Cauliflorous refers to plants that produce flowers directly on the trunk or larger branches, rather than on newer growth or tips of the plant. In the case of figs, some varieties exhibit cauliflorous behavior, where the fig flowers and fruit develop directly on the main stems or older wood.

This unique growth habit is particularly interesting for collectors and horticulturists, as it distinguishes these figs from others that bear fruit on newer branches. It also influences how the tree is pruned and cared for, making it a fascinating feature in fig cultivation.

The number of hours a fig tree requires at low temperatures to break dormancy and stimulate fruiting. While most figs need minimal chill hours, varieties may vary in their requirements.

As figs ripen, chlorophyll degrades, leading to the development of vibrant skin and flesh colors. This process also affects the fruit’s sugar content and flavor profile, signaling peak ripeness.

A condition characterized by yellowing of the fig tree's leaves due to insufficient chlorophyll. This often results from nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, damaged roots, or diseases, and can significantly impact the tree's health and fruit yield.

It is a deciduous, spreading, multi-trunk tree type (unless trained) , also known as Ficus Carica. It grows to heights of fifteen to thirty feet. Though, Ficus Carica was native to the Middle East and West Asia, but now it is grown throughout the world. The fragrant leaves of the tree are 12-25 centimeters long and 10-18 centimeters wide. Unlike other types, it does not need pollination to bear fruit. It bears one to two crops in a single year and produces fruit on the current season’s growth. Because of its less pollinating demands, it is quite popular in the United States.

A liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water, rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. Regular application to fig trees can improve soil fertility and overall plant health.

The practice of removing excess figs to improve fruit size and quality. Overburdened branches may struggle to support numerous figs, so thinning helps balance growth.

A specialized pollination process where fig wasps transfer pollen from caprifigs to Smyrna figs. Without this interaction, Smyrna figs cannot produce mature fruit, highlighting the unique ecological relationship.

The process of choosing specific fig varieties based on climate, taste, or purpose (e.g., fresh eating or drying). Factors such as hardiness and pollination requirements influence the decision.

The combination of pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and watering techniques that ensure optimal growth and productivity. Adapting these practices to the specific needs of a fig variety is key to success.

Part of an existing plant used to propogate. Generally, about 6 inches long and wider than a pencil with 3-4 nodes with figs.

Diatomaceous Earth: Often used as a soil amendment and/or as a treatment for ants and other insects. Also used as an absorbent for spills and such. Goes by many brand names, one of which is Opti-Sorb.

Figs are deciduous trees, meaning they shed their leaves annually during the fall or winter. This natural cycle helps conserve energy during dormancy.

Dennis Johnson (aka: Snaglpus on various forums) discovered and named Irene's Black Greek. In 2022, he was the keynote speaker at the Fig Frolic. He told the whole story of its discovery. He is a collector who has grown and tasted untold numbers of figs. Here is the entire session for his YouTube channel and it can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/YSTTCVOyEWY

D=Davis, FIC=Ficus: It is the identification system used by National Clonal Germplasm System to track its fig varieties. Sometimes referred to as the Site Identifier. For example DFIC 81 has the common name Genoa White.

The progressive death of shoots, branches, or roots, starting at the tips. In fig trees, dieback can be caused by environmental stressors, pathogens, or improper pruning techniques, and addressing the underlying cause is essential for the tree's recovery.

The natural resting phase of fig trees, typically occurring during colder months in temperate climates. During dormancy, the tree conserves energy by shedding leaves and slowing metabolic processes. Proper pruning and care during this time can enhance growth and fruit production in the following season.

A water-efficient method of delivering water directly to a fig tree’s root zone. This minimizes water waste and reduces the risk of fungal diseases associated with wet foliage.

Fig trees are known for their ability to survive extended periods of drought. Their deep root systems allow them to access water reserves, making them ideal for regions with irregular rainfall.

Fig wasps are essential pollinators for many fig species, particularly those in tropical regions. This symbiotic relationship ensures the reproduction of both the fig tree and the wasp species.

The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil that influence fig tree growth. Key factors include soil texture, pH, drainage, and organic matter content.

Edible Landscaping: A popular nursery for figs and other fruits. Some fig variety strains are attributed to this nursery.

The innermost layer of a fig fruit’s skin, the endocarp is responsible for protecting the seeds and pulp. Its texture varies among varieties, affecting the eating experience.

A type of seed germination where the cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge above the soil surface. While not commonly discussed in figs, understanding germination types can be beneficial for those interested in growing figs from seed.

A type of fig that begins its life growing on another plant or structure, deriving nutrients from the air and rain. While rare in cultivation, they are common in tropical environments.

Eric Durtschi, known in the fig world as “The Fig Boss and The Fig-Tator,” has earned widespread respect from fig growers globally. On OurFigs.com, he’s recognized as a key influencer—featured in interviews, tutorials, and collaborative videos. He’s admired for experimenting with and evaluating over 800 fig varieties, many sourced from wild seedlings across California, which inspires and educates countless gardeners. 

Although not a professional horticulturist, Eric’s practical expertise shines:

• Extensive hands-on experience rooting, cultivating, and tasting hundreds of unique seedlings.

• Frequent speaker at events and webinars, such as his featured presentation “Choosing the Best Fig for Your Area,” where he shares insights tailored to diverse growing zones.

• Creator of instructional materials, including educational videos—such as his well-received segment on combating the black fig fruit fly and Silba Adipata - Black Fig Fly Damage Identification.

This unique blend of countless varietal trials, hands-on technique sharing, and consistent community interaction marks him as one of the most qualified fig enthusiasts around. Eric’s reach extends well beyond California. Here are just a coup[le of reasons why Eric is so valued by the community:

• Unmatched Passion & Breadth: Eric’s catalog of ~800 varieties holds an almost encyclopedic depth—yet he remains humble and inclusive .

• Generosity of Knowledge: Through videos, interviews, and forum posts, he makes complex growing techniques accessible.

• Cultivating Innovation: He actively scouts wild seedlings, introduces new favorites (like “Holy Smokes!”), and pushes the boundaries of what fig collections can include.

• Trusted Mentor: Whether advising on fruit fly prevention or propagation methods, his contributions are consistently practical and well-received.

Eric Durtschi stands out in the fig world as an enthusiastic explorer, skilled grower, and generous mentor. With a staggering personal registry of at least 800 varieties, educational outreach through videos and talks, and authentic community engagement—he’s not only respected, he’s deeply valued. From California to beyond, Eric is celebrated for building bridges in the fig-growing community, inspiring both beginners and seasoned collectors alike.

A pruning technique to train fig trees to grow flat against a wall or trellis. This method saves space and increases sun exposure for even ripening.

A horticultural technique where fig trees are trained to grow flat against a wall or trellis. This method saves space, improves sunlight exposure, and enhances air circulation, making it popular among gardeners with limited space.

Figs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, religious ceremonies, and cultural practices. From treating ailments to symbolizing fertility and prosperity, fig trees hold a unique place in the history and culture of many civilizations.

The combined process of water evaporation from soil and transpiration from leaves. Monitoring evapotranspiration helps determine irrigation needs, particularly in dry climates.

The sticky sap or latex that leaks from figs when the fruit or stems are cut. While it helps deter pests, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

A condition where the ostiole of a fig turns inward, reducing vulnerability to pests and water intrusion.

The shallow, fine roots of a fig tree that absorb water and nutrients. Proper mulching and watering practices are essential to protect these delicate roots.

Occurs when figs overripen or split, leading to sugar breakdown and yeast activity. While this can attract pests, fermentation is also key to making fig-based products like wine or vinegar.

FigBid.com, often referred to simply as Fig Bid, is a fig-focused auction and sales platform that emerged to give fig enthusiasts a centralized place to buy and sell cuttings, plants, and trees. However, what began as a niche marketplace has steadily grown into a high-stakes arena where prices often skyrocket beyond reason, raising questions about accessibility, ethics, and the platform’s role in shaping the fig collecting economy.

One of the most common criticisms levied at FigBid is that it has turned the act of collecting and growing figs into a financial game. Prices for fig cuttings—sometimes no more than six-inch sticks—can soar into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars depending on the popularity or hype surrounding a variety. These inflated prices often reflect more about rarity narratives and bidding wars than the actual horticultural value of the plant.

While the platform does offer a way for sellers to reach a wide audience, it’s clear that the site owners benefit heavily from transaction fees and listing volume. The more sales and bidding activity occur, the more revenue is generated through the system’s fee structure. This has led some to argue that FigBid’s primary motivation is no longer community service but monetization. Unlike traditional forums or fig-growing clubs, where knowledge-sharing is the currency, FigBid tends to emphasize commercial success and “top-dollar” wins.

Even sellers who start out with good intentions sometimes find themselves swept into the profit-driven culture, encouraged to chase trends or rename seedlings in hopes of tapping into the next viral variety. It's a marketplace that rewards hype, not necessarily horticultural integrity. New collectors—especially those unfamiliar with propagation or market values—are often priced out or lured into overpaying, fueling an unsustainable collecting culture.

There’s also the perception that the same handful of sellers dominate the platform, creating an environment that can feel less like a grassroots fig exchange and more like a curated auction house with insider benefits. The emphasis on flashy photos, limited quantities, and countdown timers contributes to a sense of urgency that plays directly into FOMO (fear of missing out)—a classic marketing tactic more commonly associated with online retail than plant collecting.

In the end, FigBid reflects a broader trend in the plant world: as interest in rare and exotic varieties rises, so too does the drive to capitalize on that demand. But in doing so, it risks alienating the very community it was built to serve—those who grow figs not for profit, but for passion.

The deliberate cross-pollination of fig trees to develop new cultivars with improved traits such as flavor, disease resistance, or adaptability. Breeding programs often take years to produce market-ready varieties.

Fig Database was founded by Rigo Amador as a specialized, community-driven catalog of edible fig varieties. Its name traces to a lineage of similar “variety archives” curated by fig collectors in online forums—where a more organized, searchable system was sorely needed (figdatabase.com). Over time, the service evolved into a platform with user-submitted reviews, star ratings, flavor classifications, and advanced search tools tailored to both casual gardeners and serious collectors.

Since its launch, a key driver behind Fig Database's growth has been its emphasis on community contributions and preservation of rare fig biodiversity. Members from around the globe submit pictures, tasting notes, geographic growing data, and even taxonomic input. The integration of mapping tools and gardening zones began as a way to visually demonstrate where varieties thrive, adding practical value for growers and contributing to amateur fig conservation.

The platform also supports learning through its blog, where in-depth posts explore history (“Black Mission heritage,” “fig wasp symbiosis,” etc.) and gardening strategies. Notably, Fig Database functions not just as an archive but as a living knowledge network, echoing early botanical societies and hobbyist exchanges from centuries past.

A preservation method where ripe figs are pureed, spread thin, and dried to create a chewy, nutritious snack. This traditional technique highlights the versatility of figs in culinary applications.

Fig leaves contain compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that may help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. They are also used in herbal teas and traditional medicine.

A common but typically non-lethal virus in figs, causing mottled or distorted leaves. Though most infected trees still produce well, selecting FMV-resistant varieties is ideal.