Frequently Asked Questions - How to take care of a fig tree. Spring, summer, fall and winter care and preparation

He who knows all the answers, has not been asked all the questions (Confucius) … let’s try

As a first time Fig tree owner, there are a lot of questions that come to mind and primarily on how to take care of it. It may seem overwhelming at first with a lot of information everywhere… but don’t worry!… it is actually easier than you think.

Although Fig trees are not native to Canada and cold climates, with proper care, you can successfully grow beautiful and productive fig trees right here in Ontario, Canada!

There is a lot of great information on this site in various sections regarding growing and caring for fig trees. Feel free to explore and learn some facts regarding figs, seasonal cycles, and varieties.

This section is updated frequently. Please check often.

Early Spring / Moving Fig Trees Outdoors

It is still cold outside. Where do I keep it until the nice weather comes?

It depends on what type of Fig tree you got: “Baby” fig or dormant 1 year or older.
If you got a first season “baby” Fig tree and is not dormant (your fig tree is healthy, vigorous and with a lot of green growth) you must keep it indoors with light and regular watering until warmer weather permits to move it outdoors.
As the spring weather gets nicer and warmer during the day, there will be days when you can take the Fig tree outdoors during the day (high teens or above) and bring indoors at night. This will ensure the Fig tree gets accustomed to the UV and sunlight as well.
If you got an older fig tree and it is still dormant, it may depend on the size of the container it came in and your spacing availability.
If the size of the container is not too big and is “manageable”, and you have room for it in a warmer area and with available lighting environment, you can keep it indoors and “kickstart” it early out of dormancy. Just keep in mind that once awake, it needs to stay awake with proper light and regular watering.
If you do not have the room and space for it indoors, then you can either keep it inside a dark and unheated place such as the garage, greenhouse, cellar, etc.

What is the Last Frost Date?

Areas and regions are divided into defined “hardiness zones” that provide farmers, growers, and gardeners with a “safety” information data of not losing crops, plants, etc. due to freezing.
This simply means a period of time where you can safely set your plants out in your garden ensuring them with optimal growing temperatures during both day and night.
You can check the following link to identify your area’s hardiness zone, firs and last frost date for the season: https://www.veseys.com/ca/canada-hardiness-zones-frost-dates

Can I keep it in the garage or basement until warmer weather?

Short Answer: If you have purchased/received a dormant fig, yes. If you have purchased/received a live “Baby” Fig tree with lots of leaves and green growth (majority of cases), then you cannot keep in the garage, basement or other dark cold place. See question above where to keep it…

Can I keep it outside right now?

It depends on the actual date and the weather at your location. If you are before the Last Frost Date in your area, then you must keep either indoors or in the case where tree is in dormant state, keep in dark and cool place above freezing temperatures.

Do I need to fertilize my Fig Tree while I keep it indoors until it is time to move it outdoors?

CanadianFigs trees come with a premium soil with sufficient nutrients and food for the next few weeks.
As your fig tree grows very quickly, it may outgrow its current pot/container environment, and it will require additional nutrients and feeding.
Various types of light nutrients and fertilizers could be used at this stage. Please use according to product specifications.
If unsure, always use half the amount or quantity recommended by manufacturer since there is a risk of not using the correct amount of fertilizer and damaging or killing the Fig tree.
When outdoors, we recommend the use of natural, organic and slow-release fertilizers such as manure (cow, sheep, etc.) that can be easily purchased at any garden centre.

Acclimating (Hardening Off) the Fig Tree

Why do I need to acclimatize the fig tree when I move it outdoors? Is it necessary? See the Acclimating Section for avoiding early weather and sun-burning damage.

How often and how much do I water it?

Your Fig tree typically requires regular watering and monitoring.
Just monitor the soil moisture on a regular basis (2-3 times a week) by touching the soil with your fingers and lifting the container up. It should give you a feel of having a little weight and not being dry to the touch or too light when lifted. This would tell you if your fig Fig tree requires watering.
As your Fig tree grows and also depending on environment conditions such as temperature, humidity, and placement (ex. in direct sunlight by a window), you may need to water it more often than as you did in the first few days or weeks.
Your container must have drainage holes and allow the water to drain. Not allowing the water to drain, your fig tree’s roots will rot.

Can I keep it in the current pot? When do I plant it in a bigger pot/container?

It depends on what pot or container the fig tree currently is in. First year Fig trees purchased in early spring usually come in 3/4, 1, or 1.5 gal pots (usually 5-10″)
The more important question actually is: “For how long?” you can keep in the current pot.
Healthy and vigorous Fig trees will outgrow these early containers very fast even kept indoors waiting for nice spring weather to come. And that’s ok. Actually, that is perfect! You always want healthy vigorous trees.
Depending on the size, variety, and each Fig tree’s growth, you may have to plant in a bigger size container sometimes before moving it permanently outdoors (approx. mid May).
It is recommended that you go up to a medium size container and not a very large container at this time. Since you may need to keep the Fig tree indoors for a few more weeks or maybe months, do not upgrade to a very large container that will be very difficult to move in and out until you can permanently leave outside for the summer.
Depending on your location, seasonal temperatures, and weather, sometimes it is ideal to take the Fig tree out during the day during warm days (high teens or above) as you approach the month of May, and bring indoors in the evening during cold nights.
Check for your location Last Frost Date as this date varies and will indicate when it is safe to permanently move and keep your Fig tree outdoors for the remainder of the season in your area/region.
If your Fig tree can manage until the Last Frost Date for your location in the current pot, or you upgraded to a medium sized pot and now has outgrown this one, once outdoors, you can upgrade to a larger size container that could be sufficient for the remainder of the season.

Late Spring & Early Summer

When do I upgrade the pot/container? What size should I use?

If you already upgraded to a larger container after you received it, you could move up to a larger container (usually June or July) It is recommended that you move up 2 size ups from current one.
If you notice that your fig tree needs constant watering and if the container becomes “light” in terms of weight very often, then it could be a sign that your Fig tree needs a bigger container/pot.
You can move up the size multiple times. Use good soil with recommended mixture of organic compost and fertilizer every time you plant in a different container.
You can also move up to a 5 gallon size container/pot/bucket as well. This would minimize and save you time during the season as you don’t need to move up multiple times.
You must ensure that whatever pot/container you use, has drainage holes!

What type of soil do I use?

Since you are planting the Fig tree in a container, keep in mind that it is not recommended the use of hard and heavy soil. The container will become very heavy and compact and the tree will have a harder time developing its rooting system. The weight of hard and heavy soil will also become very difficult to move in and out of your garage or winter storage areas every season.
DO NOT USE any outdoor type of soil from your outdoor garden or other outdoor places. This soil is not suited for container planting and may contain various types of bugs, insects, and other types of diseases.
We recommend the use of mixture of potting mix, compost, and also natural, organic and slow-release fertilizers such as manure (cow, sheep, etc.) that can be easily purchased at any garden centre.

Can I plant my Fig tree in the ground?

We do not recommend planting the Fig tree in the ground. The Fig tree will not survive the Canadian winters without extensive winter preparation
Some may choose to plant the Fig trees in ground. You must ensure that you assess the risk and take necessary precautions and protective measures to protect it during the winter. There are many various and creative ways people have tried and tested over many years. Many factors will affect the survival of the in ground planted fig trees. Every condition and method is unique and may not work in all cases. Due to all and many factors that cannot be foreseen or controlled, we do not provide guidance or recommend planting Fig trees in ground.

Do I keep my Fig tree in the sun or shade?

Fig trees love sun! They actually need full sun in order to better ripen the fig fruits.
But they will also do very well in a partially shaded area. Just keep in mind that the tree may have a difficult time producing and ripening the fruits in a totally shaded area.
There are also some specific varieties that do prefer and do better in partial sun/shade environments.

What type of fertilizer do I feed my Fig Tree?

We always recommend the use of all natural, organic and slow-release fertilizers such as manure (cow, sheep, etc.) that can be easily purchased at any garden centre.
Other type of chemical and soluble fertilizers could be used but please keep in mind that extra caution is required with these fertilizers, since there is a risk of using the incorrect amount of fertilizer and damaging or killing your tree or plants.
In addition, other types of fertilizers could also be used at different stages and times during the season. This will be covered in other sections related to growing and caring for your Fig tree after the first year. (sections coming soon)
Fertilizers could also be used after upgrading to a larger pot and according to product specifications.
If unsure, always use half the amount or quantity recommended by manufacturer.

Fall, Dormancy, and Winter Preparation

I have a cold hardy Fig tree. Can I keep the Fig tree in the container outdoors in the winter?

Although your Fig tree may be cold hardy and may resist in colder temperatures, you have to keep in mind that in Canada we do get very low temperatures during the winter; sometimes even down to -45 degrees Celsius. Your Fig tree will not survive such temperatures and you will lose either part of the tree or even the complete tree.
For simplicity and lower risks especially in the first year, we recommend planting the Fig tree in a container and bringing the container in a greenhouse, garage, or cold cellar with adequate protection in order to ensure that the Fig tree will survive the Canadian harsh winters.
We will cover the additional options for other winter storage and preparation, in a different section.

When do I move my Fig tree indoors? When will my Fig tree go into dormancy?

Fig trees usually enter dormancy typically in the month of November (Ontario, Canada).
They will start to lose leaves in the month of October once temperature starts to drop during the night. Leaves will turn yellow and will start dropping on their own. This is completely normal.
The Fig tree should be allowed to see a few times of cold periods and a few frosts to properly enter dormancy.
At this point your fig tree is ready to be moved into your winter storage location.

I want to keep my Fig tree inside the house, like a typical houseplant (Not Dormant)

Many people prefer to keep their Fig Trees inside the house, like a regular house plant and not dormant.
Keep in mind that like any houseplant, the fig trees will require light and frequent watering while indoors.
Fig tree must be brought indoors a lot sooner than dormant figs (typically sometimes in the month of September)
Bring fig tree indoors before night temperatures drop and before fig tree starts changing leaves colours and entering dormancy.

How do I get ready for my Fig tree’s first winter?

If you planted your Fig tree in a container and you will be storing it in a garage, or cellar, minimal preparation is required.
Fig trees require a cool and dark place during the dormancy period.
We recommend wrapping the tree with burlap or any type of cover or material that will allow breathing and also keep the Fig tree in the dark while also protecting it from fluctuations in temperature during the times when garage doors will be open. Ensure the temperature in the garage does not drop too much over extensive periods of time during very cold winter periods.
Ensure the fig tree is fully watered at the time of storage

Can I keep/store my dormant Fig Tree in the basement during winter?

Depends on the actual temperature you have in the basement and how warm it is during the winter.
Although your basement might be dark, keep in mind that Fig trees require both a cool and dark place during the dormancy period.
If the basement temperature is too warm (approx. above 12-15 degrees Celsius) your fig tree might come out of dormancy too soon, wake up, and will start growing in the dark long yellow looking shoots searching for light.
Adding lighting at this point might not be sufficient and the tree will grow very leggy, unhealthy and not do very well.

How often and how much watering is required during dormancy?

During dormancy periods, stored in dark cool places, Fig trees do not require very much watering. They do not have any green leaves, therefore they barely consume any water.
We recommend checking the soil for moisture and dryness once every month or so during this time.
Each fig tree will be different and may require watering at different times. Check soil on each tree before watering. Check smaller pots more often as they may have a tendency to dry out faster/sooner than larger ones.
Do not water on a schedule! Do not overwater as this may increase the chances of root rot. Always check soil
Usually very little and minimal watering is required 1-3 times during the winter period depending on your storage conditions (temperature, humidity, etc).

Do I need to fertilize during dormancy?

During dormancy periods, trees are dormant, not active. They do not have any green leaves, therefore they barely consume any water. Fig trees do not require very much watering nor any fertilization during this dormancy period.

Fruits related questions

Will my Fig tree produce fruit (figs) in the first year?

Typically, during the first year, your “baby” Fig tree will focus its main energy in establishing a healthy root system, as well as establishing a vigorous trunk, branches and leaf growth. You may see first season fruit as well, but in limited numbers and sometimes late in the season.
Although “Baby” Fig trees usually start producing figs in the first season, it really depends on various factors such as: size of the Fig tree, growth rate, variety, container upgrade size, soil and nutrients, temperature and other weather conditions, etc.

How can I tell a fig is ripe?

There are several ways to tell if a fig is ripe or not, depending on its color, appearance, texture, and taste. Here are some general tips to help you identify ripe figs:

Look at the color of the fig. Different varieties of figs have different colors when they are ripe, ranging from green to purple to brown or black. You can check the color of your fig variety or on the plant tag to see what it should look like when ripe.
Look at the appearance of the fig. A ripe fig will droop or bend at the stem, indicating that it is ready to be picked. An unripe fig will stick out straight from the tree. A ripe fig may also have some cracks or splits on the skin, which means that it is full of sugar and juice.
Feel the texture of the fig. A ripe fig will be soft and plump, and will yield to gentle pressure when squeezed. An unripe fig will be firm and hard, and will resist squeezing.
Smell the fragrance of the fig. A ripe fig will have a sweet, jammy, and floral scent, while an unripe fig will have little or no smell. However, some fig varieties do not have a strong aroma, so this may not be a reliable indicator for all figs.
Taste the flavor of the fig. A ripe fig will taste sweet, rich, and honey-like, with a soft and smooth flesh. An unripe fig will taste bland, dry, and rubbery, with a tough and chewy flesh. The best way to test the ripeness of a fig is to pick one and taste it, but be careful not to consume too many unripe figs, as they may cause stomach upset.
These are some of the ways to tell if a fig is ripe or not. You can also use a combination of these methods to be more accurate. Remember to harvest your figs when they are at their peak, as they do not ripen well after picking. Enjoy your fresh figs!