How to Grow Fig Trees in Florida

A shrubby tree, the common fig (Ficus carica) can grow up to 30 feet tall, often with several stems. A native of the Mediterranean region, it fares best in dry climates, but some moisture-tolerant cultivars can flourish in the humidity of Florida.

The best fig cultivars for growing in Florida have a closed eye on their fruits, which helps to keep out moisture and insects. They have long fruit stems, which also protect the fruits from excessive moisture. The fruits have green skins, which are less likely than dark skins to attract birds. A good cultivar should be grafted onto rootstock that is resistant to attack by nematodes.

Recommended cultivars for Florida include "Celeste" (Ficus carica "Celeste"), "Brown Turkey" (Ficus carica "Brown Turkey") and "Green Ischia" (Ficus carica "Green Ischia").

Common fig grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 10, depending on the variety. It is sensitive to cold injury, and it can be damaged by frost and freezes. A period of cool weather in fall or winter, which usually happens in north Florida, encourages the tree to go dormant, and it can then tolerate temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can grow a fig tree in the warmer climates of south Florida, but it likely won't go dormant and could be damaged by a cold snap.

The cultivars "Brown Turkey" and "Celeste" are especially cold hardy. Both varieties can handle the cold in USDA zones 6 through 9 when they're grown in a protected spot and given a thick mulch over their roots in winter. "Green Ischia" is not quite as cold hardy but can grow in USDA zones 7 through 10.

If you're planting a bare-root tree, plant it in winter, between December and February, in a sunny spot with well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. You can plant a container-grown fig in any season.

In cooler areas in north Florida, planting in a protected area, such as near a south-facing wall, can help to protect fig from winter cold. A fig tree will produce many fruits, but too many overripe figs left on a tree can attract insects, so it's generally not a good idea to plant them near decks, patios or other public spaces.

A fig doesn't require much fertilizer, and overfeeding can prompt the tree to use too much energy producing leaves and too little producing fruit. Apply 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of a small tree three times between February and the beginning of August. For a large tree, use 2 to 4 pounds of fertilizer.

A young fig tree needs plenty of water. In the first year after planting, a young tree requires watering three times a week, using 10 gallons of water each time. After the first year, a fig tree will only require watering during periods of drought, but if it doesn't receive rain for several weeks, water it with 20 to 50 gallons.

A fig tree will produce fruit reliably even without pruning. Prune lightly, if at all. "Celeste" in particular will be less productive if you prune it.

If you choose to prune, prune to remove dead branches and crossing branches, and to improve air circulation in the interior of the tree. Use sharp pruners or loppers, and dip the tool's blades in isopropyl alcohol or bleach after each cut to reduce the risk of spreading infections.

Prune in the early summer after the fruit has ripened so next year's buds have time to form before the end of the season. Winter pruning will significantly reduce the crop in the coming season.