How to Grow Fig Trees

General Information

Botanical Name:

Ficus carica

Common Names:

Fig, Common Fig, Fig Tree

Plant Family:

Moraceae

Type:

Deciduous; Fruit

Our Favorite Varieties:

Brown Turkey, Celeste, Black Mission, Chicago Hardy, LSU Purple

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

7–10 (some varieties hardy to zone 6 with protection)

Frost Hardy:

Moderate; young growth and fruit damaged by late frost

Heat Tolerant:

Yes

Chill Hours:

100–300 (varies by variety; relatively low requirement)

Pollination Needs:

Most common figs are self-fertile (do not require pollination)

Rootstock:

Typically grown on own roots

Full Size:

10–30 feet depending on variety and pruning

Years to Produce:

2–4 years

In-Ground or Container:

Both; does very well in containers

Starting from Seed

When:

Spring

Stratification:

Not required

Scarification:

Not required

Soil

Light, well-draining seed-starting mix

Depth:

Surface sow; press lightly into soil

Water:

Keep lightly moist

Germination:

2–4 weeks

Up Pot:

When seedlings are strong

Light:

Bright light

Soil Temperature:

70–80°F

Heat Mat:

Helpful

Harden Off:

7–10 days

Planting Site Prep:

Soil:

Well-draining soil; tolerates poor soils better than most fruit trees

pH:

6.0–7.5

Drainage:

Must drain well; does not tolerate standing water

Sun:

Full sun (6–8+ hours)

Spacing:

10–15 feet apart for most varieties; can be kept smaller with pruning or in containers

Hole Size:

2–3 times wider than root ball, same depth

Fertilizer/Feed:

Minimal; too much fertilizer reduces fruiting

Compost:

Mix 1–2 inches into soil if needed

Mulch:

2–3 inches, kept away from trunk

Planting:

When:

Spring after frost or fall in mild climates

How:

Plant at same depth as container; spread roots if bare root

Depth:

Same as nursery depth

Spacing:

10–15 feet apart (closer if pruning heavily)

Water:

Water deeply after planting

Mulch:

Apply 2–3 inches, keep 3–4 inches away from trunk

Staking:

Not usually needed

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeding only if growth is weak; avoid heavy nitrogen

Water:

Moderate; water deeply during dry periods, especially while establishing and during fruiting

Pruning:

Prune to control size and shape; figs fruit on new growth

Thinning:

Not required

Mulching:

Maintain 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds

Pollination:

Most varieties do not require pollination

Winter Protection:

Protect in colder zones by mulching heavily or covering

Summer Protection:

Maintain watering during extreme heat

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Clover

–

Comfrey

–

Herbs

–

Pollinator Plants

–

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Birds, wildlife, pollinators

No strong repellent effect

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Fig Beetles

Root Rot

Aphids

Leaf Spot

Scale

Rust

Birds

–

Propagation

Seed:

Possible but not true to type

Cuttings:

Very easy; most common method

Grafting:

Not usually needed

Layering:

Also effective

Harvest Time

When:

Late summer through fall depending on variety

How:

Harvest when fruit is soft, drooping, and fully colored

What:

Fruit

Storing:

Refrigerate short term

Preservation Methods:

Drying, freezing, jams, preserves

Uses:

Culinary Uses:

Fresh eating, drying, baking, jams, preserves

Medicinal Uses:

Digestive support, fiber source

Wildlife Uses:

Food for birds and animals

Landscape Uses:

Shade, ornamental edible tree

Wood Uses:

Limited; small projects or firewood

Troubleshooting

No fruit:

Too much nitrogen, too much shade, or tree too young

Fruit drop:

Stress from drought or temperature swings

Splitting fruit:

Too much water after dry period

Yellow leaves:

Overwatering or poor drainage

Poor growth:

Soil too poor or root restriction

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