How to Grow Fig Trees in Florida

Figs taste best when ripened on the tree.

One of the oldest fruits known to man, figs have been tempting tasting buds since 5,000 B.C. While fig trees traditionally grow in dry, warm regions, many common fig varieties thrive in Florida's tropical climate. A beautiful addition to your landscape year-round, fig trees also provide a bounty of delicious fruit in the summer. Figs can be eaten fresh from the tree, used in recipes, dried, candied, pickled or baked. Growing fig trees in Florida requires some initial planning and care, but you'll be rewarded with the sweet fruits of your labor for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 10-10-10 fertilizer
• 5-5-50 copper sulfate, lime and water mixture
• Organic mulch

Instructions

1. Pick a fig tree variety suited for Florida's climate.The University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center recommends common fig varieties such as Alma, Black Spanish, Brown Turkey and Celeste.

2. Pick a location in full sun, at least 15 feet away from any structures. Fig trees can reach a height of 50 feet but more commonly grow 10 to 30 feet tall. Both the branches and root system need a large area to spread.

3. Plant bare root fig trees between December and February. Plant container fig trees at any time of the year. The planting soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

4. Water with 10 gallons of water, three times a week in the first year, recommends the University of Florida IFAS Extension. During a drought, mature trees may require as much as 20 to 50 gallons of water every few weeks.

5. Fertilize with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, three to five times during the growing season, between February and August, advises University of Florida IFAS Extension. It recommends about a 1/2 lb. of fertilizer for young trees and 2 to 4 lbs. for mature trees.

6. Control fig rust with a 5-5-50 copper sulfate, lime and water mixture sprayed on the underside of leaves. Apply a generous amount of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help to control nematodes.

7. Prune in the late summer, after fruit has ripened. Avoid pruning in the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Cold weather can damage fig trees and some varieties do not set fruit in the growing season after a heavy freeze. Wait until new growth appears before pruning any freeze-damaged limbs.

• Ripe figs are soft, so take care not to bruise the fruit when picking.

• Figs with a sour odor are overripe and should be avoided.

• Fresh figs are best used the day they are picked, but you can freeze them for up to six months.

• Figs do not need to be peeled before eating.

• Fig trees have huge root systems that can damage or interfere with sidewalks, home foundations, plumbing and other underground utilities. Take care to plant your fig tree in an area that allows sufficient room for growth.

• Wear gloves when harvesting fruit. Fig trees contain a milky latex with an enzyme that can irritate skin and cause dermatitis.

References

• Purdue University: Fig
• Prairie View A&M University: Growing Figs in Central Florida
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: The Fig

Resources

• K&W Farms, Inc.: History of the Fig
• PickYourOwn.org: Fig Recipes
• UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service: Fantastic Figs
• Dave's Garden: Common Fig