Figs (Ficus carica) are an excellent choice for home gardens because they are relatively easy to grow, resilient, and produce delicious, nutritious fruit. Figs can be grown successfully in various environments, whether you have a large backyard or limited space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cultivate figs in your backyard.
Things to Consider When Growing Figs
Figs are native to warm, Mediterranean-like climates and thrive in areas with long, hot summers and mild winters. The plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to produce many fruits. Figs are best suited to USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11, although some cold-hardy varieties can be grown in cooler regions with proper care.
Figs are quite adaptable to different soil types, but they prefer well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Figs can tolerate sandy and clay soils as long as they are well-drained. Before planting, you can enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and water retention.
Planting Figs in the Backyard
Figs can be grown either in the ground or in large containers. If you live in a cooler climate, growing figs in containers allows you to move them indoors during winter, protecting them from frost.
- Choose a fig variety that suits your climate and growing conditions. Some popular varieties include 'Brown Turkey,' 'Celeste,' and 'Kadota.' For cooler climates, consider cold-hardy varieties like 'Chicago Hardy, ' which can tolerate lower temperatures.
- Figs prefer a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden. Prepare the soil by digging it to a depth of 30 cm (12 inches) and incorporating compost or other organic matter to ensure good drainage and improve fertility. Figs don't like waterlogged soil, so if your backyard has heavy clay soil, consider planting in raised beds or containers.
- If planting in the ground, dig a hole twice the width of the fig tree’s root ball and about the same depth. Gently place the tree into the hole, ensuring the root ball is leveled with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil, and press down lightly to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help the tree establish.
- If space is limited, you can grow figs in large containers at least 50 cm (20 inches) wide and deep. Use well-draining potting soil and ensure the container has drainage holes. Container-grown fig trees may require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, so soil moisture must be monitored regularly. - Figs are drought-tolerant once established but produce better fruit with consistent moisture during the growing season. Water young fig trees deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. For mature trees, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Be careful not to overwater, as figs do not thrive in soggy soil.
- When it comes to fertilization, figs generally require minimal feeding. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer is usually sufficient. Alternatively, you can use organic compost or manure around the tree's base to give the plants the nutrients needed. You may need to apply additional fertilizer if the tree shows signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves, or if the tree has great fruit production in a year.
- Pruning fig trees helps maintain their size, shape, and productivity. Figs, especially young ones, need light pruning to encourage strong branch development. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring, and thin the interior branches to improve air circulation. Regular pruning will keep the tree healthy and promote better fruit production.
- Figs are relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but they can still be infested by common garden pests like aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. To prevent infestations, regularly inspect your fig tree and remove pests by hand or with a strong stream of water. Introducing and boosting the population of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can also help control pest populations. Figs are susceptible to fungal diseases like rust and leaf spot, especially in humid climates. To reduce disease risk, ensure proper air circulation by pruning and spacing plants well. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal growth, and clear any fallen leaves or debris around the tree to maintain a clean growing environment.
- Figs typically begin to produce fruit within 2 to 3 years of planting, depending on the variety. The fruit is ready for harvest when it becomes soft and droops slightly on the branch. Figs do not ripen after they are picked, so it’s important to harvest them when fully ripe. When gently squeezed, a ripe fig will feel slightly soft and should have a sweet aroma. To harvest, simply twist the fruit gently from the branch, careful not to damage the tree. Figs bruise easily, so handle them with care after picking.
