One of the earliest fruit trees to be cultivated, indigenous to regions from Asiatic Turkey to northern India, and grown widely in Mediterranean countries, Ficus carica, also called common fig, is a temperate species that prefers full sun, dry weather during fruiting, and some winter chilling. Ficus grow very well in cool coastal climates. In colder climates, plant ficus in a warm, dry location and generously mulch before winter.

Ficus ‘Little Ruby’, a compact multibranched shrub or small tree, rarely grows taller than 4 to 6 feet high, but it can be pruned to a desired size. The tree has broad and deeply lobed deciduous leaves and has ornamental value in the garden or container. ‘Little Ruby’ is self-pollinating and starts bearing fruit 1 to 2 years after planting without any pollen from other varieties.

The fruit has a reddish-brown exterior and ruby red flesh that is sugary sweet, with jammy notes. Fruits are borne on