Omari Gates
Fig trees are a wonderful addition to any backyard and can be grown in most parts of Australia. They are easy to propagate from cuttings, which can be taken in winter and planted in a free-draining mix. Fig trees can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, but they need full sun and well-drained soil. They can be pruned in winter to encourage new growth and will produce fruit within 2-3 years of planting. Figs are highly perishable and have a short shelf life once picked, so growing your own is the best way to enjoy these sweet, juicy fruits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Mediterranean-like climate with hot summers and cold winters |
| Sunlight | Full sun, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight |
| Soil | Well-drained, moist, clay-based or sandy |
| Watering | Keep watered while young, water frequency depends on soil type |
| Fertilizer | NPK ratio of 14N-5P-22K |
| Pruning | In winter, judicious pruning encourages compact growth |
| Propagation | Easy from cuttings, wrap in newspaper and store in the refrigerator |
| Planting | Can be planted year-round, best during autumn and winter |
| Harvesting | When soft to the touch and sweet-smelling, necks wilt and fruit hangs down |
| Pot size | Minimum 50-60 cm wide and deep |
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What You'll Learn
Fig trees thrive in hot, dry climates with well-drained soil
Fig trees are native to hot, dry climates, making Australia an ideal location for their cultivation. They can be grown in most parts of the country, and their preference for well-drained soil can be accommodated with a few simple techniques.
Well-drained soil is essential for fig trees to flourish, and there are several methods to ensure adequate drainage. One technique is to create a raised ring around the tree, which helps direct water to the roots and keep them well-watered. Another approach is to plant the fig tree on a slope or in a raised garden bed, allowing excess water to drain away from the roots.
The type of soil used is also important. Before planting, it is recommended to test the soil and condition it with organic materials such as manure and compost. This process should be done six weeks before planting to allow the site to rest adequately. When planting, the soil should be enriched with compost and manure to encourage strong and healthy growth.
Fig trees can also be grown in pots, which is an excellent option for those with limited space. The pot should be at least 50-60cm wide and deep to allow the roots to spread, and it should be filled with a quality potting mix. As the tree grows, it may need to be repotted into larger containers.
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Protect young trees from frost and wind damage
Young fig trees are susceptible to frost and wind damage and should be protected during their first and second winters. If you live in a frost-prone area, you can protect young trees with fleece or hessian and by spraying the leaves with a leaf protectant.
To prevent wind damage, choose a spot that is sheltered from strong winds. Fig trees need full sun, so place your tree on the northern side of your house to maximise sunshine.
When planting your fig tree in the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid root diseases. Creating a mound, raised garden bed, or planting your fig tree on a slope can help ensure adequate drainage.
If growing your tree in a pot, use a good-quality potting mix and ensure the pot is at least 600mm wide and deep to allow the roots to spread. You can also submerge the pot in the soil to keep the roots cool and reduce the need for watering.
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Grow from cuttings or buy bare-rooted stock or potted trees
Fig trees can be grown from cuttings, or you can buy bare-rooted stock or potted trees.
To grow a fig tree from a cutting, you can take a hardwood cutting in late autumn or winter, which should be between 20-30cm long with several nodes. Wrap the cutting in newspaper and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you're ready to plant, put the cutting in a free-draining propagation mix, covering a couple of nodes, and water it well. Keep the soil moist.
You can also buy a young fig tree as bare-rooted stock or in a pot at a nursery. If you're buying a potted tree, ensure the pot is at least 600mm wide and deep to allow the roots to spread. You can also grow a fig tree in a smaller pot or container, but you'll need to upgrade to larger pots as the tree grows. Place the tree in full sun and fill the pot with a quality potting mix. If you're planting a bare-rooted tree, dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from its container and gently tease the roots, cutting away any circled or tangled roots. Put the plant in the hole and backfill with well-draining soil. Stake your tree to ensure strong, upright growth.
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Prune in winter to encourage growth and remove dead branches
Pruning a fig tree is an essential part of the tree's maintenance. The best time of year to prune your fig tree is during the winter months. This is because edible figs are dormant in winter, and without leaves and fruit, it is much easier to see where to prune.
Pruning in winter encourages growth by allowing you to select the "fruiting wood" that the tree will concentrate on to grow the best crop. Choose somewhere between six and eight well-spaced branches and prune away everything else that doesn't grow from them. This will keep your tree focused on producing tasty figs on those branches.
Young fig trees should be pruned more extensively for the first two years to establish a good base of roots. When you transplant your tree from its first pot to the soil, trim it back by about 50%. Your goal should be to have somewhere between three and six well-spaced branches.
Dead and diseased wood should be removed, and more mature trees may need heavier pruning to encourage new growth. A newly planted tree with a single stem should be pruned about 60cm from the ground to encourage branching out, and three of the resulting stems should be selected to form the main framework.
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Figs are ready to harvest when soft, drooping, and sweet-smelling
Figs are a delicate fruit with a very short shelf life, so it's important to know when to harvest them. Figs are ready to harvest when they are soft, drooping, and sweet-smelling. A ripe fig will yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed, and should feel soft but not mushy. The fruit may split slightly, and the eye at the base of the fruit may form a small opening and ooze a sweet syrup. The stem of a ripe fig will droop slightly, indicating that the fruit is ready for harvest.
Ripe figs should be handled with care as they bruise easily. To harvest, hold the fig from the stem and twist-pull gently to remove it. Because the sap of fig leaves and trees can be a skin irritant, it is recommended to wear gloves when harvesting from a fig tree. Ripe figs should detach easily from the tree, while figs that resist harvesting might need more time to ripen. Pulling down on figs can cause branches to break and make the fruit split.
To avoid bruising, do not stack harvested figs on top of one another in piles. If you are harvesting a lot of figs, put them in egg cartons to keep them from getting squashed. Freshly picked figs can last in the fridge for up to a week if kept dry and aerated (in a mesh produce bag or berry container). If you do happen to pick an unripe fig, you may be able to ripen it slightly by placing it in a paper bag with a banana at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
The perfect time to plant a fig tree is during autumn and winter so that the trees can establish themselves while it’s cold.
Fig trees need full sun and should be planted in a spot that receives sunlight all day.
Figs are ready to harvest when they droop a little and feel soft when given a gentle squeeze. They should also smell sweet.
Fig trees can be grown directly in the ground or in a large pot. If growing in a pot, ensure it is at least 600mm wide and deep to allow the roots to spread.
