Fig Growing Guide
Fig Tree Growing Guide
Location: Determine if your growing zone allows for you to grow your fig tree in ground, or if you need to grow your fig tree a pot and take indoors in the winter. Please note that are are cold hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy, which can grow outdoors in growing zones as far north as Chicago.
Pot Size: If you are going to grow your fig in a pot, then we recommend planting in a 10-25 gallon pots. Fig trees will quickly outgrow smaller size pots, which will slow the growth and not produce as many figs.
Lighting: Fig trees like a lot of sunlight. However, please note that if you have started your fig tree indoors, then you need to gradually acclimate the fig tree to direct sunlight so as to not burn the leaves.
Heat: Fig trees love heat. We believe the optimal temperature for growing fig tees is between 70-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, fig tress are quite hardy and many varieties will tolerate freezing and below freezing temperatures. Some varieties may die back in below freezing temperature, but the roots will remain alive, and new shoots will grow out of the roots in the spring.
Water: While fig trees are often considered a drought tolerant tree they do thrive and grow better if they have access to regular watering. However, you do not want to keep the roots extremely wet or soggy, especially when the fig tree is young to prevent the rots from rotting.
Soil: If growing fig trees in planters or plastic pots, we recommend using a potting soil mixture of roughly 50% coconut coir 25% peat moss, and 25% pumice.
Fertilizer: We like to fertilize our fig trees by adding a few inches of compost on top of the soil every few months. Some other organic fertilizers that we recommend are Peruvian Seabird Guano (12-11-2), worm castings, Potash (0-0-60), and Kelp Meal.
Pollination: Most of the fig trees we offer do not require pollination, and are called "common figs". There are some "Smyrna" fig varieties that do require a fig wasp to pollinate the fig.