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Dreaming of fresh figs?
You’re in luck!
Growing figs is easier than you think. Here are 8 simple tactics to help you get started.
Ready to enjoy delicious home-grown figs?
Let’s get growing!
Choose the Right Fig Variety
First things first, pick the fig variety that suits your climate. There are plenty of options like ‘Brown Turkey,’ ‘Black Mission,’ and ‘Kadota.’ Do a bit of research or ask at your local nursery about which kinds grow best in your area.
Trust us; your figs will thank you.
Find a Sunny Spot
Figs love sunshine! Aim for a spot where they can soak in the rays for at least 6-8 hours a day.
The more sun, the sweeter the figs. Make sure the area has good drainage too; no one likes soggy roots.
Prep the Soil
Good soil makes happy figs. Mix some compost into your soil to enrich it.
Fig trees aren’t too fussy, but they do prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Test your soil and adjust if needed.
Compost and good drainage will keep your tree healthy and productive.
Water Wisely
While figs are pretty drought-tolerant, they still need a drink—especially in the first couple of years. Water your fig tree deeply, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, and nobody wants that.
Feed Your Fig
Start young fig trees off with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. After the first couple of years, you can switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming and fruiting.
Just don’t overdo it—less is often more when it comes to feeding figs.
Prune for Success
Pruning your fig tree isn’t rocket science. Trim back new growth to keep the tree manageable and encourage more fruit.
Remove any dead or diseased wood as needed. A good prune in winter or early spring will set you up for a bumper crop when the weather warms up.
Protect From Pests
Figs are pretty hardy, but they do have a few pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and birds.
A gentle spray of water or insecticidal soap can handle most bug issues, while netting can protect your fruit from our feathered friends.
Harvest at the Right Time
Patience is key when harvesting figs. They’re ready to pick when they droop a bit on the branch and feel soft to the touch.
The skin might crack a little, and that’s totally normal. Pick them right away to avoid spoiling on the tree.
Enjoy fresh, share with friends, or try drying them for a tasty snack later!
Great info always been lucky with figs. at our last place we had wild figs that grew great year after year, when we left, we took a cutting with us, it is now 7 foot tall and hoping to get a small crop this year, can only Hope