Complete Guide to Growing Fig Trees
1. Choosing the Right Fig Tree Variety
Figs are generally divided into two main types based on their growing characteristics and how they are pollinated.
🔹 Common Figs
Taste: Sweet, commonly eaten fresh or dried.
Examples: Black Mission, Kadota, Adriatic, and Celeste.
Best suited for: USDA Zones 8–11.
Pollination: Self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another tree for fruit production.
🔸 Smyrna Figs
Taste: Sweet with a rich flavor, often dried for commercial use.
Examples: Turkey, Kadota.
Best suited for: USDA Zones 8–11.
Pollination: Requires a fig wasp for pollination. These varieties are typically grown in areas with fig wasps or in controlled environments.
Key Factors:
Self-pollination: Most common fig varieties don’t need another tree for pollination, but it helps to have two fig trees for better yields.
Climate: Figs grow best in warm climates. They thrive in hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Cold Hardiness: While some varieties are cold-hardy, figs in general are not well-suited for areas with harsh winters (except for a few cold-hardy varieties).
2. Tree Size Options
| Type | Mature Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 15–20 ft | Large gardens or orchards |
| Dwarf | 6–10 ft | Small gardens, containers, or patios |
Dwarf fig trees are perfect for container growing or small garden spaces, while standard trees require more room and are better suited for larger yards.
3. Planting Fig Trees
Best Time to Plant:
Early spring (after the last frost) is the best time to plant fig trees.
In mild climates (Zones 8–10), fall planting is also an option.
Site Selection:
Full sun: Figs need 8–10 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Well-drained soil: Figs prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with good drainage.
Spacing:
Standard trees: 15–20 ft apart
Dwarf trees: 6–10 ft apart
How to Plant:
Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the graft union (the raised part on the trunk) is 2–3 inches above the soil level.
Backfill with soil, gently packing it around the roots.
Water deeply and mulch around the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds (but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk).
4. Watering & Fertilizing Fig Trees
| Stage | Watering | Fertilizing |
|---|---|---|
| Newly Planted | Water deeply 2–3 times per week, depending on rainfall | Wait 4–6 weeks, then fertilize with balanced fertilizer |
| Year 1–2 | Water weekly, more often in dry spells | Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring |
| Mature Trees | Water deeply during dry spells, especially when fruiting | Fertilize once a year in early spring with compost or balanced fertilizer |
✅ Watering Tip: Figs are drought-tolerant once established, but they still need consistent watering during hot, dry periods, especially when fruiting.
5. Pruning Fig Trees
When to Prune:
Late winter or early spring (before the new buds break open) is the best time to prune fig trees.
Light pruning can be done during the growing season if necessary.
Pruning Goals:
Shape the tree to maintain an open center, allowing sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree.
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
Thin the center to improve airflow and prevent overcrowding.
Cut back on overly long shoots to control the tree’s size.
Figs don’t require heavy pruning, but regular light trimming encourages healthy growth and a better fruiting structure.
6. Fruit Thinning
Why Thin Fruit?
Thinning improves fruit size, quality, and air circulation around the tree, which can help prevent diseases.
When to Thin:
Thin figs when they are the size of a marble, and ensure there’s 6–8 inches between fruits.
7. Pests & Disease Management
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Fig Mosaic Virus | Yellowing and stunted growth | No cure; remove and destroy infected trees |
| Aphids | Curling, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale | Small, round bumps on leaves and stems | Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves; soft, rotten roots | Improve drainage, avoid overwatering |
| Fungal Diseases | Leaf spots, mold, or mildew | Prune for better airflow, use fungicide as necessary |
💡 Preventive Tips: Keep the area around the tree clean, avoid overwatering, and ensure proper airflow to minimize disease risks.
8. Harvesting Figs
| Type | Harvesting Tips | Ripeness Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Common Figs | Harvest when fruit is soft and slightly wrinkled. Figs do not ripen once picked. | Fruit should feel soft and give slightly when gently squeezed. |
| Smyrna Figs | These figs require a specific pollination process (fig wasp), but the fruit ripens similarly. | The fruit should be plump, soft, and slightly wrinkled. |
✅ Harvesting Tip: Figs do not continue to ripen after being picked, so make sure they are fully ripe before harvesting.
9. Storage Tips for Figs
Fresh figs: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. They’re very perishable.
Frozen figs: Slice and freeze figs on a baking sheet, then transfer to containers for long-term storage.
Canning: Make fig jam, preserves, or fig compote to preserve the harvest.
Bonus Tips for Success
Mulch: Figs love organic mulch around their base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be sure not to pile mulch against the trunk.
Winter Protection: In colder climates (Zones 7 and below), protect the tree’s roots by wrapping the tree or burying the roots in mulch or soil. Consider planting figs in a large pot to move indoors during winter.
Fruit Fly Prevention: Use netting or fig traps to keep birds and insects away from your figs as they ripen.
Fig Tree Troubleshooting
Leaf Drop: Figs naturally shed leaves in winter, but if this happens in the summer, it could be due to stress (e.g., drought, pests, or disease).
Unripe Fruit: If figs don’t ripen, it could be due to a late frost, insufficient warmth, or poor soil.