Fig Tree Guide: Varieties, Care Needs, Problems and More

Figs have always captured the fascination of gardeners, food lovers, and historians with their impressive foliage, distinct fruit, and storied past.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to diversify your orchard or a beginner seeking an easy-to-grow fruit tree, fig trees offer a rewarding gardening experience.

Fig trees are not hard to grow and are great for beginners due to their resilience and low maintenance needs. They are adaptable, tolerant of drought, and generally resistant to pests and diseases. They only require basic care such as regular watering, annual fertilizing, and occasional pruning.

In the following sections, we will explore fig trees in more detail. We’ll discuss their characteristics, pollination process, fruit, growth rate, and adaptability to different seasons and climates.

We’ll also discuss their care and maintenance, potential diseases and pests, propagation methods, popular varieties, and suitable companion plants. Let’s get started.

Fig Tree Overview

Fig trees, belonging to the genus Ficus, are native to the Middle East and Western Asia.

They have been cultivated for thousands of years and are cherished for their delicious fruit and ornamental value. Let’s take a closer look at the key characteristics of fig trees.

Tree Appearance & Size

Fig trees are deciduous or semi-evergreen trees known for their distinctive growth habit. They typically grow 10 to 30 feet tall; however, some varieties can reach 50 feet in height.

The tree typically has multiple trunks supporting a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade.

Fig Tree Leaves

One of the most distinctive features of fig trees is their leaves. They are large, up to 10 inches long, and deeply lobed with three to five lobes per leaf.

The leaves are bright green, have a coarse texture, and provide a lush, tropical feel to the landscape.

Fig Tree Pollination

Fig tree pollination is a fascinating process involving a specific kind of wasp known as the fig wasp.

However, many cultivated varieties, including the common fig, do not require pollination in order to produce fruit, a characteristic that makes them particularly easy to grow.

Fig Tree Fruit

Figs are unique in structure and taste. They are technically inverted flowers with the flower parts enclosed in the fruit.

Figs are pear-shaped and come in a range of colors, from green and yellow to purple and black, depending on the variety. The flesh is soft and sweet, often described as honey-like.

You can expect your first harvest between 3 and 5 years after planting.

Growth Habit & Rate

Fig trees have a moderate growth rate and can live for many decades, even centuries, under optimal conditions.

They have a spreading growth habit, often growing wider than they are tall. This makes them excellent shade trees.

Fig Trees in Fall & Winter

In fall, fig tree leaves turn yellow and drop off, revealing the tree’s twisting branches.

Fig trees are deciduous and go dormant in winter, especially in cooler climates. However, in milder climates, they may retain some of their leaves all year.

Fig Tree Grow Zones & Required Chill Hours

Fig trees are adaptable to a wide range of climates and are hardy in USDA Zones 6-11.

They require a certain number of chill hours (hours below 45°F) in winter to ensure proper dormancy and fruit production.

Most fig varieties require 100-200 chill hours, making them suitable for both cool and warm climates.

Fig Tree Care and Maintenance

Caring for a fig tree involves understanding its needs and providing the right conditions for growth. While fig trees are generally easy to grow, they will thrive and produce the best fruit under optimal care.

Growing Conditions

Fig trees are quite adaptable and can grow in a variety of conditions. However, they prefer a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

The soil should drain readily to prevent waterlogging and root diseases. Fig trees can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but they prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Enriching the soil with organic matter can improve its fertility and drainage, creating an ideal environment for the tree’s growth.

Watering Needs

Although fig trees are tolerant of drought once established, they will produce the best fruit with consistent watering. Young trees and those grown in containers will need more frequent watering.

The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During dry periods, deep watering once a week is usually sufficient.

Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture levels.

Fertilization

Fig trees do not need heavy or frequent fertilizer applications, but they will benefit from an occasional boost of nutrients.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This will provide the nutrients the tree needs for healthy growth and fruit production.

If your soil is rich in organic matter, additional fertilization may not be necessary.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain the tree’s size and shape, improves its health, and can enhance fruit production.

Lightly prune your fig tree in late winter or early spring, when the tree is still dormant.

Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Also, thin some of the inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration. This can help prevent diseases and promote better fruiting.

Mulching

Mulching is beneficial for fig trees. It helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure and fertility.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost or shredded bark, around the base of the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems.

Harvesting

Harvesting figs at the right time ensures the best flavor and texture. Figs do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so it’s important to wait until they are fully ripe.

Ripe figs are soft, have a deep color, and may droop on their stems. They should come off the tree easily when lifted and twisted.

Fig Tree Diseases and Pests

While fig trees are generally robust and resistant to many common pests and diseases, they are not immune. Regular inspection and prompt action can help keep your tree healthy.

Common pests include fig beetles, aphids, and nematodes. Fig beetles are attracted to ripe figs, while aphids suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

Microscopic worms in the soil known as nematodes can affect the roots and overall health of the tree.

Diseases that can affect fig trees include fig rust, leaf blight, root rot, and fig mosaic virus.

Fig rust causes orange spots on the leaves, and leaf blight results in brown spots and leaf drop. Root rot, often caused by overwatering and poor drainage, can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves.

Fig mosaic virus causes leaves to have a mottled and yellow appearance. There is no cure, so be sure to carefully inspect trees for health before you purchase and plant them.

Propagating Fig Trees

Fig trees can be propagated in several ways, including rooting cuttings, germinating seeds, air layering, ground layering, and grafting.

Propagating from cuttings is the most common method. It involves taking a cutting from a healthy tree, planting it in a suitable growing medium, and providing the right conditions for root development.

Fig Tree Varieties

There are numerous varieties of fig trees, each with unique features and characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

• Chicago Hardy: Known for its cold hardiness and sweet, dark figs.
• Celeste: Produces small, sweet figs and is resistant to fig rust.
• Brown Turkey: Offers large, sweet figs and has a robust growth habit.
• Desert King: Renowned for its large, sweet, green figs and adaptability to various climates.
• Black Mission: Famous for its large, sweet, dark-purple figs.

Fig Tree Companion Plants

Companion planting can enhance the health and productivity of your fig tree.

Plants that attract beneficial insects or repel harmful bugs, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can help keep pest populations in check.

Herbs, like mint, sage, and marjoram or oregano, are another great option. Other plants, like clover and beans, can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

Best Places To Buy Fig Trees

Fig trees can be purchased from local nurseries or online. Some reputable online sources that I personally recommend are FastGrowingTrees.com and NatureHills.com.

These sites offer a wide selection of fig tree varieties and provide detailed care instructions.

Closing Thoughts

Fig trees are a welcome and rewarding addition to any garden. They offer beautiful foliage, delicious fruit, and a touch of Mediterranean charm.

With the right care, you can enjoy harvesting your own fruit for years to come, and the leaves are edible as well, so this tree is a double winner!