How to Grow Figs

Growing figs at home can be incredibly rewarding—imagine plucking sun-warmed, sweet figs right from your own garden or balcony! Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a sunny spot for a container, figs are surprisingly adaptable and can thrive with the right care. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow figs successfully, this guide will walk you through everything from planting to harvesting, with practical tips to help you enjoy bountiful crops year after year.

Why Grow Figs?

Figs are not only delicious and nutritious but also relatively low-maintenance compared to many fruit trees. They’re perfect for gardeners seeking a Mediterranean vibe or those wanting to add a unique fruit to their collection. Plus, figs can be grown outdoors in warm climates or in containers that can be moved indoors in cooler areas.

If you love the idea of growing fruit in small spaces, figs are just one of many options! Check out our guide to 9 Fast-Growing Patio Fruits for Containers for more inspiration.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Figs love warmth and sun. For the best fruit, plant your fig tree in a warm, sunny, and sheltered location, ideally against a south- or south-west-facing wall or fence. This positioning maximizes heat retention and protects the tree from cold winds, helping it thrive and produce more fruit.

The soil should be free-draining to prevent root rot. When planting in the ground, dig a hole about 60 cm (2 ft) deep and wide. To encourage fruiting, line the hole’s sides with vertical paving slabs or rubble to restrict root spread. This root restriction tricks the tree into focusing energy on fruit production rather than excessive leafy growth.

If you’re short on space or live in a cooler climate, growing figs in a large container is a great option. Use a free-draining, peat-free compost and place the pot in a sunny spot. Repot every few years to refresh soil and prune roots slightly to keep the tree healthy.

When and How to Plant

Spring or late winter is the best time to plant figs, giving them a full growing season to establish themselves. After planting, water thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and improve soil quality over time. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk to prevent rot.

Propagating Your Fig Tree

Starting figs from cuttings is the easiest and most reliable method. Take 8–10 inch cuttings from one-year-old wood in late winter or early spring. Plant them in moist, well-draining soil or place in water until roots develop, usually within 2–4 weeks. When planting cuttings, leave only one bud exposed above the soil.

Other propagation methods include:

• Air layering: Wrapping a branch with moist moss and plastic until roots form, then cutting and planting it.
• Grafting: Combining varieties on a hardy rootstock, useful for space-saving and disease resistance.
• Seeds: Generally not recommended because fig seeds require pollination to germinate and seedlings often don’t produce quality fruit or true-to-type trees.

Caring for Your Fig Tree

Watering

Figs prefer consistently moist soil during the growing season but dislike waterlogged roots. Newly planted and container-grown figs need regular watering, especially in hot weather. Established trees require less frequent watering but will benefit from deep watering during droughts.

Mulching with well-rotted manure or compost helps retain moisture and improves soil fertility. Just keep mulch a few centimeters away from the trunk base.

Feeding

Feed your fig tree in early spring with a high-potassium fertilizer or organic options like blood, fish, and bonemeal. Container figs respond well to liquid tomato fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season until fruit ripens. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer fruits.

Pruning and Training

Prune figs twice a year—in spring and early summer—to control size and encourage fruiting. Figs can be trained as a fan against a wall, supported by horizontal wires spaced about 30 cm (1 ft) apart. This training improves fruit exposure to sunlight and makes harvesting easier.

Wear gloves when pruning because fig sap can irritate the skin. Start pruning from the base upward to avoid sap drips.

Winter Protection

In cooler climates, protect your fig tree from frost by covering fruitlets or moving container plants indoors during winter. Growing figs in a greenhouse or conservatory can extend the growing season and improve fruit ripening.

Harvesting Your Figs

Figs typically produce one main crop in late summer to autumn. In cooler climates, a second crop may form but often doesn’t ripen fully outdoors.

Harvest figs when they are soft to the touch and hanging down from the branches. The skin may split slightly when ripe. Handle them gently as they bruise easily.

Bonus Tips for Fig Success

• Restrict root growth to encourage fruiting by planting in containers or lining planting holes with slabs.
• Space fig trees 2 to 4 feet apart if planting multiple, but 6 to 10 feet is ideal for larger growth.
• Protect your figs from birds and squirrels with netting, especially when fruits start to ripen.
• If your fig tree produces lots of leaves but few fruits, reduce feeding and prune more aggressively.

Ready to Grow Your Own Figs?

Growing figs is a delightful journey that rewards patience and care with sweet, luscious fruit. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, figs offer a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy homegrown produce.

Have you ever grown figs before? What challenges or successes have you experienced? Share your fig-growing stories or questions below—we’d love to hear from you!