Learn how to grow figs right in your backyard.
Every Southern garden should have a fig tree.
These small trees or shrubs producedelicious fruitwith flavors best experienced ripe from the tree.
Credit: Hilary Brodey / EyeEm / Getty Images
Despitebearing delicious fruit, fig trees can be invasive, as the roots spread widely in optimal growing conditions.
Rashes or skin irritation can occur in some individuals after exposure, so wear gloves when maintaining this tree.
The drought-tolerant, heat-loving trees are best planted in spring unless you live in a frost-free area.
If you have more room, plant several.
Choose early, mid and late-fruiting selections to extend your harvest from summer into early fall.
Light
Full sun is essential for an abundant harvest and the sweetest fruit.
Less sunlight will prevent trees from producing as many figs compared to those planted with adequate light.
Soil
Fig trees grow in various soil conditions, but slightly acidic and well-drained soils are best.
Avoid planting in alkaline soil.
Soil with rich, organic matter helps supplement growth.
Regular potting mixes work well for fig trees in containers as long as it retains moisture and is well-aerated.
Water
When fruit is developing, it’s important to water regularly.
Check daily, and pick just as the fruit ripens.
During the first year, as plants become established, water regularly and mulch.
Once established, this Mediterranean plant can be very drought-tolerant.
Water-logged environments can prevent proper fruit development as too much rain causes fruits to split and possibly spoil.
Fig trees thrive in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South heat.
Plant near a wall with southern exposure in the Middle South so they can benefit from reflected heat.
Fertilize a second time in late spring for 1 or 2-year-old plants.
Most varieties grown in home gardens bear female flowers that develop into fruit without pollination.
Fig trees that aren’t pruned will naturally develop a shrubby form.
To maintain a tree-form, establish a single trunk and remove suckers at the base.
Alternatively, you might select three or more widely spaced leaders.
Excessively long and heavy branches can also be cut back by 1/3.
Propagating Fig Trees
The easiest way to propagate fig trees is through cuttings.
Seed propagation does not produce a duplicate plantthis can only occur from cuttings.
The container will naturally limit the size of the plant.
Move up one container size larger than the nursery pot when planting your tree.
Use a container with multiple drainage holes.
A wheeled plant stand can be helpful if you’re gonna wanna move your container around.
Keep in mind that containers dry out quickly and require more frequent watering.
you could prune the tree to keep it to a more manageable size.
Repot the tree to the next size up when the roots outgrow the container.
Bring the tree indoors in winter, as described below.
Overwintering
Container-grown trees must be brought indoors for the winter or buried in the ground and mulched.
Wait for fig trees to go dormant for the season before moving them indoors.
You’ll know this has happened when all the leaves fall from the tree.
Place the tree in a basement or garage that will protect it from freezing weather and strong winds.
Before covering the tree, tie the branches with a rope or twine to help protect the primary growth.
Uncover some roots and inspect for swellings.
Infected trees cannot be treated and should be removed.
Spoiled fruit also encourages pest infestations and even fungal diseases that can occur after the fruit ripens.
Harvesting ripe fruit immediately can also help prevent pests from attacking the branches and leaves.
Finally, cleaning up fallen leaves and fruit in autumn helps discourage pests and disease.
The first is that under watering can scorch or burn the leaves.
Fig rust can also cause leaves to curl, as described below.
Damaged Fruit
Sunken, discolored spots on fruit are usually a sign of anthracnose.
Infected figs will eventually drop to the ground.
Remove any diseased fruit from the tree and the ground beneath the tree.
Late freezes and dry weather can also prevent fruit from developing or cause it to drop before ripening.
During long dry spells while the tree is producing fruit, water your tree deeply.
For established trees, once every 10-14 days is typically enough.
Sour Fruit
Figs can turn sour because of fermentation by yeasts, fungi, and bacteria.
Pick the fruit as it ripens.
Birds, insects, and other wildlife also enjoy eating figs.
In their native range, common fig trees can grow 30 feet tall or higher.
Colder temperatures in the U.S. usually keep the trees to 15 to 25 feet.
Compact varieties like ‘Little Figgy’ top out at 4 to 8 feet tall.
Popular varieties have small or closed openings that make it more difficult for wasps to enter.
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