection of fig varieties and images
• A broad set of search criterias to helps you find the varieties you really want fast and smoothly.
• Mapping to show you where fig varieties are grown, and member proximity to help you find varieties they grow and may be suitable for your area, climate or zone.
• The ability to create your own custom variety lists. You have complete control of what you add from your lists!
• Variety user notes (for the "Owned" list) enables you to save your own personal notes on each variety.
• A catalog for each of the varieties you own to keep important information in one safe location. (shareable, printable and editable at any time)
• A first on Fig Database feature, the new "Fig Database QR System". A way for you to now print out any QR code from any variety in the database and use it to label your plants, share with your friends to direct them to a full informational page, and upload information to any variety with just a scan away.
• The original member reviews and star ratings of fig varieties that provide the easiest and most helpful way to share your fig variety experiences with everyone in the community.
• Variety detail information submission form for you to add missing information to help out the rest of the community.
• Description submission form for you to share your experience on varieties. What better way to show the world what you think of a certain variety!
• Photograph submission option for you to share your fig images with the rest of the community.
• Variety suggestion submission form. If you found a fig in California and would like to add it to the database, you can submit it for review here.
• An updated private messaging system that allows you to stay in touch with friends, do trades and overall exchange information with other fig collectors like you.
• Following system - The ability to follow your friends or favorite fig collectors (beta - in the works to make it functional with notification of lates additions, contributions, added pictures etc.).
• A new point system we call "Accomplishments" (earn points for submitting information, descriptions, images and leaving other members feedback).
• A custom badge system (created by Fig Database) to praise you, the contributor. The more points you earn, the higher the badge it is you get.
• A personal "About Me" form just for your profile to let others looking into you know a little bit about yourself.
• A dedicated Facebook page to keep you up to date on the latest news and updates.
• Best and most important is, the team! Without these guys, it just wouldn't be possible. Be sure you thank them for being phenomenal members of the fig community.

 

And much more coming in the near future!!!

The Fig Database Business Directory helps growers, collectors, nurseries, farms, sellers, suppliers, and other fig-related businesses connect with the Fig Database community.

Businesses can be listed for free or choose a paid visibility plan for additional exposure.

Free Business Listing — $0
Includes a public Business Directory listing and business profile. Free listings require Admin approval before going live. Free businesses do not receive Featured status or appear in the Where to Buy sections on variety pages.

Essential Business Visibility — $19 / 30 Days
Includes priority placement in the Business Directory and increased visibility. Essential businesses are not labeled Featured and do not receive Where-to-Buy placement.

Premium Business Visibility — $39 / 30 Days
Includes higher directory priority, the Featured Business tag, additional Featured Business exposure, and access to Where to Buy placement for up to 25 fig varieties.

Ultimate Business Visibility — $69 / 30 Days
Includes the highest directory priority, Featured Business status, the strongest Featured exposure, Where-to-Buy placement, and unlimited/high-limit fig variety associations.

[ADD SCREENSHOT HERE]
Suggested screenshot: Business Directory showing normal and Featured Business listings.

What Is “Where to Buy”?

Premium and Ultimate businesses that sell fig varieties can select the exact varieties they offer.

For example, if a business sells Figo Preto, it can appear in the Where to Buy Figo Preto section of that variety page.

The seller listing may show the business logo, location, availability, shipping information, Featured status, and a View Seller button.

A business only appears on the varieties it has specifically selected.

What Does Featured Business Mean?

The Featured Business tag is available only to Premium and Ultimate businesses. Featured businesses receive increased exposure in the Business Directory and may also appear in Featured Business areas on the homepage or selected sidebars.

Featured status means the business has an active qualifying promotion plan. It is not an endorsement or guarantee by Fig Database.

Managing Your Business

Business owners can use the My Business area to edit their listing, manage offered fig varieties, view their current plan, renew or upgrade, and review statistics such as profile views, website clicks, and Where-to-Buy referrals.

If a paid plan expires, the business listing remains active, but paid benefits such as Featured status and Where-to-Buy placement are removed until the plan is renewed.

Business Directory plans are separate from Fig Database's traditional banner advertising. A business may use either service or both.

Yes, you can buy fig trees from outside the US, but there are several important considerations and restrictions you need to be aware of:

Regulations and Restrictions:

1. Import Permits:

   • USDA Regulations: Importing plants, including fig trees, into the United States is regulated by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

   • Permit Requirement: Depending on the country of origin, you may need an import permit to bring fig trees into the US. It's essential to check the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website for specific requirements.

2. Phytosanitary Certificate:

   • Health Certification: The exporting country must provide a phytosanitary certificate, which certifies that the plants are free from pests and diseases. This certificate is usually issued by the exporting country's agricultural authority.

3. Inspection:

   • Customs Inspection: Upon arrival in the US, fig trees will be inspected by customs officials to ensure they comply with import regulations and are free from pests and diseases.

Other than that:

• NO! Importing fig trees anywhere from outside of the US comes with the possibility of introducing invasive pests or noxious weeds into the environment and is illegal.

Almost everyone will tell you that they require full sun. That is because most people telling you that don't know South Florida or Texas sun. The answer is "most of the time", depending where you live. Here in South Florida, filtered sun os partial sun is best.

Fig trees have a unique and fascinating pollination process, which varies depending on the type of fig tree. Here's a detailed explanation of the pollination requirements for different types of fig trees:

Types of Fig Trees and Pollination:

1. Common Figs (Ficus carica):

   • Self-Pollinating: Common figs are parthenocarpic, meaning they do not require pollination to produce fruit. The fruit develops without fertilization, making them ideal for home gardeners. Popular varieties include 'Brown Turkey,' 'Black Mission,' and 'Kadota.'

   • No Pollination Needed: Since these figs do not need a pollinator, they can produce fruit without the presence of a fig wasp or another fig tree.

2. Smyrna Figs:

   • Pollination Required: Smyrna figs, such as the 'Calimyrna' variety, require cross-pollination by the fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes) to develop fruit. These figs contain seeds and are typically more flavorful due to the pollination process.

   • Caprifigs and Fig Wasps: Smyrna figs rely on caprifigs (male figs) and the fig wasp for pollination. The fig wasp lays its eggs in the caprifig, and in the process, it transfers pollen to the Smyrna fig, enabling fruit development.

3. San Pedro Figs:

   • Dual Crops: San Pedro figs have a unique characteristic where the first crop (breba crop) does not require pollination, while the second crop (main crop) does.

   • Breba Crop: This early-season crop develops from the previous year's growth and does not need pollination.

   • Main Crop: The main crop, which develops on the current season's growth, requires pollination by the fig wasp and caprifigs.

Pollination Process:

• Fig Wasp Relationship: The pollination of Smyrna and San Pedro figs involves a symbiotic relationship with the fig wasp. The female wasp enters the fig through a small opening, carrying pollen from the caprifig. As she lays her eggs inside the fig, she pollinates the female flowers, enabling the development of seeds and fruit.

• Complex Lifecycle: The lifecycle of the fig wasp and the fig tree is closely intertwined, with the fig providing a habitat and food source for the wasp, while the wasp ensures the pollination of the fig.

Growing Considerations:

1. Common Fig Trees: For most home gardeners, planting common fig varieties is the easiest and most reliable way to enjoy fig fruit, as they do not require the presence of fig wasps or additional fig trees for pollination.

2. Warm Climates: If you live in a region where fig wasps are present, such as parts of California, you may successfully grow Smyrna or San Pedro figs. Ensure you have both caprifigs and pollinating fig wasps for these varieties.

3. Container Growing: Common figs are also well-suited to container growing, making them versatile for various climates and garden setups.

• Aficionados a Los Higos Mexico
• All about figs
• California Figs Group
• Canada Fig Growers
• Cold hardy figs
• CT FIG GROWERS
• European Figs
• Fig Exchange – U.S.A.
• FIG PROPAGATION
• Fig Fanatics
• FIGHUNTER DOWNUNDER
• Figs Figs Figs
• Figs-N-Things
• Figs of the West
• Growing figs in New Jersey
• Higos! Higos! Higos!
• HIGOS,SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION Y MAS......
• Southeastern USA Fig Growers Group
• Tennessee Fig Growers
• The Original Fig Variety Database
• What The Fig

Now members have the awesome option to leave another member feedback. Have you done a trade or bought something from another member before? How about you go ahead and share your experience by leaving feedback on their page! It's simple!

• Visit any member's profile and on the left (sidebar), you will see the feedback box as pictured below.
  
• Once you leave them feedback, it will be displayed publicly on their profile page as pictured below.
  

 

We encourage everyone to share their profile with others they have traded, bought or sold to in order to grow your reputation and or experience in the hobby. You can do this my simply sending your friends a link to your page and asking them to leave you some feedback.

An exceptional feature created by Fig Database to help you have a more enjoyable and easier experience into your fig journey. The QR code was a request by Travis ( WIFigger ), a Our Figs member. He asked for something simple that would help him out while he was in the garden. And we went ahead and implemented the QR code system. The QR codes can help in many ways. In fact, the things you can use it for are almost endless.

So lets start with where can you find the QR Codes:

• You can find it on any variety detail page while you do your reseach as shown below. Just below the qr code, you can see the print option.

• You can find a few options on your lists on your profile page, under the "My Collection" tab, in the form of a drom-down bar.

1. One option is (Print My Collection) to print out all of your collection (includes variety image, variety name, description and QR code).
2. Second option is (Print All QR Codes) to print out your entire collection's QR codes.
3. Third option is (Download Collection PDF) to download your entire collection in PDF format.
4. Fourth option is (Download Collection List PDF) to download only the names of varieties in your collection (This is handy for when you are trading and need to share with other members what you have in your collection).

 

 

If you come across a frequently used abbreviation that is not included in the Fig Database or the list below, please contact me to have it included.

Adriatic JH - JH is Joe H, the finder

BG - Bourjasotte Grise

Bi39 - Beniamino Infelise 1939

BM - Black Madeira, Black Mission

BMkk - Black Madeira from originator kk

BN - Bourjasotte Noir

BT - Brown Turkey

CDDB - Col de Dame Blanc, Col de Dame Bordissotenca

CDDBN - Col de Dame Blanca/Negra

CDDC - Col de Dame Ciutat

CDDG - Col de Dame Gegantina (Gegante), Col de Dame Gris (Grise)

CDDM - Col de Dame Mutante

CDDN - Col de Dame Noir/Negra

CDDR - Col de Dame Rimada, Col de Dame Roja (same as Rossa)

CLBC - Colonel Littmans Black Cross

GB - Genovese Bianco

GdSJ - Gris de St Jean

GN - Genovese Nero, Galicia Negra

GNaf - Genovese Nero from Adriano F

IC - Improved Celeste

LdA - Longue d'Aout

MBVS - Marseilles Black VS. VS is Herman's initials

MIB - Madeira Island Black

NDB - Noire de Bellone, Noire de Barbentane

NDC - Noire de Caromb

PT - Ponte Tresa

RDB - Ronde De Bordeaux

VDB - Violette de Bordeaux

VdS - Violette de Soleils

WM - White Marseilles

WM #1 - White Madeira #1

AJH - Adriatic JH

AD - Azores Dark

BFF - Bass's Favorite Fig

BELT - Beltrana

BGR - Ben's Golden Rainbow

BB-10 - Black Beauty-10

BB - Black Bethlehem

BLACEL - Black Celeste

BJ - Black Jack

BMM - Black Madeira Moonlight

BdDS - Blanche des Deux Saison

BLUCEL - Blue Celeste

BBN - Bordissot Blanca Negra

BNR - Bordissot Negra Rimada

BW - Brooklyn White

BSC - Brown Sugar Crunch

BU - Burgan Unk

CdM - Calderone de Miner

CAMP - Campaniere

CCN - Capoll Curt Negra

CAV - Cavaliere

CC - Cherry Cordial

CH - Chicago Hardy

CS - Chico Strawberry

CDDBord - Col De Dame Bordissotenca

CdD Ciutat - Coll' de Dama de Ciutat / Col de Dame Ciutat

CDA - Constantine de Algerie

CP - Corio Provence

CHD - Corky's Honey Delight

CDF - Crème di Fragola

CN - Cul Noir

CDB - Curio De Bou

DLC - De la Caseta

DLG - De La Gloria

DLR - De La Reina

DLS (Hivernenca) - de la Senyora (Hivernenca)

DLS (Sineura) - de la Senyora (Sineuera)

DTE - De Tres Esplets

DSJG - Del Sen Jaume Gran

DE - Dels Ermitans

DK - Desert King

EP - Emalyns Purple

EBT - English Brown Turkey

EXQ - Exquisito

FT - FiaTeo

FJ - Figue Juane

FLO - Florea

FDCR - Forastera de Can Reviu (MP)

GEN - GE Neri

GRao - Giacomo Rao

GR - Golden Riverside, Grantham's Royal, Golden Rainbow

GI - Green Ischia

GM - Green Michurinska

GMdL - Grosse Monstrueuse de Lipari

HR - Ham Rham

HC - Hardy Chicago

HdA - Hative d'Argenteuil

HSK - Heritage Super King

HP - Honey Plum

ICON - Improved Celeste Orourke Not

ICandy - Iranian Candy

IBG - Irene's Black Greek

IB - Ischia Black

IAN - Izbat An Naj

KTJ - Kafe Te Jiate

KbW - Karpenisi big White

LP - Lampeira Prusch

LMF - Little Miss Figgy

LR - Little Ruby

LN - Long Yellow

LSUP - LSU Purple

LSUB - LSU Scotts Black

LSUY - LSU Scotts Yellow

LSUS - LSU Strawberry

LSUT - LSU Tiger

LUSS - Lussheim

MdDS - Madeleine des deux Saison

MB - Maltese Beauty

MDD - Mare de Deu

M50 - Mario's #50 (Casa Di Lazzaro)

MC - Maroc Noir

MR - Martinenca Rimada

MG - Mercedes Gem

MdC - Moro de Caneva

MV - Moscatel Verde

NB - Napolitano Blanca

NN - Napolitano Negra

NdA - Negra d’Agde

NdR - Nero di Rocca

NdE - Nerucciolo D'Elba

NSdC - Nuestra Señora del Carmen

PR - Parajtal Rimada

PAST - Pastiliere

PELL - Pellegrino

POP - Popone

PU - Proscuitto Unk

RL - Raspberry Latte

RLBV - Red Lebanese Bekaa Valley

RDS - Rigato Del Salento

RS - Rionon Santana

RGR - Roberts Golden Rainbow

ROSS - Rossellino

RUB - Rubado

SD - Salem Dark

SMR - Sao Miguel Roxo

ST - Sarek Tuman

SEFR - Sefrawi

SIB - Siblawi

SMGG - Sister Madeline's Green Greek

SB - Socorro Black

SOU - Souadi

SM - St. Martin

SR - St. Rita

STD - Strawberry Teardrop

SV - Strawberry Verte

SUC - Sucrette

SS77 - Super Sweet 77

TER - Teramo

TP - Texas Peach

THERM - Thermalito

UCHD - Uncle Corky's Honey Delight

UP - Unknown Pastilliere, U. Prosciutto

VS(VS) - Vasilika Sika - Vasile's strain

VdN - Verdino del Nord

WA - White Algiers

YL - Yellow Lebanese

YLN - Yellow Long Neck

YN - Yellow Neches

• Beneficial Nematodes
• ARS Pruners on eBay
• ARS Pruners on Amazon
• Poly bags for fig-pops on Amazon
• Poly bags for fig-pops on eBay
• Felco pruning saw on eBay
• Felco pruning saw on Amazon
• 4' bamboo stakes on eBay
• 4' bamboo stakes on Amazon
• A.M. Leonard Items on eBay
• A.M. Leonard Items on Amazon
• Grafting Tape & Buddy Tape on eBay
• Grafting Tape & Buddy Tape on Amazon
• Grafting Tools on eBay
• Grafting Tools on Amazon
• Corona Products on eBay
• Corona Products on Amazon
• 32 oz Clear PET cups
• 32 oz Clear PETE cups
• Treepots Budding Grafting Large Seedling Pots on eBay
• Drip Irrigation Kits & Accessories on eBay
• Drip Irrigation Kits & Accessories on Amazon
• 4x16" Clear 2Mil Poly Bags Layflat Open Top Plastic Packaging Baggies
• Xtreme Gardening Products (MYKOS)
• Coco Coir on Amazon
• Sphagnum Moss on Amazon
• Coco Coir on eBay
• Sphagnum Moss on eBay

US Searches by zip code, all maps allow zoom down to route and street level. Extremely detailed grow zone information. Worth bookmarking.

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Köppen climate classification

Growing a fig tree can be a rewarding experience, whether you're aiming for a bountiful harvest or simply enjoying the aesthetic and shade it provides. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grow a fig tree successfully:

Choosing the Right Fig Tree:

1. Variety Selection:

   • Climate Compatibility: Select a fig variety that is well-suited to your climate. Common varieties include 'Brown Turkey,' 'Black Mission,' 'Kadota,' and 'Chicago Hardy' (known for its cold hardiness).

2. Nursery or Online Purchase:

   • Reputable Source: Buy your fig tree from a reputable nursery or online retailer to ensure you get a healthy plant.

Planting Your Fig Tree:

1. Site Selection:

   • Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

   • Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Fig trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) but can tolerate a range of soil types.

   • Space: Provide ample space for growth. Standard fig trees need about 15-20 feet of spacing, while dwarf varieties can be spaced 10 feet apart.

2. Planting Process:

   • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball.

   • Amending Soil: Mix the excavated soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.

   • Planting Depth: Place the fig tree in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its container. Spread out the roots gently.

   • Backfilling: Backfill the hole with the amended soil, firming it gently around the roots.

   • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Caring for Your Fig Tree:

1. Watering:

   • Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year. Once established, fig trees are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods.

   • Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the soil does not become waterlogged to prevent root rot.

2. Mulching:

   • Mulch Layer: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch (straw, wood chips, or compost) around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

3. Fertilizing:

   • Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

   • Organic Options: Compost and well-rotted manure are excellent organic options.

4. Pruning:

   • Initial Pruning: Prune the tree when planting to shape it and remove any damaged branches.

   • Annual Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and shape the tree to maintain an open structure.

5. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Monitoring: Regularly inspect the tree for pests such as aphids, scale, and nematodes. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if needed.

   • Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent fungal diseases. Remove fallen leaves and fruit to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting Figs:

1. Ripeness Indicators:

   • Color and Softness: Figs are ripe when they change color and become soft to the touch. They should be easy to pick from the tree.

   • Taste: Ripe figs are sweet and flavorful. Taste is the best indicator of ripeness.

2. Harvesting Technique:

   • Gentle Picking: Harvest figs gently to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree. Use scissors or pruning shears if needed.

Conclusion:

Growing a fig tree involves selecting the right variety, planting it in a suitable location, and providing consistent care through watering, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning. With proper care, your fig tree will thrive and produce delicious fruit for years to come. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, following these steps will help ensure a successful and rewarding fig-growing experience. There are truly many ways of planting and some to people are better than others. I (Rigo) wrote Grow Your Own: A Beginner's Guide to Rooting Figs for you to have one more option on how to get started growing your own fig tree. It is free to download for everyone.