Italian Honey Fig Tree

About the Italian Honey Fig Tree

Honey-sweet, and simply divine eating. The pale chartreuse skin is very slightly tart against the luscious, sweet pale amber flesh. Fruit is exquisite fresh, but also dries beautifully. “Closed eye” when ripe; helps resist splitting and souring.

Minimal pruning needed, and grows well in containers. Heat- and drought-tolerant, though some fruit drop may occur if tree is dry for too long a period. For some reason, deer are not terribly interested in this variety. In warmer zones, a first crop is possible in late July and again in mid-September. The Italian Honey fig is self-fertile.

Overwintering Fig Trees in Cooler Climates

If you experience temperatures below freezing, then additional winter protection is necessary for best results.

Potted figs should be placed in an insulated, unheated, preferably dark room or cool basement. Water them monthly until just moist so the roots do not dry out completely.

For fig trees planted in-ground, insulate as much as possible by getting creative. Use chicken wire and burlap or surround with straw bales stuffed with leaves. The pliable branches can be bent in to preserve as much as the plant as possible. What is not covered, will likely die back. Figs fruit on new growth and the insulated roots will send out new growth, even if the top dies.