Fig Tree Planting Guide
Heat-loving fruit tree commonly planted from rooted cuttings or nursery plants; can be container-grown in cold zones
Best Time and Place to Plant Fruit Tree
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to April 20. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Fig Tree in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 80F, and enough room for 120 inches between plants and 144 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Container only to Container only | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Container only to Container only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | Container only to Container only | Varies |
| Zone 4 | Container only to Container only | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | March 25 to April 30 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 7 | March 10 to April 20 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 20 to April 1 | October 15 to November 30 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to March 15 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 1 | December 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Plant a rooted cutting or nursery plant slightly deeper than it grew in the pot; in cold zones, use a large container or a protected south-facing site.
- Spacing: 120 inches apart, 144 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 80F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil dry out; container figs may need frequent summer watering
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Top-dress with 1 inch in spring
- Balanced slow-release fertilizer synthetic: Use lightly in containers in spring; avoid excess nitrogen
- Mulch organic: Apply 2-3 inches to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots
Companion Plants
- Strawberries
- Comfrey
- Oregano
- Thyme
Avoid Planting Near
- Waterlogged soil
- Aggressive root competition
Harvest Signs
- Fruit droops on the stem and feels soft
- Skin color matches the ripe variety color
- A drop of nectar may appear at the eye
- Fruit separates easily and should be eaten soon after picking
FAQs
When should I plant Fruit Tree?
Fruit Tree planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to April 20. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Fruit Tree?
The best time of year to plant Fruit Tree is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 80F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to April 20. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Fruit Tree?
Plant Fig Tree in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 80F, and enough room for 120 inches between plants and 144 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Fruit Tree?
Plant Fruit Tree about 120 inches apart, with rows around 144 inches apart.
What grows well with Fruit Tree?
Fruit Tree is commonly paired with Strawberries, Comfrey, Oregano, Thyme.