Long Neck’ figs and how you can grow your own delicious fruits!

Many people are familiar with figs, either fresh or dried. They may seem like an exotic fruit but they are remarkably easy to grow at home. Edible figs, also known as common figs (Ficus carica) originated in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. These edible fruit trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, and there is now a wide assortment of tasty cultivars available for the adventurous gardener.

Edible figs grow on small to medium-sized trees with a typically rounded, shrubby appearance. Each fig cultivar displays slight variations in stature, as well as the taste and appearance of the ripe fruits. The ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig has distinctive bright yellow-green fruits and a sweet, honey-like flavor.

Edible figs are easy to grow and make excellent landscaping plants. They require a mild climate, plenty of bright sunlight, and rich, moist soil. If you can provide these growing conditions, you should have no trouble growing a fig tree. ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are one of the smaller varieties and are an ideal option for container gardening and smaller landscapes.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the wonderful world of figs. If you can grow your own, it won’t be long before you’re harvesting your first crop!
Plant Natural History
Edible fig trees (Ficus carica), also referred to as the common fig, are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. In their natural habitat, they live in warm climates with plenty of sun and average-quality, well-drained soil. They’re an important part of their natural environment because they provide quality food for many species of wildlife.

Humans have a long relationship with fig trees and have cultivated and eaten figs since ancient times. Edible figs were introduced to Europe, China, and finally, North America, where they were grown for their abundance of delicious fruits.

These fruit trees are well-loved and have been bred extensively. There are now hundreds of different cultivars, including the ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig tree. Almost all of the commercially available figs are cultivars of the original parent species.

Characteristics
‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are one of the many common fig cultivars. This particular variety is known for its jumbo-sized fruits, which can reach about three inches across. The fruits are well-rounded, with a stout but prominent “neck” at the top of each fruit.

At maturity, the fruits develop bright yellow-green skins. On the inside, the tender flesh is pale amber-yellow. These figs have a delicious, sweet, honey-like flavor with a bit of seedy crunch. These figs are fully edible, with soft skin and extremely tender flesh.

‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are self-fertile and don’t require another fig nearby to set plenty of perfect fruits. These trees bloom in the spring but don’t expect to see your tree covered with flowers. Fig flowers are uniquely formed. They are inverted and appear more like small, hard, green fruits than a traditional petaled flower shape.

Fig trees have thick stems and smooth, gray bark. The main stems begin branching very close to the ground and can have a somewhat sprawling appearance. Overall, fig trees look densely branched and rounded in form. The leaves are broad and have three prominent lobes. They stay green throughout the summer and turn yellow in the fall before dropping for the winter.

How to Grow
‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are easy to grow as long as you can provide the right conditions for them to thrive. Do you live in a mild climate and have moist soil and plenty of sunlight? If you do, these trees should be right at home in your landscape.

Sunlight
This fig variety requires a location with full sun. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Fig trees grown in partial shade will lack vitality and won’t produce as many figs as those grown in full sunlight.

Water
Edible fig trees like regular soil moisture but not wet soil. Give your fig tree a thorough watering once a week, especially during the first couple of years after planting. Once fully established, fig trees become somewhat drought-tolerant.

Soil
‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig trees benefit from nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. The soil should be high in organic matter, and you can add some organic compost to the planting site to help enrich poor soil. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Climate and Temperature
The ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. These trees will survive mild winters and hot summers. Excessively hot and humid climates may increase the likelihood of some fungal and bacterial diseases, such as leaf spot, fruit rot, and powdery mildew. Severe freezes may kill some or all of the branches, but as long as the roots are undamaged, the tree will re-sprout.

Fertilizing
A young one- to two-year-old fig tree typically does not need any extra fertilizer. As your tree matures, apply an annual dose of a well-balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can decrease your tree’s fruit production.

Rather than fertilizer, you can add a top dressing of organic compost mulch over the roots each year. As the mulch breaks down, it will naturally boost the soil nutrients for your tree.

Pruning
Check your tree periodically for dead and damaged branches, and prune these off as you notice them. Edible fig trees don’t require extra pruning unless you want to keep them a particular shape and size.

Do your pruning in the late winter before your tree starts to leaf out for the season. Wear gloves when pruning a fig tree to avoid contact with the sap.

Mulch
Add a layer of biodegradable mulch around your fig tree, keeping the mulch away from the trunk of the tree by a couple of inches. Mulch will help preserve soil moisture around the roots and will also help protect the roots from winter freezes. As the mulch breaks down, it will help nourish the soil. Mulches have the added benefit of helping prevent weed growth around your tree.

Overwintering container-grown figs
If you are growing a ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig tree in a container, protect it from severe winter weather. Store your container in an unheated garage or basement, keeping the soil just slightly moist to keep the roots from drying out. When the weather begins to warm in the spring, move your potted fig outside again.

Harvesting
‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs will become plump, rounded, and bright yellow-green when fully ripe. Keep a close eye on them during harvest time and harvest them daily as they ripen. If you are unsure when to harvest, simply pick a fig and try it. If it is tender and sweet, then it’s ripe and ready to pick. If it’s still firm and bland tasting, it needs a little more time on the tree.

Harvest your figs carefully by bending the stem where it meets the branch, and they should snap off with little resistance. Handle the fruits carefully because they bruise easily.

Storage
Fresh-picked figs can be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for several days. If you need to store them longer than this, consider drying them (for an easy snack), freezing them (for making smoothies), or using them for canning and preserving. Try making pickled figs, fig jelly, or fig relish!