Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig'

Name: Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig'
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: FICCARPRE40cm/45L
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

999 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig'

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific', commonly known as the Preston Prolific Fig, is prized for its reliable, abundant harvests of deep purple figs with luscious amber-pink flesh that balance sweetness and subtle tang. Growing 3–5 meters tall and 3–4 meters wide, this deciduous tree also offers striking broad, deeply lobed green leaves, adding Mediterranean charm to any garden.

Its bushy, rounded canopy not only provides fruit but also ornamental beauty and shade. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it tolerates mild frost once mature and prefers regular watering, though it can endure short dry spells. The Preston Prolific Fig looks excellent in gardens where you want the satisfaction of homegrown fruit paired with lush, attractive foliage—perfect for both edible landscapes and stylish outdoor spaces.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 4 meters

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' is expected to grow 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Frost Tolerance

Is Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' frost tolerant?

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Ficus carica ‘Preston Prolific’ does not produce visible flowers; instead, its flowers develop internally inside the fruit. These hidden floral structures mature into generous crops of large, sweet figs with soft amber flesh, offering seasonal interest through ripening stages rather than ornamental bloom.

Native Information

Is Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' an Australian Native? No

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' is Native to A cultivated form of the common fig (Ficus carica), which originates from the Mediterranean and Middle East, where it has been grown for thousands of years.

Wildlife Value

Its ripe figs attract fruit-eating birds, bees, wasps and beneficial insects, while the spreading deciduous canopy provides shade and shelter for small wildlife. Fallen fruit also supports ground-dwelling insects, helping create a rich, biodiverse orchard environment.

Sunlight Information

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Ficus carica ‘Preston Prolific’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained ground unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support vigorous fruiting, consistent growth and strong drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Preston Prolific Fig

Genus: Ficus

Botanical Species: carica

Family: Moraceae

Botanical Name: Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific'

Landscape Uses

Edible Garden
Feature Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' works in an:

Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.
Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific':

Site Selection: Opt for a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil with compost or organic manure prior to planting.
Hole Digging: Carve out a hole approximately double the width of the root ball.
Planting: Position the fig tree within the hole, backfill with soil, and water abundantly.

Feature Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart to allow full canopy spread

Hedging & Screening: Not recommended

Avenue Planting: Not typically used for avenues

Caring for Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific':

Watering: Ensure consistent watering, especially during drier spells, until the tree firmly establishes itself.
Mulching: Surround the tree with a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and deter weed growth.
Pruning: Undertake annual pruning during the dormant phase to retain the tree's shape and encourage fruitful yields.

Enhancing Soil for Optimal Fruit Production

Sandy Soils:
Ficus carica thrives in sandy soils when enhanced with organic compost. This adjustment improves water retention and provides essential nutrients for fruit development.

Clay Soils:
Improving aeration and drainage is vital, achieved by incorporating organic matter and perlite or coarse sand. Raised beds are also recommended to ensure good drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Loamy Soils:
Ideal for figs, these soils should be rich in organic matter and well-draining to support vigorous growth and abundant fruiting.

Acidic or Alkaline Soils:
Figs generally prefer a slightly acidic soil. Adjusting highly acidic or alkaline soils towards a neutral to mildly acidic pH can enhance nutrient absorption and overall health.

Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' is expected to grow 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Sydney & Central Coast
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa
Riverland & Murraylands
Limestone Coast & South East

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Preston Prolific’ develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry and coastal climates and continues to produce abundant, good-quality fruit with only occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.

Flowering Information

Does Ficus carica 'Preston Prolific Fig' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer
Autumn

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are the fruits of 'Preston Prolific' suitable for drying? Yes, their dense flesh and sweet profile make them ideal candidates for drying.
Is cross-pollination required for this fig variety? No, 'Preston Prolific' is self-fertile and does not necessitate another fig tree for pollination.

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