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Figs are a delicious delicacy that thrives in warm climates, but they can be grown in more temperate regions with a little extra care.
Fig leaves are quite large, beautifully shaped, and generously shaded.
Figs can be eaten fresh off the tree, preserved, or cooked.
From biblical times, figs were one of the first foods eaten by humans and one of the first cultivated foods.
Knowing how to care for and plant fig trees have always been an enticing topic among fruit lovers.
This article covers everything on how to plant a fig tree in the ground.
Steps To Plant A Fig Tree In The Ground
Every fig variety needs ideal planting conditions.
It is best to plant common fig trees in early spring when they are still dormant.
If you set yourself up for success by planting properly, you can start harvesting your figs soon after planting.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your fig tree:
1. Pick The Growing Site
Figs prefer a sunny location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Figs can be grown in a variety of soils, from light, sandy types to heavy loam.
Figs do not like alkaline soil. Depending on the variety, space your tree 10 to 35 feet apart.
Fig varieties thrive best in regions with mild winters and long, hot summers.
A Mediterranean climate is ideal, but warmer climates will work too.
Colder climates are best avoided at all costs unless you plan on growing indoors.
Figs have no winter protection and are not adapted to minus temperatures.
However, they tolerate heavy clay soils if drainage is good.
Plant your figs in a sunny spot with plenty of sun and rich, sandy soil.
Fig trees bloom when grown in full sun.
If you’re concerned that extreme heat could scorch fig leaves, plant yours in a spot that gets partial shade in the afternoon.
Make sure your fig tree is planted in a location where it can receive 7-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Direct sunlight is generally fine as fig trees love full sun.
Find a sunny spot. If desired, provide some shade in the afternoon so that the fig leaves do not get sunburnt in late summer.
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2. Prepare The Soil
Prepare the soil by digging up an area 2-3 times larger than the planting hole.
This loosens the soil, making it easier for the fig tree roots to grow stronger.
Use a shovel to dig your planting hole 2-3 times larger than necessary.
Fill the hole with loose soil to encourage fig root growth.
Soak a fig seed in warm water for 1-2 days before planting.
Seeds need to be soaked in warm water for 24 to 48 hours before planting.
This will help start germination.
You can plant the seed without soaking it, but it will take weeks longer for the seedling to develop without this prep work.
You can also skip this step by obtaining container-grown trees from a reputable nursery.
3. Dig The Hole And Plant The Tree.
Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system.
Plant your fig trees 2 to 4 inches lower than they were in the nursery row or the pot.
Keep mulch around trees to keep weeds free, but don’t work it so deeply that shallow roots are damaged. Fig trees need winter protection if you live north of zone 7.
You should have your planting hole about 1 inch deep for a fig seed.
When potting trees, the hole should be 3 to 4 inches deeper than the initial planting depth.
A fig seed should only be planted 1 inch.
When you take your tree out of its container, check the ground line at the trunk of your tree.
There should be a visible ring where the earth meets the tree.
When transplanting the tree, make sure the soil rises at least 3 to 4 inches higher up the trunk as you transplant the tree.
Plant fig trees at least 3 inches deeper than the pot’s original planting depth.
Planting deeper provides more protection and insulation for the root ball of the fig tree.
The reason for this deeper planting is the better protection of mature plants.
This allows deep roots to grow faster and provides better winter protection for the root ball.
Late winter frosts have a harder time reaching a deeper planted root ball.
Transplanting A Fig Tree
Transplanting a pot fig tree from its container is fairly easy.
However, you will need a full bucket of water to completely soak the planting hole before placing the tree in it.
When transplanting a tree, use a bucket of water to thoroughly wet the planting hole before planting.
It is best to plant fig trees while they are still dormant in early spring.
You should also wet your container trees before removing them from their containers.
Carefully separate the tree from the container’s native soil.
Then position the tree in the planting hole.
Fill the assembly carefully so that there are no air pockets.
The roots of fig trees generally do not like air circulation.
Take Care Of The Tree After Planting
After planting the care of the fig tree, there is more to do.
You should provide your newly transplanted tree with a good amount of balanced fertilizer.
Fertilize and water newly transplanted trees to minimize the impact of transplanting.
A layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist and encourage vigorous growth.
Half a pound of fertilizer is usually fine, but check the fertilizer’s product label for the correct amount.
Use a balanced fertilizer — like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 — to properly nourish your tree.
Pour this fertilizer into the soil until you have moistened the soil.
Then apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.
Water young fig trees regularly to help them establish themselves.
In areas with a dry climate, fig trees should be watered deeply at least once a week.
Most fig trees do not require regular fertilization unless they are grown in containers.
However, if your fig tree doesn’t grow very much, you can add 1/2 to 1 pound of supplemental nitrogen.
Start nitrogen application in late winter and finish in mid-summer.
Fig trees require little pruning.
Be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth.
If you have heavy fig growth, you can thin out the fruit to encourage larger figs.
Keep the soil moist.
Remove any dead wood while the tree is dormant and keep an eye out for new growth in spring.
Do not fertilize your fig tree at the time of planting.
FAQ’s
Are fig trees better in pots or ground?
Figs are easiest to cultivate in containers. This naturally limits root growth and makes it simple to move plants indoors for the winter in temperate locations where harsh frosts might harm developing fruits.
How long does it take for a fig tree to bear fruit?
3.5 to 5 years
The average fig tree needs three to five years to begin bearing fruit. Figs may develop along stems where each leaf attaches before that, but they won’t ripen. Figs in pots might produce fruit sooner.
Do all figs have wasps inside?
Avoid watering too frequently since figs dislike having wet feet. Give the tree some time to dry out in between waterings. Do not overwater, but do water slowly and deeply. Ten days to two weeks apart is adequate
Do figs like full sun?
The majority of figs raised for commerce, including those you purchase at the store, are wasp-free. Even if you look really closely, you probably won’t discover a wasp inside the delectable fig you are going to eat, even though wasp bodies might lend some crunch to it.
Final Thoughts
The successful establishment of a young fruit tree begins with its location and planting method.
Once a fruit tree is established, it needs little help to grow and bear fruit;
Once these conditions are met, all you have to do is dig a hole and put the seed or seedling of the tree in it.
Follow the tips in this article to enjoy a good harvest.
