When to Plant and Harvest Fruit Tree
Heat-loving fruit tree commonly planted from rooted cuttings or nursery plants; can be container-grown in cold zones
Winter survival: Common figs are reliably hardy outdoors in about zones 8 to 10. Dormant wood is hurt near 15 to 20F, so zone 7 trees often die back and regrow, and zones 6 and colder need wrapping, burying, or a pot moved into a garage. Set your zone in the live app for a zone-specific line.
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA lists Ficus species as toxic under its Weeping Fig entry. The milky sap is the irritant. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Container only | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Container only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | Container only | Varies |
| Zone 4 | Container only | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 15 | Spring only |
| 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 | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
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
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
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
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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.
How long does Fruit Tree take to grow?
Fruit Tree is typically ready to harvest in about 60 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Fruit Tree?
Harvest Fruit Tree when fruit droops on the stem and feels soft. Skin color matches the ripe variety color A drop of nectar may appear at the eye