How to Grow Figs: The Complete Guide (2024)

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Figs can be planted outdoors without much trouble in USDA Zone8 and warmer. In zones where winter temperatures getcolder than 10°F(-12 °C) forperiods of time, be sure to choose a hardy fig variety. See where to buy hardy figs.

When to Plant FigTrees

Plant fig trees outdoors in the early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant. Alternatively, figs can be grown in large containers and brought inside forthewinter.

How to Plant FigTrees

• For container fig trees, grow them in a soil-based potting mix and add fine bark chips to improve drainage. Keep the tree in full sun in the summer. In the spring and summer, be sure to add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks and water the tree moderately. In the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soilmoist.
• For outdoor fig trees, plant the tree in the spring or early fall in full sun. Fig trees can grow in most types of soil as long as the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic material. (Learn more about organic soil amendments.)
• Space fig trees at least 20 feet away from any buildings or othertrees.
• If given the chance, fig trees put down deep roots, so bear that in mind when choosing a plantingspot.
• To plantcontainer-grown trees in the ground:
  1. Remove the plant from its pot and remove any circling roots by laying the root ball on its side and using shears to cut through theroots.
  2. Dig a hole that is a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots. Set the tree on top of a small mound of soil in the middle of the hole. Be sure to spread the roots away from the trunk without excessively bendingthem.
  3. Plant the tree 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was originally in the pot (check the color of the trunk to see the original soilline).

Caring for FigTrees

• Wateryoung fig trees regularly to help them become established. In areas with dry climates, water fig trees deeply at least once aweek.
• Unless grown in containers, most fig trees do not require regular fertilization. However, if your fig tree is not growing much (less than 12 inches in one growing season), you can add 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen supplement. Divide up the nitrogen into 3 to 4 feedings. Start applying the nitrogen in late winter and end inmidsummer.
• You can also apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help prevent weeds and keep moisture in theroots.
• Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encouragegrowth.
• If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage largerfigs.
• In colder regions, bring container-grown fig treesindoors for the winter. Keep the soilmoist.
• If your area experiences a particularly cold winter, fig trees planted outdoorsmay die back to the ground. If the tree is of a hardy variety, the below-ground part of the tree will likely be unaffected. Remove all dead wood while the tree is still dormant, and watch for new growth in thespring.

• ‘Brown Turkey,’ which produces abundant medium to large figs. This type works best inwarm climates, but is fairly tolerant of cooler temperatures,too.
• ‘Celeste’ produces small, sweet, purplishfigs. It is one of the more winter-hardyvarieties.
• ‘Hardy Chicago’ is a winter-hardy variety that produces purple, medium-sizefigs.
• ‘King’ is well adapted for the cooler conditions found in the northwest. It produces medium figs that are sweet and rich inflavor.
• ‘Kadota’ vigorously produces small to medium fruit. Its figs are rich and sweet, and it is the most commonly cannedfig.

HarvestingFigs

• You should harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen off the tree. The figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to thetouch.
• You may need to invest in bird netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds andsquirrels.
• When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves because the sap from the fig tree can irritate yourskin.
• Figs are very perishable. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3days.
• For long-term storage, you can freeze figs whole for later use. Another storage method is to dry the figs. You can also can your ownfigs.

Catherine Boeckmann