Family Moraceae.
Originating from the Mediterranean and Asia
Originating from the Mediterranean and Asia
- Small, deeply lobed leaves form a neat, rounded canopy.
- Sweet, dark purple figs ripen reliably from late summer onwards.
- Naturally dwarf and compact, perfect for growing your own figs in pots or small gardens.
The Dwarf Fig Tree in Your Garden
Neat, deeply lobed leaves create a pretty, architectural crown from spring through autumn. Its naturally compact habit makes it possible to grow this species in small spaces. Enjoy its beautiful foliage and delicious fruit directly from your patio or even a table top. Pick your own; directly from the plant to your plate.
Hardy in all but the coldest UK gardens, it reaches 1.8m tall and wide in 10- 20 years. It is a natural mutation of ‘Violette de Bordeaux’, itself a shrubby variety. Rather than growing more slowly, Little Miss Figgy’s branches and leaves occur closer together, giving it a compact, bushy form.
This fig-in-miniature is a tasty novelty, making a perfect patio or garden room specimen for Norfolk and Suffolk’s small gardens.
Its fruit flesh has all of its parents’ excellent flavours: jammy and sweet with berry overtones. Growing it in a pot slows its growth rate, whilst planting it out may see it reach over 2m. However, it will grow more slowly than many fig varieties, and is easily controlled with simple pruning techniques.
Did you know? Figs are often referred to as half-hardy, but at Urban Jungle, we believe this term applies only to the fruit or to soft tip growth. There are many trees in East Anglia that survived the winters of 2009 – 11, when temperatures as low as -18 degrees were recorded.
Planting Tips for Your Little Miss Figgy Dwarf Fig Tree
- Soil and sun: plant in any non-acidic, well-drained soil or compost. Avoid heavy, wet soil in winter. Full sun produces the best crop; part shade produces larger leaves.
- Planting: any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Thoroughly drench the root ball before planting. Ignore advice about restricting your fig’s root spread.
- Watering: ample water while the fruits are swelling is essential for crop quality. Once established, it tolerates drought, although possibly at the expense of heavy cropping.
- Feeding: Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser in early spring for a steady nutrient supply throughout the season.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter. Remove overcrowded or crossing branches to keep an open shape, allowing maximum sunlight exposure to encourage fruiting.
Cultivated in the UK for over 400 years, the oldest recorded specimen grows in Lambeth Palace gardens in London. It has a rich biblical history, symbolises abundance and plenty and was a favourite at hedonistic Roman banquets. Now you can reach from your sun lounger like a Roman and pick directly from your own dwarf fig tree.
