How to Grow Dwarf Figs

Fill a half wine barrel or other large container halfway with organic potting soil. If growing a dwarf fig in the ground, dig a hole that's twice as wide and twice as deep as the fig tree's root ball.

Remove the fig tree from its container by pulling the trunk. Inspect the roots for damage and trim the ends of any broken ones using pruning shears. Untangle the roots.

Place the tree in the container or in the hole. Pour more potting soil over the roots, or push soil in the hole to cover the roots. Firm the soil around the root system and trunk until your dwarf fig is planted 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was in its container.

Water the soil to saturate and settle it. Thereafter, water your dwarf fig regularly, maintaining a moist soil. If the leaves wilt, your tree is stressed and needs water. Fig trees have shallow roots and need frequent watering.

Add 2 inches of organic mulch to help the soil retain moisture.

Fertilize a container-grown dwarf fig using balanced fertilizer meant for fruit trees. Combine a water-soluble fertilizer with liquid and then pour over the plant. Do this four times annually, from the spring to late summer, ceasing for the year at the end of August. In-ground fig trees do not need fertilizer, though you can apply 5-5-5 if you desire. Base the dosage on the size of your tree.

Prune your tree in early autumn to shape it. Trim back long branches to control the size, and remove branches from a crowded canopy to promote air circulation and light. Remove branches that grow vertically straight or those that are undesirable. Also trim away dead, diseased or damaged wood. After three years of shaping, prune only to remove dead, diseased or damaged growth.

Paint the tree trunk after pruning to protect your fig from sun scald. Dilute white latex paint with water in a 1 to 1 ratio, and apply the paint to the trunk and branches.

Protect the tree from winter frost. Move a small tree indoors for the winter if your area experiences frost, or use string lights on the branches for added warmth on an outdoor tree. Cover the trunk of an outdoor tree with mulch in winter for additional chill protection.

Pluck figs from the tree as they ripen. When ripe, figs change color to a yellowish-green or brown, depending on the variety. Negronne and Petit Negri both have purple-brown fruit at maturity. Wear latex gloves to protect your hands from the tree's sap, which can irritate the skin.