Fig trees take a couple of years to produce their first fruit, so the sooner you get started, the sooner you can start to enjoy fresh figs straight off your own tree.
The first thing to know about fig trees is that they produce more fruit if their roots are restricted – which makes them perfect for pots. You can either grow your fig tree in a large container or submerge the pot in the soil to keep the roots cool and reduce the need for watering. If you choose this method, lift the pot out of the soil once a year, and trim any roots that have outgrown the pot.
Discover the delights of container gardening
The best time to plant fig trees
The perfect time to plant is during the autumn and winter, so the trees can establish themselves while it’s cooler. If you do plant in summer, make sure the soil is constantly moist until established.
8 ways to help your garden survive the hot summer
Growing conditions
- Fig trees need full sun but dislike strong winds, so choose a sheltered position.
- They grow happily in alkaline soils, but especially enjoy compost-rich, slightly acidic soil.
- Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers as this will encourage excess leaf production at the expense of fruit (disaster!).
- Good drainage is essential.
- Make sure young plants are well watered, especially during hot, dry periods. A general rule is 2.5 to 4 centimetres of water per week either from rainfall or irrigation. Check out the suggested run times for different sprinkler systems. If you notice the leaves turning yellow and dropping, you are probably overwatering.
- Let your figs ripen on the tree as they won’t continue to ripen once picked.
- Birds love figs as much as we do, so to make sure your crops survive, cover your fig tree with netting when fruit starts to appear.
- You can expect to start harvesting your figs around two years after planting and most varieties produce two crops a year.
Pruning fig trees
A bit of pruning can encourage a more compact and productive tree, so to encourage vigorous fruiting, cut back each season’s growth by about one third each winter.
If you are keen to start growing more of your own fruit, have a look at these gardening articles to help you get the best results:
- Passionfruit perfection!
- How to grow blueberries
- Tips for successful citrus trees
- Mistakes to avoid when growing tomatoes
- Plant your own strawberries
- And if you’re short of space, grow some tomatoes in hanging baskets!
