italian fig trees | ficus carica

Since it’s fruiting season, this email from our files is especially relevant. Anyone who’s ever seen ants happily crawling in and out of their ripening fruit knows how irritating this is.

Albert writes:

Dear Italian fig trees,

Ants are attacking my figs as they ripen. What can I do? Any help will be appreciated.

Albert

Dear Albert,

Try “Tree Tanglefoot”* to trap the ants before they get to the figs.

Al

(* “Tree Tanglefoot” is an organic sticky compound of castor oil and natural waxes, that you apply as a barrier ring to keep climbing pests from getting access. It’s widely available.)

A recent email question, sent in by Lisa

I WANTED TO KNOW WHEN IS THE BEST PLACE TO MOVE & PLANT A FIG TREE, FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, & THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT. THANK YOU

LISA

Hi Lisa:

The only good time to move a fig tree is when it is dormant. The best time for you would be very early in the spring, when the tree is still in the dormant stage. Dig a hole in advance in the spot you have chosen to move it to, try to get as much of the roots as possible, and plant the tree as soon as possible.

All this is assuming that the tree is relatively small. A large tree can only be safely moved by a professional.

Al

It’s the last thing anyone’s in the mood for, discussing pre-winter care, but we’ve improved the descriptions (slightly!) and moved the whole discussion to its own category, called (appropriately):”Fig Tree Care“.