🍃 Fig Tree: Growing Guide
Fig Tree (Ficus carica) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −10 to 38 °C (14–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Ficus carica |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −10 to 38 °C (14–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 300–600 cm (118–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy, less water in winter.
Growing tips
Mediterranean. Drought tolerant. Brown Turkey, Kadota and Smyrna.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Fig Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
Fig Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy, less water in winter.
Fig Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Fig Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Fig Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Oregano, Basil.
Plan your garden
Add Fig Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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