Fig Care
Ficus carica
A drought-tolerant, fast-growing fruit tree. Its roots are spreading; it should not be planted near buildings and utility lines.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown. Its milky sap irritates the skin; use gloves when pruning. Heavy pruning reduces fruit, so be moderate.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy. Because yield and fruit quality depend on nutrient balance, having a soil analysis done is especially useful for this plant.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
- Pests & diseases: Check the branches and trunk for brown, fixed bumps (scale insects).
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- Pests & diseases: Check the branches and trunk for brown, fixed bumps (scale insects).
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under them.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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