Fig trees are “very reliable and relatively easy to grow,” says Douglas, and if cared for properly, they will produce an abundant crop of figs every year. Here’s what to keep in mind about their care requirements.

Water

For the tastiest fruit, Douglas recommends watering your fig tree thoroughly only once a week during the summer.

“Just like with dryland tomatoes, reducing water prevents the sugars from being diluted, resulting in sweeter fruit,” he adds. “If you’re hoping for a bigger, denser shade tree, water it twice a week for the extra bushy foliage.”

Fertilizer

You should fertilize your fig tree in the spring, as soon as the buds open. This will ensure that the tree receives sufficient nutrition throughout the growing season.

“I normally feed the plants two to three times from April to July with a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as EB Stone Citrus and Fruit Tree Food,” he says.

Harvesting figs

Because figs don’t ripen once they’re off the tree, don’t pick them until they’re soft to the touch. The skin is delicate, so be careful not to crush your fruit. If they remain firm, however, you may have another problem.

“If you find that your fig is producing fruit but it never fully ripens, it’s probably not getting enough sunlight to develop the sugars,” Douglas says. “Remember, the sun drives sugar production.”

While you can probably harvest at least once a year, figs in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12 can bear fruit twice per summer.

Pruning

Like most shrubs, bushes and small trees, fig trees benefit from pruning early in the season.

“Spring is the best time to do some formative pruning on your fig trees,” Douglas says. “Usually about two weeks after the last frost.” If branches are blocking paths after a summer of overgrowth, you can prune them as needed. Always wear long sleeves and garden gloves when pruning your fig tree, as fig sap can irritate your skin.

Disease and pest problems

Fig trees can be susceptible to diseases and pests, so make sure you know the symptoms of these common problems.

• Fig rust: This is a fungal disease that appears as brown and yellow spots on the leaves. To treat, make sure to remove and dispose of both fallen and diseased leaves and add diatomaceous earth to the soil.
• Garbage: This is another fungal disease that can be contagious to your other plants if not treated in time. It is caused by warm, humid weather and appears as yellow, watery spots on the leaves before they turn brown. Always remove and discard the affected leaves.
• Spider mites: These tiny creatures appear as tiny moving dots on the back of fig leaves and suck nutrients from leaf oils. Spray spider mites away with a high-powered hose or, if the infestation is extensive, use insecticidal soap.
• Mosaic fig virus (MSV): This infection, caused by spider mites, can be recognized by a pattern of light green spots on the leaves. It can be remedied with rejuvenation pruning, in which old branches are cut back.

The best time to plant fig trees is when they are dormant, but the timing also depends on your climate. People who live in warmer climates should plant figs in the fall, but in colder climates you will want to plant your fig tree in the spring, after the last frost.

Once established, fig trees are easy to grow, but they need plenty of sun, so you need to be strategic about where you plant them on your property.

“Originating in the Mediterranean, figs really like the heat,” Douglas says. “In cooler climates, a southwest-facing wall would be perfect. They soak up the extra heat from the microclimate they create.” Part sun can work, he adds, but be prepared for less fruit. Figs also need plenty of room to grow and should be planted 15 to 25 feet apart. Petite varieties only grow to six to eight feet tall, but the Chicago hardy fig, for example, can grow to 30 feet.

Another tip: don’t plant fig trees too close to your house, or you risk damaging your foundation.

If you have decided to purchase a fig tree from a nursery and have chosen the perfect, sunny spot to plant it, here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Dig a hole slightly larger and deeper than the root ball.
2. Add compost to the hole and mix well.
3. If it is a potted tree, carefully remove it from the pot, place it in the hole, and fill it back up with soil. For a bare root tree, make sure to soak the root ball in water for three hours before planting so that you can fan out the roots once your tree is in place.
4. Give lots of water. Your new fig tree deserves a big drink.

Fig trees can also be grown in pots, which is good to know if you live in a colder climate. Douglas recommends using old wine barrels as planters, which are a good size and aesthetically pleasing.

“You can wheel them into a greenhouse or shed on a hand truck just before a heavy frost or snow falls in USDA hardiness zones 7 and below,” he says.

Once your fig tree is well established, you can make a plan to propagate it to add another tree to your property (or to give to a neighbor). Here’s how to propagate a fig tree cutting.

1. When the tree is dormant in winter, find a younger branch that is about an inch wide. Take a cutting that is about eight to ten inches long.
2. Cut the branch at a 45 degree angle and dip it in rooting powder.
3. Place the cutting in a pot filled with compost and place it in a sunny spot.
4. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

There are hundreds of varieties of fig trees, but these common types are the most suitable for planting in different regions.

Black Mission Figs

“If I only plant one tree, I usually choose the black mission,” Douglas says. “The fruit is jammy, full of sugars and healthy antioxidants. The figs also have a good shelf life and dry out very well.”

Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.

Adriatic figs

These figs originate from the coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea and are suitable for warm climates. Their skin is light green and the flesh is known for its honey-like flavor and is often used to make fig paste.

Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.

Brown turkey

Unlike some fig trees, brown turkey figs thrive in colder climates and are often chosen for regions further north. Their figs taste of melon and honey.

Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.

Chicago Hardy

For cooler climates, Douglas recommends Chicago Hardy, which can survive soil temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (although some branches may die back). Flavor-wise, they have hints of cherry or strawberry.

Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.

Desert King

Despite what the name suggests, desert king figs do not do well in hot climates, but can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow quickly, but the fruit does not ripen until it turns a light yellow. Desert king figs are also known for being extra sweet.

Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10.

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Christian is a multi-award-winning landscape designer who has been creating beautiful and productive outdoor spaces for over 25 years. Combining his formal training in classical design with his passion for regenerative agriculture, he has created innovative landscapes in his native England, Jordan, Australia, and across the United States with food at their core. In 2012, he opened The Backyard Farm Co., an edible landscaping company that creates urban farms and teaches families how to grow their own food.