Figs are vigorous, productive and long-lived trees, adapted to a wide range of soils. Their large leaves and luscious drooping fruit bring a subtropical flavor into temperate gardens. Figs bear two crops annually – the early, light crop, known as ‘breba”, and the later fall crop, known as figs, which tends to be a heavier crop. If you are in a marginal fig area (climates lacking a long, hot summer season) you need to encourage the early crop to ensure a harvest. This is done by 1) Selecting varieties with a heavy, early crop and 2) Pruning lightly or not at all in winter, since the first crop of figs is borne on the previous season’s growth.
Figs at a Glance
Climate Zones: |
USDA zones 7-11, Sunset zones 4-9, 12--31; can be grown in cold areas in container |
Chilling Requirement: |
100-400 hours |
Pollination: |
Self-fertile |
Height: |
Can be kept to 10 feet by pruning or less by growing in a container, grows up to 30 feet if unpruned |
Width: |
Up to 20 feet, less if pruned |
Years to First Fruit: |
1-3 |
Life Expectancy: |
Up to 100 years |