Many gardeners are drawn to the appeal of fig trees for their unique fruit and decorative charm. Whether you’re interested in how to grow a fig tree from scratch or considering the best methods for container cultivation, understanding the basics is key. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips on how to grow a fig tree successfully, ensuring you enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh figs right from your own garden.
How to grow a fig tree
Growing a fig tree can be a rewarding experience, offering delicious fruit and an attractive addition to your garden or home. Whether you’re looking to cultivate figs in a sunny spot or manage them in containers, understanding the essentials of fig tree care is crucial for a fruitful harvest.
Climate and Location
To thrive, fig trees need a warm and sunny environment. In the UK, fig trees can be successfully grown in locations that receive ample sunlight. Ideal spots are those with full sun exposure, particularly against a south- or south-west-facing wall. For cooler climates, consider growing figs in containers that can be moved indoors during winter, providing a more controlled environment.
Planting
Timing: The best time to plant a fig tree is in the spring. This allows the tree to establish itself throughout the growing season, ensuring robust growth and fruit production.
In-Ground Planting: When planting figs directly into the ground, it’s essential to manage the roots to prevent excessive leafy growth. Use paving slabs around the rootball to restrict root expansion, which helps the tree focus energy on fruit production.
Container Planting: For growing figs in containers, choose a pot with a diameter of 30 cm (about 12 inches). Place the pot in a sunny location. As the fig tree grows, you’ll need to repot it every few years to accommodate its expanding root system.
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Consistent watering is crucial, especially during spring and summer. Container-grown figs or those with restricted roots require more frequent watering. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture. Be cautious with watering in winter, as excessive moisture can harm the tree.
Fertilizing: Feed fig trees in the ground with a high-potassium fertilizer in early spring. For container-grown figs, use a liquid tomato fertilizer every two to three weeks throughout the growing season, tapering off by late summer.
Pruning and Training
Pruning is key to maintaining a manageable size and encouraging fruit production. Prune fig trees twice a year—once in spring and again in early summer. Train the tree against a wall or trellis using horizontal wires to support the branches. This method not only maximizes sun exposure but also enhances fruiting potential.
Pruning Tips: Begin pruning at the base of the tree and move upward. Be gentle to avoid irritating the sap, which can be an irritant.
Winter Protection
In colder climates, fig trees need special care during winter. For fan-trained trees, insulate the branches with straw or bracken, securing them with netting or fleece. Container-grown figs should be brought indoors or wrapped similarly to protect them from frost.
Harvesting
Figs are ready to harvest when they are soft, hang limply from the branch, and may produce a sugary liquid droplet from the base. Most fig varieties produce a single crop per year, typically at the end of summer. However, in warmer conditions, some trees can yield two crops.
Harvesting Tips: Only pick figs when fully ripe, as they do not continue to ripen off the tree. Ensure figs are fully colored and slightly soft. Protect your fruit from birds and squirrels with netting, and wear gloves during harvesting to avoid skin irritation from the sap.
Storage: Figs are perishable and should be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. For long-term storage, consider freezing, drying, or canning.
Fig Varieties
Choosing the right fig variety for your needs can make a significant difference in your success. Here are some popular options:
- ‘Brown Turkey’: Produces medium to large figs and is tolerant of cooler temperatures.
- ‘Celeste’: Known for its small, sweet, purplish figs and winter-hardiness.
- ‘Hardy Chicago’: A robust variety with medium-sized purple figs, suitable for colder climates.
- ‘King’: Adapted for cooler northwestern conditions, yielding sweet, medium-sized figs.
- ‘Kadota’: Known for its vigorous production of small to medium-sized fruit, often used for canning.
How to grow a fig tree from a cutting
Propagating fig trees through cuttings is an efficient and cost-effective way to expand your garden or acquire new fig varieties. This method is particularly valuable for gardeners who find limited options at garden centers or wish to grow specific fig types.
Why Propagate Fig Trees from Cuttings?
Propagating fig trees from cuttings offers several advantages. Not only is it a straightforward process, but it also allows gardeners to bypass the often limited selection of fig varieties available at local nurseries. By using cuttings, you can easily grow and share prized fig varieties, making it a practical choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Timing is Key
The ideal time to root fig cuttings is during the winter. As the fig tree enters its dormant phase in the fall, prune the branches to create your cuttings. Store these cuttings in a cool location until you’re ready to plant them. Dormant cuttings, which are woodier and more robust, are easier to handle compared to the green cuttings taken during the active growing season.
Choosing the Right Location for Rooting Cuttings
You have options for rooting fig cuttings both indoors and outdoors:
- Indoors: During winter or early spring, you can root dormant cuttings indoors. Place them in pots and position them under grow lights or near a bright window to provide the necessary light.
- Outdoors: Though less controlled, outdoor rooting is possible. Pot up a cutting and place it in a shady area. For spring planting, dormant cuttings can be directly placed in the garden.
Preparing Your Cuttings
Cutting Size: Choose cuttings about 6 inches long with at least three nodes (the bumps where leaves were attached). Longer cuttings store more energy, aiding in effective rooting. If you have limited cuttings from a special variety, you may opt to make either one larger or two smaller cuttings.
Preparation and Supplies:
- Cutting: Use clean pruning shears to make a precise cut.
- Pot: A small 3-inch flower pot is sufficient.
- Soil: Opt for high-quality potting soil, preferably peat moss or coir-based.
- Humidity: Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity, essential for successful rooting.
- Light: Ensure the cuttings receive adequate light from a bright window or fluorescent lights.
- Labels: Label your cuttings to avoid confusion.
Optional Supplies:
- Heat Mat: A heat mat can accelerate the rooting process by providing consistent warmth.
- Rooting Hormone: Although not necessary, rooting hormone can aid in rooting.
- Plastic Wrap: Some gardeners use plastic wrap around the cutting ends to retain moisture.
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the Pot: Fill a pot with moist potting soil.
- Insert the Cutting: Place the cutting into the soil with the bottom end facing down.
- Water: Thoroughly water the cutting.
- Cover: Use a clear plastic bag or dome to cover the pot.
- Position: Place the pot in a bright, warm location.
Ongoing Care
Monitor the soil to keep it moist, but avoid waterlogging. As the cutting begins to grow, gradually remove the plastic cover to improve air circulation.
Alternative Propagation Methods
- Pre-Rooting Without Soil: Wrap cuttings in moist paper towels and seal in a plastic bag. Place in a warm area to encourage root growth before potting.
- Rooting in Water: Although less effective, fig cuttings can be rooted in water.
- Bag Method: Place the cutting in a plastic bag filled with moist soil, seal it, and allow it to root.
Tips for Success
- Proper Storage: Keep dormant cuttings wrapped in moist paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag in a cool location.
- Heat: Maintain a temperature above room temperature (68°F or 20°C) to speed up rooting.
- Humidity: Ensure high humidity around the cuttings using clear plastic bags or domes.
- Fungus Gnat Prevention: Use clean potting mix and isolate cuttings from other plants to avoid fungus gnats.
How to grow a fig tree from seed
Can Figs Grow from Seed?
Growing figs from seeds is indeed possible, though it’s often a less straightforward approach compared to propagation by cuttings. While fig trees can sprout from seeds, the resulting plants may not always mirror the characteristics of the parent plant. This method introduces an element of unpredictability: the new plant might develop into a different cultivar or, in some cases, might not bear fruit at all. Moreover, there’s an additional uncertainty regarding the plant’s sex. Only female fig trees produce edible fruit, so there’s a chance that your seed-grown fig could turn out to be male.
Steps to Plant Fig Tree Seeds
1. Seed Collection: To start, cut a fresh fig in half and scoop out the seeds along with the pulp. Place these seeds in a container of water for 1-2 days. After soaking, viable seeds will sink to the bottom, indicating that they are ready to be planted.
2. Preparation of Planting Medium: Prepare a planting medium by mixing equal parts of peat, perlite, and fine volcanic rock. Moisten this mixture before planting to ensure the seeds have a hospitable environment for germination.
3. Planting the Seeds: Combine the fig seeds with horticultural sand and spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the prepared planting medium in a flat tray. Position the tray in a warm location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
4. Care of Fig Seedlings:
- Germination: Fig seeds typically germinate within 1-2 weeks. During this period, keep the medium lightly moist and maintain a warm environment.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves and reach about 8 cm (a few inches) in height, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots.
- Lighting: Provide moderate light for the seedlings during their early growth stages. This should mimic the mixed lighting conditions of tropical forests where fig trees naturally thrive.
- Humidity: To maintain high humidity around the seedlings, place the pots on a saucer filled with pebbles and water, or mist the plants regularly.
- Feeding: Begin feeding the seedlings with diluted houseplant fertilizer when they are about six months old or at the start of the first spring.
- Outdoor Care: Transition the plants outdoors during the warmer summer months to help them acclimate. However, bring them inside before the first frost to protect them from freezing temperatures.
How to grow a fig tree in a pot
Growing a fig tree in a container is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh figs, even if you live in a cooler climate. Container gardening offers flexibility, allowing you to move your tree to ensure it gets optimal sunlight and protection. Whether you’re aiming to brighten up a patio or balcony or need to bring your tree indoors during winter, here’s a comprehensive guide to growing fig trees in pots.
Why Grow Figs in Pots?
Figs flourish in warm climates, typically found in USDA Zones 8-10. However, growing them in pots extends their potential to cooler regions where outdoor planting isn’t feasible. Container-grown fig trees can be easily moved indoors during cold months, safeguarding them from frost and enabling year-round enjoyment. Moreover, potted figs can make a striking addition to sunny patios or balconies.
Choosing the Right Pot
Selecting the appropriate pot is crucial for your fig tree’s health and growth. Opt for a pot with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Consider pots with wheels or use a plant caddy to simplify relocating the tree indoors during winter. Start with a pot that is 6-8 inches wider than the nursery pot. As your fig tree grows, upgrade to larger pots, but avoid excessively large containers, as they can cause drainage issues and encourage overwatering.
Best Fig Varieties for Pots
Some fig varieties are better suited for container life than others. Here are a few excellent choices:
- ‘Little Miss Figgy’: This compact variety reaches 4-6 feet in height, produces medium-sized figs, and requires minimal pruning.
- ‘Celeste’: Often called the “sugar fig,” it is cold-hardy and can be pruned to remain small, making it ideal for pots.
- ‘Brown Turkey’: Although it can grow up to 20 feet tall in the ground, it’s manageable in pots and yields medium-sized figs perfect for fresh eating or preserves.
How to Plant Fig Trees in Pots
Add Soil to the Pot: Begin by placing your pot in its desired location and adding a few inches of well-draining potting mix to the bottom. This ensures good drainage from the start.
Plant the Fig Tree: Position the fig tree in the pot at the same depth it was in its nursery pot. Backfill with potting mix, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil line. Leave a 2-inch gap between the soil and the pot’s rim to accommodate watering.
Add Mulch: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the tree. This helps to insulate the soil, reducing the frequency of watering.
Water the Fig Tree: Water the fig tree thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots receive adequate hydration without becoming waterlogged.
Care for Fig Trees in Pots
- Light: Figs require full sun to thrive, so ensure your pot is placed where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Water: Check the soil regularly, and water when the top 1-2 inches are dry. Ensure that the pot drains well to prevent overwatering.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer, such as kelp or fish meal, twice a year—in spring and fall—to support healthy growth.
- Repotting: Repot your fig tree in spring as it grows, using a pot 1-2 sizes larger to avoid drainage problems and encourage continued development.
- Pruning: For larger varieties, prune to maintain a height of 6-8 feet. Perform pruning during winter when the tree is dormant to manage its size and shape.
- Harvesting: Figs should be harvested when they are slightly soft, sweet-smelling, and drooping on their stems. Avoid picking figs that are still hard.
Winter Care for Potted Fig Trees
As temperatures drop, bring your fig tree indoors before the first hard frost. Place it in a sheltered area like an unheated garage. Water sparingly during winter, only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. In spring, gradually reintroduce your fig tree to outdoor conditions by moving it outside during the day and bringing it back indoors at night until the risk of frost has passed.
