Growing Figs Outdoors: Varieties, Pots and Winter Care

The best site for figs

Figs need warmth, sun, and shelter. A spot against a south-facing wall, in front of a bright masonry surface, or in a sheltered courtyard is ideal. These places help shoots ripen better and give the fruit more warmth.

• choose a full-sun, warm site
• avoid cold easterly winds
• use free-draining soil without waterlogging
• grow in a container in colder locations

Choose hardy varieties

For home gardens, hardy and self-fertile fig varieties are the most useful choice. They should cope with short summers, crop reliably, and tolerate some frost. In cooler regions, proven outdoor varieties are safer than delicate collector varieties.

• choose a self-fertile variety
• look for early ripening
• use hardy varieties for outdoor planting
• prefer compact growth for container culture

How to plant figs

Spring is the best time to plant figs once severe frosts are no longer expected. This gives the plant a full season to form new roots and become stronger before its first winter.

1. 1

   Prepare the site

   Choose a sunny, sheltered place with free-draining soil.

2. 2

   Loosen the planting hole

   Loosen the soil deeply and improve heavy soil with mineral material or mature compost.

3. 3

   Set the fig in place

   Plant it at the same depth as it grew in the pot and firm the soil gently.

4. 4

   Water in

   Water thoroughly so the soil settles around the roots.

5. 5

   Mulch lightly

   Cover the root area lightly to keep soil moisture more even.

Summer care

Established figs are fairly easy to care for. The main tasks are steady watering during dry spells and moderate feeding. Too much nitrogen encourages soft shoots that ripen poorly before winter.

• water deeply during dry periods
• avoid waterlogging
• feed moderately in spring
• stop strong feeding from late summer
• remove damaged or unusable fruit

Growing figs in containers

Containers make it possible to grow figs where outdoor planting is too risky. The pot should be large, stable, and well drained. Container-grown figs need more regular watering and feeding than figs planted in the ground.

• use a large pot with drainage holes
• add drainage and a stable, open potting mix
• water regularly in summer
• repot or renew the root ball every few years
• protect both pot and roots in winter

Winter protection for figs

Young figs and container figs need special protection in winter. Outdoors, the root area is the priority. In cold regions, an airy wrap around the shoots can also help.

1. 1

   Cover the root area

   In autumn, cover the soil with leaves, brushwood, or mulch.

2. 2

   Protect the shoots

   Wrap young plants loosely with fleece so air can still circulate.

3. 3

   Insulate the pot

   Place container figs in a sheltered position and wrap the pot with jute, fleece, or an insulating mat.

4. 4

   Keep slightly moist

   Water in winter only enough to stop the root ball from drying out completely.

5. 5

   Remove protection in spring

   Take winter protection off gradually once severe frosts have passed.

Harvesting figs and spotting ripeness

Figs do not reliably ripen after picking, so harvest them only when they are soft, aromatic, and show their typical ripe color. Ripe fruit often hangs slightly downward and comes away gently from the shoot.

• harvest only soft, fully ripe fruit
• do not pull hard fruit from the plant
• eat or process ripe figs quickly
• check regularly for ripeness in cool weather

Common mistakes to avoid

• choosing a delicate variety for a cold site
• planting figs in shade
• allowing waterlogging in containers
• feeding too strongly in late summer
• leaving young plants without winter protection
• letting container figs dry out completely in winter

Frequently asked questions