From what I understand George, this isn't just a curiosity. It's a good fig. I was told that the breba crop is very early, followed by a September main crop of huge, good black figs. I asked about fig size differences between the two crops and was told that they are about the same size, with the breba crop being fewer in number. I would think that a prostrate fig would be attractive, but that it would be difficult to get figs, unless you put on top of a wall,or a pedestal, so the branches aren't all over the ground. This tree is very upright (and tall), the specimen that I saw was cut off at about five feet, and I'm sure it would naturally go much higher. The Belleclare web site is still up, and I had hoped the telephone number was still working - I called this morning. Unfortunately, it's no longer in service. I vaguely remember someone mentioning that the nursery land was being sold. So I assume the address isn't any good, either. Would anyone in the area know how to contact the DePaolo's? I think it is likely that the original owner of the tree got it from Belleclare, and that they might know something about it's origins and identity. And if anyone is aware of any weeping figs, I'd appreciate hearing about them.

mersiepoo, Figs indoors won't perform well. Set your pot outdoors in the warmest, sunniest spot you have available. Do be sure to keep it well watered, but let the excess drain freely from the pot (don't use a saucer). Clay pots are good because they breath and excess water wicks away quickly; cons are they can dry out too quickly and are heavy. Store your fig in an unheated garage or basement during the winter months.

Thank you! It says hardy to -18C which will be good to place in my garage as it rarely gets that cold in there except on the coldest nights... I will raise it off the garage floor and maybe wrap partially. So should I remove it from the plastic 2 gallon container? I have another plastic container that is about 4 gallons. Does transferring to a bigger size shock the plant? And finally, what soil is best? I come across a range of advice.. My dad, who was born in Italy, always said his figs grew best is sandy locations.. he still has land there and has about 50 fig trees, all doing quite well... delicious fruit when fresh!

That's actually the problem. Both grow quickly and large (although particularly F. religiosa; they can get massive). Space is limited, and while trees can (and will) be trimmed to keep them under control, justifying allocating a footprint for both may be difficult. My understanding is that fig species generally take to grafting well, but I was hoping someone would know more about the combination of F. carica and F. religiosa. BTW, your mentioning the ability to open a crack in a few years raises an interesting possibility - creating a structure where a F. religiosa would be with the explicit intent that it would be attacked by the roots, and take on that classic fig-overtaking-a-ruins look. Elsewhere, there are no "bottoms" on the pots, and root penetration of exterior foundations can be controlled with copper. Probably smart to have aggressive-rooting plants like figs away from the edges nonetheless, however. I understand that there are some F. religiosa in India that are said to trace their lineage back to the original bodhi tree - for example, one growing at the Mahabodhi Temple. Do you know if it's possible to get seeds / cuttings, or are these tightly controlled? I guess I should really be getting in contact with the temple to ask about that... You don't think anyone would take offense to the idea of F. carica branches grafted onto an ancestral Bodhi tree, do you, or that it would ruin its significance?