How to Grow Figs: Tips for a Successful Harvest

By: Angela Judd | November 16, 2024

If you’re considering adding a fruit tree to your Arizona garden, figs might be the perfect choice. These deciduous trees are delicious, easy to grow, and thrive in the warm, dry climate of the low desert. Learn how to grow figs with these tips.

Why Figs Thrive in Arizona

Figs (Ficus carica) are deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually. This natural cycle allows them to conserve energy during the cooler months and burst back to life in spring. They require fewer chill hours than many other fruit trees. (Chill hours are the number of hours in winter when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), allowing the plant to break dormancy and set fruit.) Since figs need less than 300 chill hours, they’re well-suited to Arizona’s mild winters. Learn about other fruit trees that grow well in Arizona in this guide.

Flowering and Fruiting

You’ll enjoy two harvest periods:

Breba Crop: This is the first crop that develops on the previous year’s growth (last season’s wood) and ripens in early summer (late June). These figs are often larger but might be slightly less sweet than the main crop.
Main Crop: The second harvest comes in late summer or early fall (August or September) and grows on the current season’s growth. These figs are typically more abundant and flavorful.

Interestingly, fig flowers bloom inside the developing fruit, so you won’t see them. No need to worry about pollination either—common figs have perfect flowers and self-pollinate.

If you plant the right trees, having something from your fruit trees to harvest year-round is very possible. This post will help you find ideas about what to plant for year-round fruit tree harvests.

Choosing the Right Spot

Fig trees can grow quite large, reaching 10 to 30 feet (3-9 meters) tall, and are often wider than tall. So, pick a spot with plenty of room. Figs love full sun, needing at least 8-10 hours of sunlight daily, and they prefer well-drained soil.

Growing Figs in Containers

If space is limited or you prefer container gardening, figs grow well in large pots. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Large Container: Use a pot at least the size of a whiskey barrel to give the roots plenty of room to grow. Ensure it has good drainage holes at the bottom.
Watering: Water deeply each time you water to ensure the entire root system gets moisture. Containers can dry out faster than the ground, so check the soil regularly, especially during hot weather. A thick layer of mulch helps preserve moisture.
Feeding: In January, feed your potted fig tree with manure. This annual feeding provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.

Learn more about container gardening in this guide.

Planting Your Fig Tree

The best time to plant figs is in the fall or early spring. This gives the roots time to establish before the intense summer heat arrives. Two varieties perform exceptionally well in the low desert:

Brown Turkey Fig: These medium-brown fruits, which have a slight purple exterior and pink interior, are great for eating fresh.
Black Mission Fig: Ideal for preserving, this larger variety has a darker exterior and boasts a pink interior.

Watering Tips

Proper irrigation boosts fruit size and production. Aim to water deeply, reaching about three feet into the soil. Creating a basin around the tree—an indented area with a berm—helps keep water where the roots are actively growing.

Prolonged dry, hot weather can reduce fruit quality. Ensure consistent watering and consider mulching around the base to retain soil moisture. Monitor the soil and water more frequently in the summer and much less often during cooler temperatures.

Fertilization

Figs planted in the ground usually don’t need much fertilization unless they’re growing in sandy soil or if you notice less than a foot of branch growth since last year. A soil test can help determine if additional nutrients are needed.

Pruning Practices

One of the joys of growing figs is that they don’t require special pruning to produce fruit. However, understanding the breba crop is essential:

Since breba figs grow on last year’s wood, heavy winter pruning can reduce or eliminate this early harvest. To enjoy a substantial breba crop, minimize pruning of older branches.

In warmer regions, it’s best to prune after the second harvest in the fall. In areas with colder winters, wait until the coldest part has passed to protect the tree from cold damage.

Pest Management

Figs are relatively pest-free, but you might encounter:

Green Fig Beetles: These pests eat ripening fruit. Covering the tree with netting or bagging the fruit can help.
Birds: They love figs as much as we do. Netting can deter them.
Gophers: They can damage roots. Trapping can help; learn how to trap gophers in this guide.

Crown Gall and Cotton (or Texas) Root Rot are two diseases that can affect figs in Arizona. Avoid planting figs in soils with these diseases, as prevention is the only effective measure.

Harvesting and Storing Figs

Figs are ready to pick when they droop on the tree, the neck softens, and the fruit hangs down. Ripe figs will be slightly soft and may have a sweet aroma. The skin might start to crack or split, indicating peak ripeness. Gently lift the ripe fig upward; it should detach easily from the branch. Handle them carefully, as figs are delicate and can bruise easily.

Fresh figs are highly perishable. It’s best to eat them soon after picking. If you need to store them, place figs in a single layer on a plate or shallow container and refrigerate. They’ll keep it in the fridge for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider drying your figs or making preserves. Dried figs can last several months when stored in an airtight container, while homemade fig jams and preserves can be enjoyed year-round.