Fig (Container Grown) Growing Guide

Ficus carica

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Large container of free-draining, soil-based potting compost.

Position

A sheltered site in full sun. In colder areas grow against a south-facing wall or under cover. Figs grown as pillars or espaliered plants can be planted closer - 45cm (18in) apart, and gradually thinned to the best specimens.

Frost tolerant

Reasonably tolerant, but the tips of branches carrying fruit can be damaged in cold weather so protect branches with horticultural fleece in winter in cooler regions. Cold also can kill plants back to their roots, from which new plants often re-grow.

Feeding

Mulch the root zone with compost each spring, and mulch with well-rotted organic matter year round. Apply liquid tomato feed every 2-3 weeks once fruits appear.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant in containers or in a hole lined with solid material that the roots cannot penetrate to encourage fruiting.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Figs produce fruitlets which flower the following year and produce fruit.

Harvesting

Fruits are ripe when the skin feels soft and starts to split when gently squeezed. Figs can be dried or made into fig preserves but otherwise do not store well.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Fig (Container Grown)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail