Growing a fig tree is one of the easiest ways to bring a holiday feel to your garden, with its large, sculptural leaves and sweet, sun-ripened fruit. Whether planted in the ground or grown in a container, fig trees can thrive with the right care and positioning.
'Figs can do well in the UK, but you have to work with the climate rather than against it, and planning early makes a real difference to how well they establish and fruit,' says Simon Wilkinson, gardening expert and managing director of Wilkinsons Landscapes.
Below, experts share their essential tips on how to grow a fig tree successfully, from choosing the best spot to encouraging a healthy harvest year after year.
1. Choose a warm, sunny position
Fig trees grow best in a bright, sheltered spot where they can soak up as much warmth as possible throughout the day.
'Against a brick wall can be ideal, as the plant will be able to soak up the heat from the wall at night,' explains Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
A south-facing wall or fence works particularly well, especially for fan-trained fig trees. The best time to plant one is in late winter or spring, giving the tree enough time to establish before colder weather arrives.
Ficus Carica Brown Turkey Fig Tree
2. Restrict the roots for a better crop
A lesser-known trick for healthy fig trees is restricting their roots slightly, which encourages the plant to focus more energy on fruit production.
'Dig a planting hole around 2ft deep and wide for the tree, and then line the sides of the hole with paving slabs,' says Richard. 'The slabs should reach an inch above the soil level, as this will stop the tree roots escaping over the top.'
You can also add rubble or stones to the base of the hole to help prevent the roots from growing downward, while still maintaining good drainage.
3. Growing fig trees in containers
One of the most practical options is to grow figs in pots, as this gives you flexibility in a climate where conditions can vary.
'You can move the tree into the warmest, sunniest spot through spring and summer, ideally against a wall for extra heat, and then move it into a greenhouse, porch or sheltered position over winter to protect it from cold, frost and excessive wet, which can damage growth and reduce the following year,' explains Simon.
Young fig trees should be planted in containers that are at least 1ft wide and deep and filled with high-quality compost. Repotting every few years will help keep the tree healthy and productive.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist
Fig trees thrive with a steady supply of moisture during the growing season, especially while establishing.
'Freshly planted figs or trees with their roots restricted are more vulnerable to drying out, so they will need to be checked daily in hot or dry weather,' Richard explains.
Simon agrees, adding, 'Watering should be consistent, especially for figs in containers which dry out quickly in warmer weather.'
Trees planted against walls or fences may dry out faster too, as their roots can be sheltered from rainfall. However, avoid leaving fig trees sitting in water, particularly during the winter months, as this can promote root rot and bark decay.
5. Mulch and feed regularly
To help retain moisture and improve soil quality, fig trees planted in the ground benefit from annual mulching in spring.
'Apply a thick layer of mulch, using a material such as garden compost, ensuring that you leave a small circle of mulch-free space immediately next to the tree's stem,' says Richard.
Meanwhile, potted fig trees should be fed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every two weeks throughout the growing season until the fruit begins ripening in late summer.
6. Protect fig trees over winter
Cold weather can damage the small fruitlets that form in late summer, which can affect the following year's crop. This is why helping figs through winter is just as important as the growing season itself.
'For fan-trained figs growing in the ground, wait until the leaves fall in autumn and then pack straw around the branches before securing in place with netting or covering with fleece,' Richard advises.
Container-grown figs can also be moved into an unheated greenhouse or shed until the risk of frost has passed. Leaving the small, undeveloped fruits on the tree over winter can also encourage an earlier crop the following year.
7. Prune carefully each year
Regular pruning helps fig trees stay productive and manageable in size – just be sure to keep this light and effective.
‘In early summer, pinch out half of the growing tips of branches that make up the main frame of the tree, as this will encourage fruit lower down the plant,’ says Richard.
Dead or overcrowded branches can then be removed in late winter to keep the tree open and allow sunlight to reach ripening fruit. However, avoid pruning in spring, as fig trees can bleed sap, which may weaken the plant.
The best fig tree varieties to grow in the UK
Wondering which ones you can actually grow in the UK? Richard shares the fig varieties that are particularly well-suited to the British climate:
- Brown Turkey – 'A popular variety to grow outdoors in the UK, as it is known for being prolific and reliable.'
- Brunswick –'Another variety that grows well outside in the UK, and produces large, sweet fruits.'
- Dalmatie – 'A hardy, compact variety that is well suited to smaller gardens, and it will still produce large fruits.'
- Madeleine des Deux Saisons – 'This variety can produce two crops per season in hot summers in the UK – one in June and another in September.'
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