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Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree

Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree

$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
The Blackberry Jam fruit tree, scientifically Randia formosa a cultivar of Ficus carica, is a type of fig tree known for its sweet, dark fruit and suitability for warm climates. Often confused with blackberry plants (Rubus spp.) due to its name, this fig variety is prized for its compact growth and rich, jam-like flavor, making it ideal for home gardens and container growing. Below is a detailed guide to its characteristics, care requirements, and cultivation practices.
Taste
  • Flavor Profile: Blackberry Jam figs are celebrated for their intensely sweet, jammy flavor with a rich, berry-like depth and subtle earthy undertones. The dark purple to black skin encases a deep red, juicy flesh that is soft and succulent.
  • Texture: The fruit offers a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture, perfect for fresh eating, drying, or making jams and desserts. Its high sugar content enhances its suitability for preserves.
  • Harvest Timing: Figs typically ripen from late summer to early fall (August to October in most regions), with peak flavor when they soften and detach easily from the branch.
Best Growing Environment
  • Climate: Thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates with long, hot summers and mild winters, requiring minimal chill hours (100–200 hours below 45°F) for fruit production. It is well-suited to regions with low frost risk.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Amending with organic matter like compost or aged manure improves soil structure and fertility.
  • Location: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot to maximize fruit yield and protect from strong winds. In cooler climates, position near a south-facing wall to enhance warmth and extend the growing season.
Common Names
  • Primary Name: Blackberry Jam Fig
  • Alternate Names: None widely recognized, though it may be referred to as a dark-fruited fig or simply “Blackberry Fig” in some nursery catalogs.
  • Regional Notes: The name “Blackberry Jam” reflects its dark, sweet fruit, distinguishing it from other fig varieties like Brown Turkey or Celeste.
Average Height and Diameter
  • Height: Grows to 6–12 feet tall at maturity, making it a compact, dwarf-like fig variety suitable for small gardens or containers.
  • Diameter: Canopy spread is typically 6–10 feet, forming a bushy, rounded shape. Pruning can maintain a smaller size for container growing or espaliered forms.
  • Note: In containers, height is often limited to 4–8 feet, depending on pot size (10–15 gallons recommended for mature trees).
Growth Rate
  • Rate: Moderate, with 1–2 feet of growth per year under optimal conditions. Young trees establish quickly and may produce fruit within 1–3 years of planting.
  • Fruit Production: Begins bearing fruit early, often in the second year, with mature trees yielding 50–100 figs per season, depending on care and environmental factors.
Sun Requirements
  • Exposure: Requires full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to ensure robust fruiting and flavor development. Insufficient sunlight reduces yield and fruit quality.
  • Placement: Avoid shaded areas or locations near tall structures that block sunlight, as figs need ample sun to ripen properly.
Cold Hardiness
  • Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7–10, tolerating winter lows down to 10–15°F with protection. In zone 7, winter care (e.g., mulching or wrapping) is necessary to prevent dieback.
  • Frost Sensitivity: Early spring growth and young figs are vulnerable to late frosts. In colder zones, grow in containers to move indoors during winter or use frost blankets for in-ground trees.
Water Requirements
  • Young Trees: Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season to establish roots, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Adjust frequency based on soil type (more often in sandy soils, less in clay).
  • Mature Trees: Water every 1–2 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer), especially during fruit development. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.
  • Method: Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water to the root zone, keeping foliage dry to minimize fungal diseases like rust.
Planting Guide
  • Timing: Plant in early spring (March–April in zones 7–10) to allow root establishment before summer heat. In warmer zones (9–10), fall planting (September–October) is also suitable.
  • Site Selection: Choose a sunny, well-drained location with wind protection. In colder zones, plant near a south- or west-facing wall for added warmth.
  • Steps:
    • Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
    • Mix native soil with 20–30% organic matter (e.g., compost or well-rotted manure) and a handful of bone meal to support root growth.
    • Place the tree with the root ball slightly above soil level to prevent rot, backfill, and tamp gently to remove air pockets.
    • Water deeply and apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or bark), keeping it 4–6 inches from the trunk.
    • Stake young trees in windy areas to ensure stability.
  • Spacing: Space in-ground trees 10–15 feet apart; for containers, use 10–15 gallon pots for mature trees.
Detailed Fertilizing Guide
  • Timing:
    • Fertilize in early spring (late February to early March) before new growth begins to support budding and fruiting.
    • Apply a second feeding in early summer (June) to sustain fruit development.
    • Avoid fertilizing after August to prevent frost-vulnerable new growth.
  • Recommended Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 8-8-8) with micronutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Organic options like composted manure or fish emulsion are also effective.
    • Young Trees: Apply 1 pound of fertilizer per application, spread around the drip line.
    • Mature Trees: Use 1–2 pounds, adjusting based on tree size and soil test results.
  • Application Tips: Spread fertilizer 6–12 inches from the trunk to avoid burn, and water thoroughly after application. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over fruit. A biweekly seaweed extract spray during the growing season can enhance overall health.