Growing Figs: Planting, Care, and Harvest for Home Gardens

Figs are a delicious treat of tropical/subtropical origin. They thrive in long, hot summers but also grow well in containers. Enjoy fresh, preserved, or cooked.

Planting

• Common fig tree is best—all flowers are female, so no pollinator needed.
• Container figs: soil-based potting mix + fine bark chips. Full/filtered light. High-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks. Moderate water; keep moist in winter.
• Outdoor figs: plant spring in full/partial sun. Any well-drained soil rich in organic matter works.
• Container-grown: remove from pot, cut circling roots (lay root ball on side, shear through roots).
• Dig hole a few inches deeper/wider than root spread. Set tree on central soil mound. Spread roots away from trunk without excessive bending.
• Plant 2–4 inches deeper than original pot depth (check trunk color for soil line).
• Space 20 ft from buildings/other trees.

Care

• Water young trees regularly to establish. In dry climates, deep water weekly.
• Ground-grown figs rarely need fertilizer. If growth <12 inches/year, add ½–1 lb nitrogen in 3–4 feedings (late winter to midsummer).
• Mulch to suppress weeds and retain root moisture.
• Minimal pruning: dormant season, remove dead/diseased/weak branches.
• Thin fruit if abundant to encourage larger figs.

Pests and Diseases

• Nematodes
• Leaf spots
• Rust
• Thrips
• Twig dieback

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest fully ripe: fully colored, slightly soft.
• Wear gloves/long sleeves—sap irritates skin.
• Figs perish quickly. Refrigerate 2–3 days.
• Long-term: freeze whole, dry, or can.

Recommended Varieties

• 'Brown Turkey' – abundant medium-large fruit, best in warm climates
• 'King' – adapted to cool Northwest, medium sweet rich fruit
• 'Kadota' – vigorous small-medium fruit, rich sweet, most common canned fig

Wit & Wisdom

Figs provide potassium, dietary fiber, and calcium.

You can't grow figs from thistles.