Ficus Carica 'Fig Yellow Excel'

• Ficus Carica 'Yellow Excel' is a superior selection of the common fig, bred for exceptional fruit quality and reliable cropping. The cultivar name refers to its outstanding golden-yellow fruit.
• This variety produces medium to large figs with amber flesh and remarkably sweet flavour. The fruit ripens to a yellowish-green exterior when ready to harvest.
• Yellow Excel is a vigorous grower that can be trained as a multi-stemmed tree or pruned to maintain a compact form. It's self-fertile, requiring no pollinator.
• Gardeners love this variety for its heavy crops, beautiful ornamental foliage, and relatively compact size compared to other fig cultivars. The fruit attracts minimal pests when properly protected.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly during fruiting season and reduce to fortnightly in cooler months. Always check soil moisture before watering as figs dislike waterlogged conditions.
• Position in full sun with protection from strong afternoon sun in extremely hot climates. Yellow Excel needs warmth and light to ripen fruit to perfection.
• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost and organic matter. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is ideal for healthy growth.
• Apply a complete fertiliser in early spring and again in mid-summer to support two potential crops. Use organic options like aged manure or specialised fruit tree fertiliser.
• Prune in winter to shape the tree and remove unproductive wood. Summer tip pruning helps control size and encourages fruiting wood development.
• Mulch generously around the root zone but keep mulch away from the trunk. This conserves moisture during hot Australian summers and suppresses weeds.
• Protect ripening fruit from birds and fruit fly using netting or exclusion bags from December through autumn harvest periods.

• Plant in full sun for maximum fruit production, ensuring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is ideal in hotter inland areas.
• Water deeply during fruit development and hot summer months, but reduce watering in winter. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant once their root system develops.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring and again in summer to support healthy growth and fruiting. Avoid high nitrogen formulas which promote leaf growth over fruit.
• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and size, removing dead wood and thinning crowded branches. Light summer pruning can help manage vigour.
• Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature through Australian summers.

• Fig rust can appear as orange-brown spots on leaves, particularly in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
• Fruit fly can damage ripening figs during summer months. Use exclusion bags or fruit fly traps to protect your harvest.
• Scale insects may appear on stems and require treatment with horticultural oil. Check regularly and treat infestations early for best results.
• Overwatering causes yellowing leaves and root rot, especially in heavy soils. Ensure excellent drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.