These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Italian Honey Fig (Ficus carica 'Italian Honey')
Key Characteristics
Origin: The Italian Honey Fig, also sometimes referred to as 'Lattarola' or 'White Genoa', is an old Italian heirloom variety. Its exact origins are not definitively documented, but it has been cultivated in Italy for centuries, particularly in the Mediterranean regions. It is prized for its sweet, honey-like flavor.
Patent Status: As an old heirloom variety, the Italian Honey Fig is not patented. It is widely available and can be propagated freely.
Berry/Fruit Production: Produces medium to large-sized figs with a light green to pale yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is amber to light pink and has a distinctive, sweet, honey-like flavor. The eye is typically small, which helps prevent spoilage and insect infestation. It is known for its productivity, often yielding two crops per year in warmer climates: a breba crop (on the previous year's wood) and a main crop (on the current year's wood).
Ripening Time: The ripening time for Italian Honey figs varies depending on the climate and whether it's the breba or main crop. The breba crop ripens in **late spring to early summer**, while the main crop ripens in **late summer to early fall**.
Plant Size and Appearance: The Italian Honey Fig is a deciduous tree or large shrub with a spreading growth habit. It can reach a mature height and spread of 10-20 feet, though it can be kept smaller with pruning. It has large, deeply lobed, green leaves.
Flowers: Fig flowers are unique and are located inside the developing fruit (syconium), so they are not outwardly visible. Pollination is not required for common fig cultivars like Italian Honey to set fruit (parthenocarpic).
Hardiness: Italian Honey Figs are best suited for USDA Zones 7 through 10. They are somewhat cold-hardy but may require protection in Zone 7, where top growth can be damaged by severe freezes. They can also be grown in containers in colder zones and brought indoors for winter protection.
Pollination: Italian Honey Figs are self-fertile and do not require pollination from another fig variety to produce fruit.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal growth and fruit production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Watering: Young trees should be watered regularly, especially during the first year. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing: Generally, figs do not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Pruning can also help control the size of the tree.
Uses: The figs are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their sweet, honey-like flavor.
Drying.
Making jams, preserves, and other culinary uses.
Container growing, making it suitable for smaller spaces and colder climates.
Wildlife Value: Fig trees can attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.
Ornamental Value: With its attractive foliage and manageable size, the Italian Honey Fig can also serve as an ornamental tree in the landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance: Italian Honey Figs are generally considered to be relatively resistant to common fig diseases and pests. However, monitoring for potential issues is still recommended.
