Fig Trees

Common Fig 'Napolitana Negra'

Ficus carica

Also known as: Napolitana Negra

Fig ‘Napolitana Negra’ is a variety of the common fig (Ficus carica), a deciduous fruit tree with edible figs for sunny, well-drained sites.

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Attributes

Type

Fruit, deciduous

Spread

2.5 – 4.0 m

Soil

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Min. temperature

-10 °C

Data: Royal Horticultural Society, Missouri Botanical Garden

Edible Drought tolerant Deciduous

Care guide

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low

Height

3–8 m

Hardiness

Medium

Flowering

Spring

Foliage

Deciduous

Safety

Humans/Pets: Harmful to skin with sunlight. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

In Cyprus

Fig ‘Napolitana Negra’ is a variety of the common fig (Ficus carica), recorded in a fig variety collection in Murcia, Spain. It is a deciduous tree that wants a sunny position and well-drained ground, and suits chalky, sandy and loamy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. It tolerates dry spells once established, but steady cropping needs adequate soil moisture: both too little and too much irrigation reduce fruiting. The RHS rates the species Ficus carica H4, roughly −10 to −5 °C under UK conditions; this is not a rating of this particular variety. In colder areas give it a sunny, sheltered spot and judge suitability on the microclimate. Plant in autumn or spring.

Uses in gardens and projects

The RHS gives the species a cultivated size of about 3 m tall and 4 m wide, though the final size depends heavily on pruning and growing conditions. It suits family gardens, courtyards and small orchards, and agritourism properties that want a productive tree. Being deciduous, it gives summer shade and lets winter sun through. The fruit is edible; a young fig usually needs at least two years before it starts to crop.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a fig tree get?: The RHS gives the common fig a size of about 3 m tall and 4 m wide. Pruning largely controls its size.
Can fig trees survive frost in Cyprus?: The RHS rates the species Ficus carica H4 (roughly −10 to −5 °C under UK conditions); this is not a rating of this particular variety. In colder spots give it a sunny, sheltered position and judge suitability on the microclimate.
Do fig trees need a lot of water?: They tolerate dry spells once established, but reliable cropping needs adequate soil moisture. Both under- and over-watering can reduce fruiting or cause fruit to drop.
Can the fig tree irritate skin?: Contact with the plant combined with sunlight can harm the skin. Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning or handling it.