How to Start a Fig Tree From Seed
Experts do not recommend that you try to grown a fig tree from seed; it is possible to do but not without difficulty. Fig trees need to be pollinated, or fertilized to bear fruit. There is a special kind of wasp (from Turkey and other areas in The East) that does this; it crawls inside of the bottom of the fruit and lays its eggs within. It is possible to get the seed to germinate, but most likely, unless you buy dried figs from Turkey or Greece, the tree will not bear fruit. Root clusters that do grow fruit-bearing fig trees are available at most nurseries. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Acquiring/Preparing the seed
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If you can, buy dried figs from the area of the world where seeds are pollinated, such as Turkey or Greece. You can often buy them online, if you don't have them available at one of your local grocers.
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Open the fig using a knife and cut it in half.
Turn the sink faucet on and place fig under the running water (with a bowl underneath to prevent seeds from going down the drain) to clean out the fig. -
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Collect the fig seeds from your bowl.
Lay the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
Planting the Seeds
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Place soil in a pot so it is filled 3/4 of the way to the brim.
Place seeds a few inches apart in the soil.
Cover seeds with soil (to the top of the pot), so they are embedded. -
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Place seeds in direct light (sunlight is best) for eight hours per day. Water as often as you need to keep the soil damp; never let the soil dry out.
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Allow 10 to 15 days to pass.
Observe the seeds, take the most promising growth (the biggest/greenest leaves) and place seedling in its own pot.
Allow to grow in sunlight, with plenty of water, for 10 or 15 more days. -
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Do not attempt to plant outside without a root structure in place from the the seed growth.
Plant only after you are sure there will be no more frost, new figs will not survive the winter.
Plant the tree where it will get a lot of sunlight; avoid shade.
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Tips & Warnings
Once figs are grown and planted outside they only need to be watered in case of a drought.
When placed outside they should be spaced at least 10 feet from other trees.
