Desert King Fig
Ficus 'Desert King'
Under Power Lines:
Yes—this tree is approved for planting under power lines.
Street Tree Planting:
No—fruit trees cannot be planted as street trees in Seattle. Fig trees must be planted within yards.
Description:
This self-fruitful fig thrives in Seattle, producing an annual crop of dark fruit with strawberry-red flesh. The fruit is rich and delicious.
Mature Height:
25
Mature Spread:
40 feet (if not pruned)
Leaves:
Dark green leaves with 3-5 lobes. Leaves grow to 4-8 inches long.
Flowers:
Produced within concave structures that become fruit.
Fruit:
Dark green fruit with strawberry-red flesh and excellent flavor. The Desert King fig produces one fruit crop a year, ripening in late summer. Self-pollinating.
Cultural Notes:
Be sure to give this fig room to grow. Prefers well drained soils and full sun. Self-pollinating.
Potential Problems:
Can be susceptible to spider mite, especially in dry conditions.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 15 feet from house or building
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections