What Climate Do Figs Grow Best In?

Where Figs Grow

• A sizable portion of the southern and western U.S. offers a fine climate for fig trees. Native to western Asia, fig trees quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean thousands of years ago and are often associated with that region. Fig trees do particularly well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. A few cultivars are suited for colder climates, though if you live in USDA zone 7 or below, grow your fig trees in containers and bring them indoors for the winter.

Description

• The fig is an attractive, deciduous tree that can grow to 50 feet tall, but more typically grows 10 to 30 feet tall. Fig tree branches are numerous and spreading, giving the tree a wide stature. Fig trees produce large, deeply lobed leaves that offer generous shade to anyone relaxing beneath. The leaves can be up to 10 inches long. The fruit varies in color from yellowish-green to coppery, bronze or dark purple. Fig trees are considered invasive in some areas, so check before planting.

Planting Fig Trees

• Figs need all-day sun to ripen, so choose a sunny spot when planting a fig sapling. Late fall to early spring is the best time to set out fig trees, though container-grown trees can be planted any time. Figs will grow in many types of soil, but they need a site free of root knot nematodes. Fig trees need generous room to grow, so choose a site that offers plenty of space. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the planting site.

Caring for Figs

• Water your newly planted fig tree frequently and generously -- 10 gallons of water at each session, at least three times a week. You can gently prune your fig tree in late winter, but fig trees don't need pruning, and a hard prune can reduce production. You can fertilize the soil at a rate of 1 pound of 8-8-8 granular fertilizer for each year of age of the tree, until you have reached 12 pounds, and then maintain that rate each year.