Growing Figs
Fig Tree 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
There’s something weirdly magical about figs. Maybe it’s their jammy, floral flavor that feels like sunshine in a bite. Or maybe it’s the look on someone’s face when they eat a perfectly ripe fig straight from the tree—eyes wide, slow chew, that little pause like wait… what just happened? Either way, it’s no surprise more people are planting fig trees than ever before.
But before you grab the first fig tree you see online and click “Buy Now,” there are a few things you should know. Like, how many kinds of fig trees are there? Will it grow in your zone? Should you plant it in a pot or dig a hole in the ground? And—here’s a big one—what should you actually expect when you start growing one?
Let’s break it all down in real-talk terms.
Not All Figs Are Created Equal (Seriously)
So here’s the first shocker: not every fig tree will grow figs in your backyard.
There are four main types of fig trees:
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Common figs (like Black Mission or Kadota) are the easiest—these are self-pollinating, which means no fig wasps or weird rituals needed.
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Smyrna figs need fig wasps to pollinate (so unless you’re growing them in California or Turkey, skip ‘em).
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San Pedro figs are confusing—they produce one crop without pollination and another that does need it.
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Caprifigs? Those are the wild guys. You don’t want them unless you’re trying to raise fig wasps. And that’s a whole other rabbit hole.
For 99% of home growers, common fig trees are your best friend. They’re dependable, self-contained, and will fruit just fine on their own.
Still, even within the “common fig” category, there are dozens of varieties—each with their own quirks. Some are honey-sweet, others taste like berry preserves, some are hardy in cold climates, others melt in the sun if it drops below 40°F.
It’s kinda like dating—you’ve got to find the fig that fits your life.
Where You Live Changes Everything (USDA Zones Are No Joke)
Alright, let’s talk zones. USDA zones, to be specific.
If you’ve never looked up your plant hardiness zone, now’s the time. Seriously—just Google it. This little number tells you whether a fig tree will thrive, barely survive, or turn into a sad stick after the first frost.
Here’s the general breakdown:
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Zones 8–10: You’re golden. Most fig varieties will grow happily in-ground. Lucky you.
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Zone 6–7: You’ll want to look for cold-hardy varieties (like Chicago Hardy or Violette de Bordeaux), and probably grow in containers so you can move them in during deep winter.
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Zone 5 and colder: You’re in “indoor fig” territory unless you’re up for serious overwintering strategies.
Pro tip? Even if you’re in a warm zone, figs can suffer from extreme summer heat. Some varieties split or sour when temps spike. It’s not just the cold you’ve got to think about—figs can be drama queens on both ends of the thermometer.
Pot Life or Grounded Roots? Let’s Talk Containers
Here’s the classic question: should you plant your fig in the ground, or keep it in a pot?
Both are totally valid, but they come with different vibes.
Container Growing Pros:
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Portable (bring it indoors for winter)
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Great for renters, patios, balconies
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Easier to control soil, water, and sun
Container Growing Cons:
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Figs get root-bound fast—think repotting every 1–2 years
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Smaller harvests (usually)
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Needs regular watering, especially in summer
In-Ground Pros:
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Bigger trees, bigger harvests (eventually)
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Less maintenance long-term
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Roots spread deep—less frequent watering
In-Ground Cons:
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Vulnerable to frost (especially young trees)
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Can’t move it if your microclimate changes
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Slower to establish
Honestly, it comes down to your lifestyle. Apartment balcony in New York? Go for a container. Quarter acre in North Carolina? In-ground might be your move.
Let’s Set Expectations: Year One Won’t Be a Fig-Filled Wonderland
Okay, this part might sting a little—but it’s better to be honest.
Most fig trees don’t fruit much (if at all) their first year. Or second. Some take until year three or four to give you a solid harvest. That’s normal.
You might get a few tiny figs that drop off before ripening. Or a tree that grows like it’s training for a marathon but refuses to make a single fig. It’s not broken—it’s just growing up.
Fig trees put a ton of energy into establishing roots, which is invisible to you above ground. So while you’re staring at bare branches wondering what you did wrong, your fig is quietly getting ready for its debut season.
And when that first real harvest comes? It’ll all make sense.
Here’s What Nobody Tells You (But We Will)
Fig trees are sneaky teachers.
They’ll test your patience. They’ll make you feel like a gardening genius one day, then break your heart the next with split fruit or ants or sour rot. And don’t even get me started on birds—those little thieves know the exact hour a fig hits peak ripeness.
Here are a few surprises you might run into:
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Breba crops: Some figs produce a spring crop on last year’s wood. Some don’t. It’s variety-dependent and unpredictable.
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Skin splitting: Can happen after a heavy rain or sudden humidity shift.
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Souring: Warm wet conditions + bugs = spoiled figs. Happens. Don’t take it personally.
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Fig wasps: You don’t need them unless you’re growing Smyrna or San Pedro types. Most figs you’ll grow are self-pollinating.
Oh, and the addiction is real. You’ll start with one tree. Then maybe two. Then you’ll be up late Googling rare varieties and wondering if you can graft three figs onto one trunk like some kind of mad horticulturalist.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Final Thoughts: Figs Are a Journey, Not Just a Tree
Growing a fig tree isn’t just about fruit—it’s about the rhythm of tending something over time. Watching bare branches leaf out in spring, seeing your first tiny figs form, tasting fruit you grew yourself… It’s honestly one of the most rewarding things you can do with a patch of sun.
So if you’re thinking about buying a fig tree, go for it. But go in with your eyes open and your expectations grounded (pun absolutely intended).
Need help picking the right variety? Check out our variety guide or shoot us a message—we love talking figs.
And hey—if your first fig doesn’t taste like magic… just wait for the second one.
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From the fig freaks to the fig-curious, welcome to the club. We’re glad you’re here.
