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How to Grow Figs: A Beginner’s Guide to Planting, Caring for, and Harvesting Fig Trees

fig fruit on a table, one cut open
Photo Credit
Katrin Shine
Botanical Name
Ficus carica
Plant Type
Fruit
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Bloom Time
Spring
Hardiness Zone
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Grow your own fig tree—even in cooler climates!

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Fig-get about fussy fruit trees—figs are surprisingly easy to grow! With their lush leaves and candy-sweet fruit, fig trees bring a taste of the tropics to your backyard, patio, or even sunny windowsill. Whether you’re in a warm zone or bracing for winter chills, we’ll show you how to grow this ancient superfruit right at home. Let’s get figgy with it!

About Figs

Figs thrive in areas with long and hot summers (Zones 8 and warmer), though they can also be grown in colder zones if properly insulated from freezing temperatures or grown in containers and brought indoors.

The common fig tree (Ficus carica) is the most popular fig species for home gardeners because its flowers do not require pollination to yield figs. Many varieties of the common fig tree exist, including hardy cultivars that can be grown outdoors in slightly cooler climates (Zones 6 and 7).

A fig can be eaten fresh from the tree, dried, or used in cooking. A single fig is only 50 calories and provides higher mineral and fiber content than most fruits, nuts, or vegetables. 

Figs soak up cholesterol, promote healthy bowel movements, reduce heart disease, regulate kidney and liver functions, lower blood pressure, and even inhibit some cancers. Plus, figs are packed with calcium, which reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. They also contain phosphorus, which helps bones regrow.

Read Next

Planting

Figs can be planted outdoors without much trouble in Zone 8 and warmer. In zones where winter temperatures get colder than 10°F (-12 °C) for periods of time, be sure to choose a hardy fig variety. See where to buy hardy figs. 

When to Plant Fig Trees

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 for the winter.

How to Plant Fig Trees

  • 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 4 weeks and water the tree moderately. In the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil moist.
  • 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-draining and contains plenty of organic material. (Learn more about organic soil amendments.)
  • Space fig trees at least 20 feet away from buildings or other trees.
  • If given the chance, fig trees put down deep roots, so bear that in mind when choosing a planting spot.
  • To plant container-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 the roots.
    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 bending them.
    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 soil line).

Fig tree and fig fruit

Growing

Caring for Fig Trees

  • Water young fig trees regularly to help them become established. In areas with dry climates, water fig trees deeply at least once a week.
  • 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 in midsummer.
  • You can also apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help prevent weeds and keep moisture in the roots.
  • Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth.
  • If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage larger figs.
  • In colder regions, bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter. Keep the soil moist.
  • If your area experiences a particularly cold winter, fig trees planted outdoors may die back to the ground. If the tree is of a hardy variety, its belowground areas will likely be unaffected. Remove all dead wood while the tree is still dormant, and watch for new growth in the spring. 

Types

  • ‘Brown Turkey’ produces abundant medium to large figs. This type works best in warm climates but is fairly tolerant of cooler temperatures, too.
  • ‘Celeste’ produces small, sweet, purplish figs. It is one of the more winter-hardy varieties.
  • ‘Hardy Chicago’ is a winter-hardy variety that produces purple, medium-size figs.
  • ‘King’ is well adapted for the cooler conditions found in the Northwest. It produces medium figs that are sweet and rich in flavor.
  • ‘Kadota’ vigorously produces small to medium fruit. Its figs are rich and sweet, and it is the most commonly canned fig.

Harvesting

Harvesting Figs

  • 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 the touch.
  • You may need to invest in netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds and squirrels.
  • When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves because the sap from the fig tree can irritate your skin.
  • Figs are very perishable. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3 days.
  • 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 own figs.
how to harvest figs with fig tree and figs

Gardening Products

Pests/Diseases

  • Root-knot nematodes
  • Leaf spots
  • Rust
  • Thrips
  • Twig dieback

Wit and Wisdom

  • Figs are an excellent source of potassium, dietary fiber, and calcium.
  • “You can’t grow figs from thistles.”

Recipes
Figs Stuffed With Gorgonzola and Prosciutto
Open-Face Pear-Fig Pie
Fruit
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Atalanta Charles</span> Tue, 08/11/2015 - 19:02
Hello, I have a mission fig tree that this is its second season, it is planted in full sun and has tripled in size since planting. It is over 6' tall and very healthy it is producing very little fruit this year or last what can I do to propel it to strong growth next season. Also we have some cold days in the Atlanta area any suggestions for preparing for winter. It suffered the first winter and thought it died but I came roaring back. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
<span>Carole Ann</span> Tue, 08/04/2015 - 01:22
I have Turkish brown figs growing outside in containers, fairly large planters. They have not done well the last 2 seasons. They are in sun, watered, but the leaves are curling under. I do not see any pests. The fruit is starting to ripen, but are small in size, compared to what was produced 4 years ago. I live in CT, zone 5b near the water. What is the problem?
<span>Nicola Grossi</span> Fri, 11/20/2015 - 00:58
I'm thinking of growing figs, after several years of not re-asking a farmer friend for some cuttings. I'm in Central CT. Did you solve the problem, and get some better fruit this year?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 08/10/2015 - 12:37

Hi, Carole Ann: This can be difficult to "fig"ure out (sorry), but if you are certain that there are no pests and the leaves have remained green and not turned brown, then that narrows it down a little. First, try an organic fungicide in case you have a disease. At the same time, try adding a little nitrogen to the soil. Also, although the case would seem to be otherwise, your figs could indeed have become rootbound somewhat. We suspect disease or soil quality. Good luck!

 <span>Matt In Forida</span> Thu, 07/02/2015 - 12:12
I live in South Florida (zone 9b / 10a), and I'm thinking of buying either a black mission or a brown turkey. I've heard that the black mission is more delicious. Of course how good the fruit tastes and how much the tree produces are important to me. But I also care about how the tree looks because I plan to plant it in the front yard. Do these two trees themselves look the same? They wouldn't lose their leaves down here, would they? (The temperature rarely gets below freezing where I am). Also, do they both respond to pruning the same? I plan to keep it at about 10 feet high and 10 feet wide. I would appreciate any suggestions.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 07/06/2015 - 12:11

Many folks enjoy the taste of Black Mission. however we didn't think it was cold-hardy enough for your region. Also, it's a big tree that's 10 to 40 feet and you don't prune until the tree reaches maturity. The Brown Fig is a smaller tree that's closer to the size you're seeking and probably the most common variety in your region. Pruning isn't really a big factor.

 <span>Mooshe</span> Mon, 06/15/2015 - 12:31
Hi, I have a 5 year old Black Misson Fig tree here in Brooklyn,New York. It is planted in full sun. It has been producing beautifully for the last 3 years. This year there is no leaf or fruit growth. It appeared to bud early in the season, now they are hard and papery. I have never pruned or fed it. Have I killed it? Is it too late to feed and prune? Thanks for all your help.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 06/16/2015 - 15:02
Did you have a late freeze that may have killed the buds? Cut off a branch and see if it is still green and alive on the inside. Check our care information above and if you still think the tree is alive remove any dead branches and give it some nitrogen.
<span>Annette40</span> Sat, 06/13/2015 - 09:15
i bought fig tree lAST YR. AND OF COURSE IT HAD NO FIGS. I HAVE IT IN A CONTAINER AND STORED IT IN THE GARAGE FOR THE WINTER MONTHS. TOOK IT OUT ON LATE MAY. STARTED TO GROW GREAT , LOADS OF LEAVES BUT STILL NO FIGS AND ITS NOW jUNE. GAVE IT SOME NITRIGEN IN THE SOIL. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO. BOUGHT THIS FROM A NURSEY. I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD IT IS WHEN I BOUGHT IT.
<span>Botany Bill</span> Tue, 11/24/2015 - 07:34
Patience. The fruit comes out much later in the season