GROWING GUIDE - FIGS

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy fig trees in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.

QUICK FACTS

• Soil: Moist, But Not Wet
• Harvest: Fig Fruit & Harvesting
• Plant in a location with good air circulation
• Water deeply but infrequently once established
• Prune annually for best production

FIG TREE PLANTING & CARE

The Hardy Chicago Fig is an excellent fruit tree for container growing, especially in colder climates. With proper care, it can grow up to 12ft. tall and 10ft. wide.

GROWING IN POTS

• Start with a 10 in. pot and gradually transplant to a 5-10 GAL container as it grows.
• A tight container helps the plant feel secure and limits overall size. A 10-15 GAL pot can be its final home.
• Shape it to your preference: Trim it to grow as a bush or tree.
• Fertilize at least once a month, increasing frequency when fruiting. Use Organican Liquid Seaweed Concentrate (item #3249) and 10-52-17 fertilizer.
• Keep soil moist, but not wet.

PINCHING FOR EARLIER FRUIT PRODUCTION

In colder climates, figs may not ripen before the first frost. Pinching helps speed up fruiting.

HOW TO PINCH:

• Allow four leaves to grow on a branch
• Pinch off new leaf growth beyond the fourth leaf
• This redirects energy toward fruit development instead of more leaves
• Figs take about two months to ripen, so proper pinching ensures a better harvest

FIG FRUIT & HARVESTING

Figs must ripen on the tree, they won’t continue to ripen once picked.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN FIGS ARE READY:

• Fruit becomes soft and easy to squish
• The eye at the bottom of the fig fully opens
• If left too long, figs become mushy and may fall off
• Protect figs from birds and insects by harvesting at peak ripeness

HOW TO PICK FIGS:

• Cut or break them off at the stem without pulling too close to the fruit to avoid tearing or white sap leakage.
• Wear gloves if needed, as the sap can be irritating.

STORAGE & SHELF LIFE

Figs spoil quickly, lasting only about 7 days after harvest. If picked slightly firmer, they can last up to 10 days, but won’t be as sweet.

OVERWINTERING A FIG TREE INDOORS:

Once the leaves drop, move your fig tree to a cool, dark spot (like an unheated basement or garage). Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. No light or fertilizer is needed until spring.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality fig trees and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

RELATED GROWING GUIDES

Explore more of our expert growing guides to expand your garden knowledge:

• Browse our complete collection of Fruit Growing guides
• Check out our gardening tips for seasonal advice
• Discover companion planting strategies for better yields

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