Fig trees grown in frost free climates can produce two crops of fruit a year. Provide a very sunny location with average soil, water and fertilizer. The straight species is not hardy in Chicago and is best grown as a large container plant that can be moved indoors to avoid the worst winter freezes. The leaves are also used as a wrapping for steamed or cooked foods. Small wasps are the pollinators for the fruit - if you've ever eaten fig cookies - the crunchy bits were the skeletal remains of the wasps.

A Mediterranean native, this plant has been referenced in the Bible.

Fig תְאֵנָה T’enah