Do you love to eat figs? Did you know that fig trees are remarkably easy to grow? In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of one of the most popular fig cultivars, the ‘Black Mission’ fig. Mission fig (Ficus carica ‘Mission’), also known as the ‘Black Mission’ fig, is a popular edible fig cultivar. There is a tremendous variety of different edible figs, and the ‘Mission’ fig is one of the more common varieties you can buy from garden centers and plant nurseries. ‘Mission’ figs are also one of the most common fresh figs sold in supermarkets, so you are likely to have seen them somewhere before. The most likely reason you’ll want to grow a fig is for eating. Figs are sweet, tender, and absolutely delicious! A fig tree takes up a bit of sunny space and requires rich, moist soil, but if you can provide the right growing conditions, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to grow your own fresh figs. You can eat figs directly from the tree. They are delicious when eaten fresh, at their peak ripeness. But figs ripen very quickly, and you are likely to grow more than you can eat all at once. Fortunately, you can enjoy figs in a lot of different ways. Preserve them in jams and jellies, make pickled or canned figs, freeze them to blend into smoothies, or dry them for snacking. Keep reading to find out if you can grow a fig tree in your yard and how to help it thrive so you can harvest your own superabundance of these fantastic fruits. Plant Natural History Edible figs originated in Asia and the Mediterranean region, including some of the warmer climates of Europe. Fig trees grow naturally on rocky hillsides and in well-drained soils with full sun. They evolved with a special pollinator relationship with the fig wasp. In cultivation, however, most fig cultivars, including the ‘Black Mission’ fig, do not require a pollinator to produce an abundance of edible fruits. Fig trees have long been cultivated as a valuable food crop. They are now grown throughout the moderate climates in the world and have been bred to include hundreds of different cultivars. ‘Black Mission’ figs are very productive trees and easy to grow, making this variety an ideal candidate for commercial production. They bloom in the springtime, but don’t expect to see any flowers. The flower is actually more of an inverted fruit. In early summer, look for tiny, rounded green structures. These are a combination of the flowers and the fruits. The flowering parts are inside and not visible from the outside. These fruiting bodies will continue to enlarge and grow and will eventually become the first fruits of the year. This first crop is called the “breba” crop. Then, in mid-summer, trees will produce a second or “main” crop of fruits. Many figs produce a small breba crop and a larger main crop, but the ‘Black Mission’ fig produces an excellent breba crop, making it one of the earlier-fruiting varieties you can grow. Characteristics The ‘Black Mission’ fig is a deciduous, small to medium-sized fruit-bearing tree. These trees develop a very highly-branched, rounded form and more closely resemble a large-branched bush. The branches, particularly at the truck and base, are very thick, with smooth, light gray bark. Fig trees have large, deeply lobed leaves. The leaves emerge in early spring and stay on the tree until they are killed by the first frost. Fig leaves do not display bright fall foliage but rather change quickly from green to brown. The leaves have short, stiff hairs on them that cause them to feel a little rough and possibly even irritating on sensitive skin. The leaves and stems also contain a white, latex-like, sticky sap. This sap can cause contact dermatitis on sensitive skin. It’s best to wear long sleeves and gloves when working closely with these trees and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, especially if you come in contact with the sap. Most people do not have a severe reaction to the sap, but it can still be slightly irritating. The ‘Black Mission’ fig produces high-quality edible fruits. The fruits are two to three inches across and change from green to reddish-purple at maturity. The fleshy interior is strawberry pink and has a deliciously sweet flavor. These fruits have very soft skin and split easily when they are past their peak ripeness. These trees develop a large, shallow, sprawling root system. Wherever you plant your fig, you can expect to see some of these knotty roots poking above the soil surface around your tree. Propagation The easiest ways to propagate your fig tree will be either by taking cuttings or starting a root sprout. Stem cuttings are very easy and reliable and will grow you a full-size fig tree from a dormant twig! Whichever propagation method you choose, you will need a mature tree from which to gather your starter materials.

Sometimes, you’re looking for a flower that’s showy but not gaudy, delicate looking yet hardy, likes a partially shaded location, and perhaps even makes an excellent cut flower. Astrantias certainly fit this description with their sturdy pincushion-like flowers and neat clumps of vegetation. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss everything you need to know to grow a beautiful, long-lasting astrantia patch in your moist, shaded garden plot. Astrantia, also known as masterwort, is a group of showy plants with long-lasting papery bracts that make excellent fresh-cut flowers and dried flowers. You certainly don’t have to cut them to enjoy them, however. Astrantias make fabulous garden plants. They add charm to your cottage garden and a dash of color to your shade garden. Or place them along a perennial border and enjoy their beauty anytime. These plants make an excellent filler for edges, borders, and corners. They are compact, with a low to medium height. Their neat clumps will slowly expand over time to fill in their available space without becoming aggressive or invasive. Their unusual flowers add both subtle charm and character to your flower garden, politely complimenting their neighboring plants. No matter where in your landscape you decide to grow astrantia, they are sure to be a pleasure. These plants are easy to grow and low maintenance. You’ll need a relatively moderate to cool climate, however, as they don’t like heat and humidity. Otherwise, place them in a location with partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Do you have just the spot for a showy and well-behaved perennial flower? Let’s dig right in to learn more about astrantia and how you can help these plants thrive in your home garden. Plant Natural History Astrantia is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) that’s native to Europe and western Asia. In its native habitat, astrantia grows in fields, meadows, and grasslands. It is also found in open woodlands and along streamsides because of its affinity for moist soil. Astrantia is a genus with at least six different species. Astrantia major is the most widely cultivated and is commonly available in the nursery and garden trade. Astrantias have a long history of cultivation and have been bred into numerous showy cultivars. Astrantia is also commonly known as masterwort. Characteristics Astrantia is an herbaceous perennial flower that grows two to three feet tall. These mounding plants form attractive rounded clumps. Within a few years of growth, your plants will start to spread by self-seeding and root stolons. They form colonies but are not considered invasive because it’s easy to control any unwanted spread. Astrantia leaves are palmate and typically have five deeply cut lobes. The number of lobes per leaf ranges from three to seven, and each lobe is toothed along the edge. The leaves typically remain dark green throughout the growing season, then turn brown in the fall and go dormant until the following spring. The flowers of astrantia are naturally greenish-white, although the cultivars display a variety of showy colors in the pink and purple range. At the outer edge of each inflorescence are stiff, papery bracts. At the center of the inflorescence is a pincushion-like formation of a cluster of tiny flowers. The larger papery bracts completely surround the internal mass of tiny flowers. Astrantia blooms anytime from late spring into fall, depending on the local climate conditions. Propagation You can easily propagate your astrantia plant by seed and division of established plants. Since seeds collected from cultivars and hybrids generally don’t grow true to the parent plant, and some varieties may be infertile, you’ll have the most consistent results propagating your plants by division. How to Grow In favorable climate conditions, astrantia is easy to grow. You will need a mild climate with a partially shaded location and rich, moist soil. Maintenance A healthy astrantia is a low-maintenance plant. It appreciates the same good garden maintenance practices that will benefit your entire landscape. Keep your garden free of weeds, check regularly for pests and diseases, and remove dead vegetation each winter. You can add mulch around the roots to help maintain soil moisture.

If you love fragrant flowers in the garden, you’ve simply got to add heliotrope to your flowerbeds. These wonderfully perfumed flowering plants are simply stunning. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has the info on growing and taking care of these pretty perennials. You may have noticed in your gardening adventures that some flowers seem to follow the sun across the sky. Sunflowers, for instance, will turn their flowers to face the sun throughout the day. Although this is a fairly common trait among flowers, heliotrope gets its name for this habit. It means to turn or change with the sun. Heliotropes are a favorite summer bloomer with lovely, fragrant flowers and dense, textured foliage. They are sometimes known as cherry pie plants because of their fragrance. The flowers are said to smell like a sweet dessert with notes of vanilla and cherry with a nutty almond undertone. Though they are often grown as annuals, these plants are perennial in warm climates. They make a beautiful addition to the garden. They are especially nice to plant near entryways, paths, and outdoor living spaces, where their scent can be best enjoyed. What Is It? Very popular in the Victorian era, heliotrope was a common flower to find in gardens and parks. One was even placed on the casket of the famous American poetess, Emily Dickinson. This sweet-smelling flower has traveled across the seas and back again. Let’s explore the origins of the plant, and discuss how to help this vintage flower flourish in the modern garden. Characteristics This blooming beauty is a perennial in warm climates and is usually grown as an annual in cooler ones. It is a small, shrubby plant that can reach up to six feet tall in its natural environment. In cultivation, it will be closer to half that size. The leaves are oval-shaped and deep green with a rough texture and prominent veining. Some varieties have leaves with a purple tint, while others are solid green. They can also have a wrinkled texture. This flower is prized for its fragrant flowers. These five-lobed blossoms grow in flat clusters and can be shades of blue, violet, or white. The perfume is sweet and delicate with almond undertones and notes of vanilla and fruit. Older varieties tend to have a stronger scent than newer hybrid varieties. These plants have a long blooming season that lasts from late spring until early fall. Deadheading the blooms will result in more flower production, as it helps the plant to redirect energy to new growth. Native Area Heliotrope plants are native to the Americas, with species occurring in North, South, and Central America alike. Their habitats differ by species. Some species grow naturally in arid, desert areas, while others prefer moist woodlands. Still others are decidedly salt-tolerant and grow in sandy, coastal areas. Planting You can grow this plant in the ground, as well as in containers. It makes an excellent border plant and is stunning in a mass planting. The plants grow taller than they do wide, so plant them relatively close together. Leave about 12″ of space between these and their neighboring plants. Plant your heliotrope in the spring after all the threat of frost has passed. Start them from seed ahead of time to maximize bloom time. This is especially important in climates with short growing seasons.