The Beall fig (Ficus carica), introduced in 1924 by W.A. Beall in Santa Clara, California, is a popular fig variety known for its fruit and suitability for home gardens. It offers unique qualities that make it a desirable addition to many landscapes.
Beall Fig Characteristics
The Beall fig tree is moderately vigorous, typically reaching a mature height of 10 to 20 feet, though its size can be managed with pruning. Its leaves are medium to large, often five-lobed, and can appear dull to slightly glossy. This variety adapts well to various growing methods, including in-ground planting and container cultivation.
The fruit of the Beall fig is distinctive, with a purplish-black skin and amber-colored flesh. Breba figs, the first crop, are typically large and pyriform with a prominent neck, weighing around 71 grams. The second, or main, crop figs are medium to large, oblate to turbinate, and weigh approximately 66 grams. The flesh offers a delicate, mildly sweet flavor, sometimes described as having notes similar to a peach. The smooth, glossy skin helps the fruit resist rain damage, allowing them to remain on the tree until fully ripe.
Cultivating and Caring for Beall Figs
Successful cultivation of the Beall fig requires proper site selection. Trees thrive in locations receiving at least eight hours of full sunlight daily, with adequate space for mature growth, especially for in-ground planting.
Beall figs prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.5, though they tolerate 5.5 to 8.0. A soil test before planting helps determine specific needs and necessary amendments, like dolomitic limestone for low pH.
Plant in spring after the last frost, or early fall in warmer climates, allowing establishment before winter. Space in-ground trees 15 to 20 feet apart. When planting bare-root trees, set them about 4 inches deeper than in the nursery to encourage low branching. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
Consistent watering benefits fig trees, especially during establishment and fruiting. Young trees need regular watering, about once a week during their first growing season. Mature trees require about 20 gallons per week during dry periods, unless rainfall is sufficient. Wilting leaves indicate under-watering; soggy soil can cause root issues.
Beall figs often grow well in moderately fertile soils without much additional fertilizer. If growth is less than 12 inches per season, apply a nitrogen supplement (1/2 to 1 pound) divided into three to four feedings from late winter to midsummer. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning shapes the tree, promotes air circulation, and encourages fruit production. Basic pruning involves removing suckers, low-hanging branches, and inward growth to improve light penetration. Figs fruit on one-year-old wood and current season’s growth, so pruning stimulates new fruiting wood. Cutting back top vertical growth encourages lateral branching, increasing fruiting area.
Figs are generally not bothered by many pests or diseases. Birds can be a concern; netting may be used for protection. Fig Mosaic Virus is common, often causing yellow spotting on leaves, but is typically benign and cosmetic, especially once trees are established.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Beall Figs
The breba crop, developing on last year’s wood, ripens late spring to early summer. The main crop, forming on new growth, matures late summer into early fall, typically September to October. Exact timing varies by regional climate.
Determining ripeness is key for optimal flavor, as figs do not ripen further once picked. Indicators of ripeness include a deepened purplish-black color and a soft, yielding texture, especially around the neck. The fig’s neck will droop, causing the fruit to hang down. Some ripe figs may exude a small “tear” of nectar from the eye. If firm or perpendicular to the stem, it is not ready.
When harvesting, gently pull or cut the fruit from the stem, leaving a small portion attached to prevent spoilage. Handle figs with care, as they bruise easily; place them in a single layer in a shallow dish. Wearing gloves or long sleeves may be advisable, as milky latex from the stem can cause skin irritation.
Beall figs are valued for fresh consumption due to their sweet flavor. Enjoy them directly from the tree, in desserts, or savory dishes. For longer storage, fresh figs keep in the refrigerator for a few days. They can also be preserved by drying or making jams, extending enjoyment beyond harvest.
Propagating and Protecting Beall Figs
Propagating Beall figs is commonly done using stem cuttings. Hardwood cuttings, taken during the dormant season, are generally most successful. Cuttings should be 9 to 18 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, with several nodes. Root them in moist potting mix or a perlite/vermiculite blend, ensuring at least one node is below the soil surface. Consistent moisture and a warm environment, ideally with a heat mat, enhance rooting success.
Other propagation methods include air layering (where roots form on a branch while still attached to the parent plant) and ground layering. While possible, propagation from seed is not recommended for home growers, as resulting trees may not be true to the parent variety and take many years to fruit.
Winter protection is often necessary for Beall fig trees in colder climates. While some fig varieties are hardy to USDA Zone 7 (0-10°F), prolonged exposure below 5°F can damage young trees. Container-grown figs can be moved indoors to a cool, dark location (e.g., a garage) where temperatures remain between 15°F and 50°F.
In-ground trees in colder regions can be protected by heavily mulching the base with organic matter like straw or wood chips. Another method involves bending branches to the ground and covering the tree with insulating materials (blankets, burlap, or straw), then securing it with a tarp. This provides insulation and protects against harsh winds. Remove winter protection around early March for the tree to resume growth.