Fig tree with unripe green fruits near brown trunk surrounded by dark green leaves

How To Grow Fig Plants

Updated on Feb 22, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

The Chicago Hardy fig is productive, easy to grow, and bears dark mahogany medium-size figs. Amazingly it is drought, heat and cold tolerant. It is hardy to zones 5-10. In colder climates, the fig will die back and resume growth in spring. Chicago Hardy fig originates from Sicily but became popular in Chicago in the 1980s.

HISTORY

Figs are native to the Mediterranean region. The history of figs plants dates back to the early Neolithic Age, and they are believed to have been one of the very first plants cultivated by humans. It is said that the Buddha reached enlightenment after meditating 49 days under a fig tree, and the Christian Bible mentions the fig in many places.

USES

  • Figs can be enjoyed fresh or used to make jams, puddings, and salads.
  • Figs can also be dried for snacks and to be used in baked goods.
Greenhouse view with many large, dark green fig leaves growing.Greenhouse view with many large, dark green fig leaves growing.

 

  • Plant live starts in the spring or fall.
  • Choose a location in full sun with rich, loamy, and well-drained soil. 
  • Space plants a minimum of 6-8 feet apart.
  • Plant away from water and sewer pipes, foundations, sidewalk, and other trees as figs have shallow spreading roots.
2 Fig seedlings in blocks of soil with stacks of coins in foreground and a vintage Chicago mugh, white with blue lettering2 Fig seedlings in blocks of soil with stacks of coins in foreground and a vintage Chicago mugh, white with blue lettering

 

  • Water plants regularly until they are well established but avoid over-watering.
  • Feed a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  • Harvest figs when fully ripe as they will not ripen further once picked.
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch before winter.
  • In mid-winter when plants are dormant prune any dead or diseased branches as well as any branches that inhibit air flow.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

Small brown fig tree trunk with green leaves and unripe green figsSmall brown fig tree trunk with green leaves and unripe green figs

 

  • The easiest way to propagate figs is from tip cuttings.
  • In early spring, take 6-8" cuttings from new growth tips, cutting just below a node.
  • Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and pot up with one node below the soil surface.
  • Keep in a warm area and water regularly.
  • When the rooted cutting has sprouted new leaves, you can up-pot or plant it in the ground.
Two small blue-glazed pots with large green fig seedlingsTwo small blue-glazed pots with large green fig seedlings