A Beginner's Guide To Growing Figs: From Planting To Harvesting
I'm a little obsessed with these sweet, juicy fruits when fall comes around. Figs are indeed the fruit of fall!
Often associated with the Mediterranean, where the warm climate is perfect for these sun-loving plants, figs are sweet, versatile, and packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins.
Did you know figs provide higher mineral and fiber content than most fruits, nuts, or vegetables? Whether you're eating them fresh, dried, or in a jam, figs are a delicious and healthy treat with so many health benefits!
Fig trees can successfully grow in zones 5-11 if you follow a few basic guidelines. Let me take you through the process below—from learning about these fantastic fruits to how to plant them to the thrill of harvesting your very own figs.
Contents:
Zones and Climates That Can Successfully Grow Figs
In general, fig trees can tolerate lows of 0F and highs of 130F for short periods. But only a small number of fig cultivars can really survive zero degrees Fahrenheit. 5-10F are much safer winter low temperatures for fig trees.
So, I would advise only zones 5-11 to grow their own fig trees.
Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather, and others can be grown in climates with mild summers. Some varieties are better suited for humid climates, and others will deliver delicious fruit when exposed to 100-110F temperatures.
To recap: Zone 7 is the coldest growing zone safe for fig trees. However, growers in zones 5 & 6 see great success growing fig trees in containers and protecting them in the winter by bringing them indoors.
READ MORE: How to grow your own peach trees
Types of figs
Fig varieties come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, each with its unique flavor and texture. And with so many fig varieties, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming.
The last thing you want is to plant a fig tree unsuitable for your climate. Fig varieties are very location-specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while ripening.
The most common varieties include:
Black Mission: Known for their deep purple skin and sweet, jammy red color interior, Black Mission figs are medium-sized and a classic choice. They are better suited for growing zones 6-11 and prefer hot and dry climates. Locations with mild summers and falls can also consider this fig variety.
Hardy Chicago: A small to medium-sized purple-skinned fig with dark red flesh. They have an earthy, sweet, balanced taste, are well-adapted to most climates, and are more winter-hardy. They will do best in zones 6-10.
Celeste: This small brown, blue, or grey-skinned fig with light red to dark red flesh has mild berry flavors. It is perfect for humid climates and cold-hardy for zones 6-10.
Kadota: A green or yellow-skinned variety with amber flesh that's quite sweet with honey notes. They are great for hot and dry climates and cold hardy for zones 6-10. Kadota figs are often used in cooking or canning.
These are just a few common varieties to choose from. I strongly recommend that you research more on which variety will work best for your climate.
Where to plant fig trees
In containers or in the ground
Figs can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
A container is a fantastic option if you have limited space or live in a cooler climate (zones 5 & 6). Container-grown figs are easier to move indoors during colder months and can thrive in smaller spaces like patios or balconies.
If you're lucky enough to have a garden with ample space and warm weather, planting your fig tree in the ground allows it to spread its roots and potentially yield more fruit.
sunlight is key
Figs need plenty of sunlight. Fig varieties differ in the quantity and intensity of direct sunlight they need to set their fruit buds. But they need at least six to eight hours a day—so choose a spot with full sun.
Soil & location
If you're planting in the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Figs don't like wet feet, so avoid low-lying areas where water might pool.
Fig trees can reach up to 40–75 feet in perfect conditions, so considering their root development, you want to make sure they have enough space when they are big. Space them at least 4–8 feet apart and 20 feet away from any buildings.
If you're going the container route, ensure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Plant young trees (1-2 years) in 3-5 gallon pots, and mature trees (2+ years) in 10-15 gallon pots or larger.
When to plant fig trees
The best time to plant fig trees is in the spring after the last frost has passed. This gives the tree plenty of time to establish itself before winter.
However, in warmer climates, you can also plant in early fall. But ensure you give the tree enough time to settle in before any potential cold snaps.
78F is the optimal soil temperature for a fig tree's health and growth, so consider this when planting your trees.
How to plant fig trees
Now, let's get to the fun part: planting your fig tree!
You can grow fig trees in two ways: From cuttings or young trees bought from a nursery. You can grow figs from seed, but it takes a lot of patience. Fig seeds are tiny, and it can take several years for a seed-grown tree to bear fruit.
From Cuttings
If you know someone with a healthy fig tree, ask for a cutting. You'll need a piece of a young branch, about 8-10 inches long.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly. In a few weeks, you should see roots starting to form.
Air layering is another method of propagating fig trees. It involves wrapping moist soil around a branch to propagate it in the "air." After 1-3 months, cut off your air layer to have an identical clone of your Mother fig tree.
My dad brought a fig cutting all the way from Missouri when he moved here to Georgia. He planted it and how has a massive fig tree outside his home just a few years later.
Planting or Repotting Young Trees
If you've purchased a young fig tree, the first step is to repot it into a larger container with fresh soil or plant it directly in the ground.
Choose a pot that's a few inches wider than the current one and ensures good drainage. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree in the new pot, then fill in with soil and water thoroughly.
When planting directly in the ground, loosen the roots and set the tree on top of a small mound of soil a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots.
Plant the tree 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was initially in the pot (check the trunk's color to see the original soil line).
READ MORE: Grow bountiful fruit trees with the Ellen White Tree Planting Method
Caring for fig trees
Water Requirements
Watering is crucial, especially during the first year as the tree gets established. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early in the growing season, before the fruit set, you can give your fig tree ample water and then decrease that amount significantly after the fruit has been set to keep it happy and healthy.
Yellowing or browning leaves are often the sign of too much or, in very few cases, too little water.
Soil temperature also plays a big part. When the soil is cold, water less, and when it is warm, water more often.
Fertilizer
Feeding your fig tree can also help boost its growth if your soil is depleted of nutrients and organic matter.
You can apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the base of the tree before your tree sets fruit. You can also add some nitrogen to the soil before the fruits appear.
If your tree is in a container, it may benefit from a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Mulch
Applying mulch around the base of your tree can keep the soil consistently moist and the soil temperature warm.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for keeping your fig tree healthy and productive and for maximum sunlight exposure. The best time to prune is during dormancy before new growth begins. This is usually when the leaves have fallen, the sap flow is minimal, or it has died completely to the roots.
Start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Then, thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. If your tree is getting too tall, you can also trim the top branches to keep it manageable.
Running has helped out fig trees almost double in size each year!
When do fig trees bear fruit?
Depending on the variety and growing conditions, fig trees typically start bearing fruit in their second or third year. Patience is key!
Once your tree is mature, you can expect two harvests each year—one in early summer (the breba crop) and another in late summer or early fall. The figs will ripen continuously even after the first frost in most climates.
On average, ripe fruits can be seen 70-130 days after fruit formation or after pinching the apical bud but it will be heavily influenced by average soil temperatures and the fig variety you've chosen to grow.
Harvesting figs
When it's time to harvest, you'll know your figs are ready when their necks are soft and they start to droop slightly on the branch. The skin should be slightly wrinkled, and the fruit should have a rich color, depending on the variety. An underripe fig will have latex sap at the neck or stem post-harvest.
Figs don't ripen off the tree, so picking them at the right time is important. Twist the fruit gently to remove it from the branch, and enjoy it fresh, dried, or cooked! They will stay fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Figs are overripe when you pull them and it breaks off and the stem stays on the tree. I feel they do best when you gently pull and they come off easily.
READ MORE: Freezing and dehydrating your harvest
Fig tree not bearing fruit or ripening
If your fig tree isn't bearing fruit, don't panic. There are a few common reasons for this:
Age: As mentioned earlier, young fig trees may take a few years to produce fruit.
Not enough ripening time: Figs need up to 2 months to ripen. If stems were killed by cold weather, the figs produced on new shoots in the spring may not have time to ripen.
Sunlight: Make sure your tree is getting enough sunlight. Figs need plenty of direct sunlight to produce fruit.
Watering: Overwatering or underwatering (and extreme drought) can stress the tree and affect fruit production. Try to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilizer: Excessive fertilizer can also cause too much stress on your tree.
Pruning: Improper pruning can also impact fruiting. Be careful not to remove too much of the tree's growth.
Not suitable for your zone: The variety you've chosen may not have adapted to your climate and is not ideal for your zone.
my favorite fig recipes
I love how the delicate sweetness of figs pairs so wonderfully with many other flavors and ingredients! It’s also such a healthy way to tame those sweet cravings.
This is one of my favorite treats during fig season when I want something sweet:
Friend, don’t be afraid to try your hand at home canning to make delicious jam with seasonal fruits. I promise you it is so worth it! It allows you to preserve your harvest and enjoy it long after the season ends.
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