How to Grow Fig

Updated June 2026

A year-round fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Fig is a rewarding year-round crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

In frost-free regions fig can be grown almost year-round. Elsewhere, plant in the milder months on either side of summer. See your region on the fig page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Celeste, Closed-eye, rust-resistant, sweet (Southern nurseries)
• LSU Purple, Productive, disease-tolerant Southern fig (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 13.1 ft between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 12 in deep.
• Water: roughly 3.2 gal per plant every 4 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds. In humid regions, Rust and Leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Fig is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant fig where you garden.

See also: Fig in the plant library →

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