Complete guide to fig tree care

Fig trees are a popular choice for home gardens, as they can grow in a variety of climates and bear delicious fruit. Proper care is essential for fig trees to keep them healthy and help them to produce a good crop of fruit. Here's what you need to know:

• Give your fig tree a warm and sunny spot, it loves soaking up the sun
• Keep the soil moist - check regularly in summer, rain alone should be enough in winter
• Feed your fig tree once a weekly once the first fruit appears in spring
• Prune your fig tree in winter
• Fig trees are an investment, so you might not see fruit in the first year. But it will be worth the wait

Native to the Mediterranean, figs have become very popular in the UK. Our climate may not have Mediterranean warmth but varieties like our fig tree, Felix the ‘Perretta’, can deal with cold weather and will produce plenty of fruit. We advise keeping this tree in a pot, which will restrict its growth to about a maximum of 2 metres. If you plant it in the ground be prepared for it to grow up to 4 metres.

Not only is the fruit delicious, the leaves have a soft fragrance that hangs in the air all through summer. 

Fig trees should be placed in a sunny, warm location with well-draining soil. Keep your fig tree in its nursery pot if you want it to stay smaller - think up to two metres high. If you're planting your fig tree in the ground, avoid low-lying areas or spots that may become waterlogged. Just be prepared for your fig tree to grow up to four metres tall. The best time to plant fig trees is in the spring.

Fig trees need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Make sure to water deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the entire root system is saturated. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. In winter, rainwater should be sufficient.

Fertilise fig trees in the spring once the fruit starts to appear with a balanced fertiliser. Avoid using a fertiliser that is too high in nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce fruit production.

Fig trees should be pruned in the winter to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This will promote healthy growth and help ensure a good crop of fruit. Try not to leave pruning your fig tree to spring as this can cause your tree to lose a lot of sap and weaken its growth.

Fig trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common problems include aphids, scale, and various fungal diseases. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious damage.

Figs are ready to harvest when they're soft and slightly wrinkled. The best time to harvest is in the morning, when the fruit is at its peak sweetness. Once you've had a fig fresh from the tree, you won't be able to go back.

By following these tips, you can make sure your fig tree remains healthy and produces a good crop of delicious fruit. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the sweet rewards of growing your own fig tree for years to come.