How to Plant a Fig Tree

 

How to Plant a Fig Tree and Grow Organic Figs at Home

A fig tree is one of the most rewarding fruit trees you can grow. Known for its beauty, longevity, and delicious fruit, a fig tree brings both ornamental and edible value to your garden. Whether you're cultivating a backyard orchard or simply want to enjoy homegrown fruit from a container on your patio, learning how to plant a fig tree properly is the first step to years of sweet success.

At Grow Organic, we offer a wide variety of fig trees for sale, including both standard and dwarf types. Our selection includes popular favorites such as Black Mission, Violette de Bordeaux, Improved Brown Turkey, and Kadota. Each organic fig tree is sourced from trusted, high-quality growers, giving you more options to match your climate, soil, and personal taste.

When to Plant Fig Trees

One of the most common questions we hear is when to plant fig trees. The answer depends on whether you’re planting a bare root tree or a potted one. Bare root fig trees are best planted in late fall through winter while they’re dormant. However, if you purchase a potted fig tree during spring or summer, you can absolutely plant it—just take extra care to provide consistent water during the growing season.

The ideal planting time allows the fig tree’s roots to establish before extreme temperatures arrive. In mild climates, early spring or late winter is perfect. In colder regions, wait until the danger of frost has passed. Regardless of the season, proper soil preparation and watering are key. 

Choosing a Site for Your Fig Tree

A healthy organic fig tree begins with a good location. Fig trees thrive in full sun—choose a site that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They originate from warm Mediterranean climates, but many varieties can be successfully grown in diverse regions across the U.S. Just ensure that mature trees won’t be shaded by buildings or other trees.

Fig trees can tolerate a range of soils, but they prefer well-drained soil. If you’re unsure about your soil’s drainage, perform a quick percolation test or consult with local Master Gardeners. If your soil is heavy clay or has a shallow hardpan, plant your fig tree on a raised mound or in a raised bed about two feet deep to promote healthy root development.

Also, choose a location near a water source for easier irrigation during the establishment period.

How to Plant a Fig Tree Step by Step

If you're wondering how to plant a fig tree, the process is simple but important for long-term success:

1. Dig the hole: Make it the same depth as the pot or sleeve and twice as wide as the root ball.

2. Protect from gophers: Use gopher baskets or repellents to shield young roots.

3. Inspect the roots: Remove any circling or dead roots and gently loosen the root ball.

4. Position the tree: If there’s a graft union, turn it northeast to shield it from sun damage.

5. Backfill with native soil: Avoid adding fertilizer, potting mix, or compost directly to the planting hole.

6. Build a watering basin: Slope the soil away from the trunk and create a basin beyond the root zone to catch irrigation and rain.

7. Mulch properly: Apply 3–4 inches of compost followed by mulch, keeping both 4 inches away from the trunk.

Fig trees need a little care at planting, but they’re resilient and quick to adapt when given a strong start.

Caring for a Young Fig Tree

Watering: At planting, water your fig tree with about 5 gallons to settle the soil. Continue watering weekly through the first dry season—roughly 5 gallons each week is a good rule of thumb. When winter rains arrive, reshape the basin to prevent water from pooling near the trunk.

Pruning: Bare-root fruit trees should be pruned at planting time, and you can watch our video for tips on that. Potted trees with leaves should not be pruned until the dormant season in the winter time.

Trunk protection: Young fig trees are sensitive to sunburn. Use a 50/50 mixture of white latex paint and water or a spiral tree guard to protect the trunk from intense sun exposure.

Why Grow an Organic Fig Tree

There are many reasons gardeners choose to grow an organic fig tree. Not only do figs produce uniquely flavorful fruit, but they also require minimal chemical inputs when grown organically. With proper soil and sunlight, fig trees are naturally resistant to many pests and diseases.

The benefits of planting a fig tree include:

• Sweet, nutritious fruit for fresh eating, drying, baking, or preserving

• Low-maintenance care once established

• Long lifespan, with some trees producing for decades

• Adaptability to containers or open soil

• Drought tolerance once roots are fully established

Plus, few things are as satisfying as harvesting sun-warmed figs from your own tree.

Shop Fig Trees for Sale at Grow Organic

At Grow Organic, we believe that growing your own food should be accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. That’s why we offer a diverse selection of fig trees for sale, including certified organic fig tree options. Whether you're planting in-ground, in raised beds, or even in a large pot, we have the right fig tree for your needs.

Our fig tree collection features:

• Multiple sizes and varieties (standard and dwarf)

• Fruit types ranging from sweet and honey-like to deep and rich

• Trees from multiple premium growers for superior choice and quality

• Expert planting advice and helpful how-to videos

No matter where you live or how much space you have, we’re here to help you grow a healthy, productive fig tree from day one.

Start Growing Figs in Your Garden

There’s never been a better time to plant a fig tree. With the right timing, preparation, and care, your fig tree will reward you with fresh, homegrown fruit for years to come. From learning how to plant a fig tree to understanding when to plant fig trees, Grow Organic is your trusted resource for everything fig-related.

Explore our full selection of fig trees for sale today and bring the flavor of the Mediterranean right to your backyard.

Enjoy our figs trees for sale, and see our growing guide in the Resource Center.