Which variety of fig tree would grow tall enough to make a nice shade tree to shade the house planted around 5 feet away and still produce enough good figs over time to keep me and the birds happy? On a hot day here in SoCal, a fig’s shade is just as delicious as the figs themselves. I have a number of trees ready to plant in the ground and am trying to find the best spot for them. I have one El Molino in the ground already. Any suggestions would be welcome.

For the same purpose I have planted a Napolitana from Spain ( http://www.galgoni.com/ENG/Fotos_Maxi/022.htm )

There are many reasons I would not plant a fig tree that close to the house, among them is health issues. Some people might say that this is an old folks superstition, but I abide by this rule.

I was told a story by my grandfather about a gentleman he knew, who had some health problems and was told to get rid of his fig tree which was to close to his bedroom window. His health started to improved after he took out the tree.

My favorite trees for shade are Italian Pine (Evergreen) and Oak. Unfortunately they are slow growers.

When I grew Black Mission in the ground, it sure seemed to want to be a giant tree. Rampant growth was really the only reason I took it out. The fruit was beginning to grow way up beyond my reach without radical pruning each year. I plan on keeping Yellow Long Neck in a pot because it seems to be really vigorous as well.

The downside of having some figs for the birds, once they nibble the top figs, the Green Fruit beetles show up by the hundreds. I hate picking fruit with them dropping on me from above.

A few varieties that wanted to grow tall in the pots were Black Mission, Long Yellow (has huge leaves), Vista, Conadria

Here in Fresno the Black Mission is giant.

Is this big enough for you? I think it's a black mission 

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/my-lucky-day-6414267?highlight=shovel+car&pid=1282501333

My (now dead) Excel (source: Gene_W.dc) fig was the most vigorous one, not sure if it was the one tallest though.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I wish there were more info on the final size of fig trees other than just saying they grow 8’-30’ tall. That’s a pretty wide range.

Sas, I've heard that you never plant banana trees next to the house -because they attract monkeys. That seems sensible. My neighbor has banana trees next to his house but I shouldn't comment on the behavior of his children. Whatever problems they have, you can't blame the banana trees. :)   

Dan, that is a large tree with large, flavorful fruit. What a find! 

Black Mission sounds like it gets pretty big. It’s not one of the thirty trees I need to find spaces for in the ground, but I wouldn’t mind getting another tree.
Pitangadiego says:”not all Black Missions are created equal, either. I would not trade mine for the one in the USDA collection, for instance.” http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1875043/black-jack-vs-black-mission

With all the mix ups, are there any nurseries that are reliable sources for Black Mission trees with good fruit? 

While shade would be nice in a hot climate, the steady rain of over ripe figs onto the roof would really not be something I'd want. Or the roots that close to a foundation. Something with a large spreading canopy, like an oak? Or pecan?

At UCD, the tallest trees I've seen were Zidi, Panachee, Excel, Kadota, and some hybrids. Their Black Mission was a dwarf.

Mara, Did you ever see the photo of the tree I found growing near me?

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/a-neglected-fig-tree-in-texas-7469904?highlight=neglected+fig+tree

I'm speculating that this might be a Celeste. Never had the chance to check the fruit last season in order to confirm its identity.

I will try again next year. Happy New Year!

I have access to commercial Black Mission trees. They are extremely old and tall. The fruit is pollinated and amazing.

Thank you Roamingwidgeteer, Dennis, Sas and Brianm.

Roamingwidgeteer, that’s a good point. I think I could keep the branches trimmed from growing directly over the house.

Dennis, I have a Zidi ready to plant that would be perfect for that location. Thanks again.

Sas, if that tree is a Celeste, do you think the Celeste Improved would get that big? I have one CI to plant, one CI Maybe, but they want to grow out with several side branches, not up, which is what I prefer for most plantings.

Hi,
Col de dame (noire,grise, blanche) , bourjassotte noire or panaché (since its full name is bourjassotte Panaché) all grow too much for small gardens.
The true Dauphine is a big tree too. Here I saw one at 10m / 30' of height and about the same in width. !hey wait, why did I buy one ? Never mind, I'll control her with pruning.
"Sultane" should be a big tree too. Mine is still young, so I'll have to wait to be sure.
Whatever the fig tree, if you fertilize her like hell, she'll grow to a nice size to allow a table underneath .
I would advise you to grow the tree as a 2,3 or 4 trunk bush, just in case one does crack from ... wind, or someone climbing on or a rodent wandering in the roots ...

Like JDS says "Whatever the fig tree, if you fertilize her like hell, she'll grow to a nice size to allow a table underneath" in the end it will depend on how you prune it. I like the way this tree looks. It is posted by another member here.

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1290029470&postcount=1

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1290029590&postcount=3