Your Guide to Growing and Caring for a Fig Tree at Home
It's not a fig-ment of your imagination—you can grow a fig tree in your backyard
There's no question that figs are a luxurious fruit, whether paired with goat cheese, roasted with veggies, or picked and tasted right from the branch. And while it's understandable to assume you can only plant a fig tree in the hottest regions of the world, there are ways to care for a fig tree in the U.S. as well.
Planting fruit-bearing trees in your yard may sound tricky, but with enough sunlight, water, and TLC, you can have tasty homegrown figs right in the center of your next cheese plate.
What Is a Fig Tree?
Fig trees grow in many warm and humid regions of the world, from northern India to the heart of the Mediterranean. In the United States, fig trees do best in USDA hardiness zones 8 and warmer, but you will find exceptions.
Many types of the common fig tree—or Ficus carica—offer varieties that can grow as far north as hardiness zone 5. In other words, you can even enjoy figs in the Windy City.
Fig trees are part of the genus ficus and members of the mulberry family. They are deciduous trees that often produce sweet purple and green fruit. Both indoor and outdoor common fig trees will produce fruit when well cared for and even when planted alone.
Types of Fig Trees
Here are some types of common fig trees to consider based on your hardiness zone, how tall the fig tree grows, and some unique perks of the varietal.
Types of Common Fig Trees (Ficus Carica)
| Name | Zones | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Celeste fig | 6 – 10 | Disease and pest-resistant; grows 6 – 10 ft. tall |
| Brown turkey | 6 – 10 | Produces sweet fruit; grows 20 – 30 ft. tall |
| Chicago hardy | 5 – 10 | Produces fruit during first season; grows 20 – 30 ft. tall |
| Magnolia fig | 7 – 10 | Produces large fruit; grows 4 – 10 ft. tall |
How to Plant Fig Trees in the Ground
Choose a variety of fig trees appropriate for your region, especially if you plan to permanently plant them in the ground. Keep in mind that even hardy fig trees may die back in harsh winters, but will regrow from their roots in the spring.
1. Time It Just Right
Plant a fig tree in the ground in early spring after your last frost or about six weeks before your first frost in the fall.
In either case, never transfer from a container to the frozen ground. The roots need space to spread out and get settled.
2. Amend the Soil
Common fig trees enjoy well-draining yet moist soil that holds enough moisture between waterings without getting soggy. The trees can survive in clay-heavy soil, but it's best to break it up with a spade to help the roots break through.
Add a bit of compost to the surrounding soil to give your new fig tree the boost it needs right after planting. In the spring, add a few inches of nutrient-rich compost around its base.
3. Ensure Sunlight
Perhaps most importantly, fig trees need a lot of direct sunlight to thrive and produce fruit. Ensure that they live in a spot where they will get six to eight hours a day without interruption.
4. Make Space
Fig trees need room to spread out, both above and below ground. Plant trees at least 20 feet away from one another and away from large structures like your home or a garage.
5. Dig Your Hole
Once you've found the ideal location, dig a hole several inches wider and deeper than your root ball. You should be able to cover the top of the roots with 2 to 4 inches of soil. Loosen the roots around the outside of the ball to ensure they can spread quickly once placed in the ground.
6. Water Thoroughly
Add between 1 and 1.5 inches of water to the ground around the roots after planting. Maintain about 1 inch of water a week while finding that balance between saturated and fully dried out.
How to Plant Fig Trees in Containers
If you're concerned about harsh winters or long frosts, add a new member to your container garden. You can either start your fig tree in a large container or keep it there year-round.
The plant should still go through the natural growth and dormancy periods, but you will need to bring it inside when the temperature drops in the winter.
1. Choose a Large Container
Consider a 15- to 20-gallon pot for a fig tree to allow it to grow properly during its first season. Some gardeners choose half barrels or large planters on dollies to plant their trees. Just be sure it is easy to move in the winter.
2. Amend the Soil
Encourage proper drainage in your potting soil by adding wood chips, mulch, or compost to the initial soil. You can also add perlite, sand, or limestone to encourage long-term drainage.
3. Keep in Full Sunlight
Place your potted fig tree outside in the sunny spot during the late spring, summer, and fall. Just like planting the fig tree in the ground, it should receive at least eight hours of direct light a day.
4. Move Indoors
Transition your fig tree indoors when the air temperature drops below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage proper dormancy, store your fig tree in a dark and cool space during these months, preferably a basement, garage, or greenhouse.
How to Care for Fig Trees
While some fig tree varieties move more quickly, many will produce fruit and reach maturity within three to five years. There is very little care necessary after this initial growth and establishment phase, but it's always important to keep an eye on the temperature and seasons.
Water
Check on your young fig tree weekly during the summer and just once every two months during the winter. You can let the top 2 inches of soil dry out in the winter before adding more water.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is not always necessary for fig trees, especially when planted in the ground. Amend your soil with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer if your tree has to compete with nitrogen-hungry plants in the area.
Otherwise, a layer of compost in the spring or early summer should keep its roots happy. In either case, avoid fertilizing your plans after August to discourage growth too late in the season.
Harvesting
As we mentioned earlier, you should have delicious fruit for your charcuterie platter within three to five seasons. Be careful about picking the figs too early, however, as they will stop ripening once harvested.
Pests
Root-knot nematodes are notorious fig tree pests, so make sure you purchase your sapling from a nursery that has checked for this parasite. And while some gardeners encounter ants, fig borers, and thrips, they are not only severe enough to warrant pesticides.
If you detect signs of disease or pest infestation, reach out to a local landscaper or a gardener in your area for safe treatments for fruit-bearing plants.