How To Grow Epic Fig Trees From Seeds Or Cuttings - The Ultimate Guide!

Ever wondered how to grow fig trees from seed, or if growing them from cuttings is way easier? Either way, you’re in for a treat! Figs are the perfect homesteader’s fruit. They’re ancient, resilient, and produce sweet rewards with minimal fuss. Whether you’re the patient type who loves growing from scratch or want the express lane to homegrown figs, this guide has your back.

Delicious brown turkey fig sitting on a wooden table.

Sound good?

Then, let’s plant some epic fig trees!

Growing Fig Trees From Seed

Young fig tree seedling growing in the garden with tender green leaves.

This option takes a long time. But, it’s 100% Free! Or, cheap.

Step 1. Get Those Seeds!

Scoop seeds from a fresh, ripe fig (store-bought works fine). Rinse them in a strainer under cool water until all the pulp is gone. You’ll end up with tiny, tan fig seeds that look like poppy seeds.

Step 2. The Cold Reality Check

Wrap those clean fig seeds in a dampened paper towel. Then stick them in a small plastic bag and refrigerate for 4 to 6 weeks. This “cold stratification” trick fools the fig seeds into thinking winter has occurred. The fig seeds are surprisingly gullible, lol.

Step 3. Planting And Praying

Plant your fig seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep soil consistently moist (never soggy) and set the fig seeds in bright, but indirect sunlight. Germination of fig seeds can take 2 to 6 weeks! So practice your patience.

Step 4. The Long Game

Here’s the kicker. Seed-grown figs won’t fruit for 3 to 6 years. And they might not taste like the parent fruit. It’s genetic roulette! But hey, you might discover the next incredible fig variety.

If you want a more guaranteed method, try growing figs from cuttings. (You can also buy a tiny fig seedling from your favorite plant nursery. Either method is way easier!)

Growing Fig Trees From Cuttings

Fig tree cuttings growing in small plastic trays.

This is how to get a super shortcut to Fig Paradise.

Step 1. Snip Smart

Cut a 6 to 8-inch piece from a healthy fig branch in late winter (when the fig tree is dormant). Choose wood that’s about pencil-thick with several leaf nodes. Make your cut just below a node.

Step 2. Root Hormone Magic

Dip the bottom 2 inches of the fig cutting in rooting hormone (optional but helpful). Then stick your fig cutting 4 inches deep in a well-draining pot of potting mix. Water lightly and cover your fig slip (cutting) with a small plastic bag to help make a mini fig forest greenhouse.

Step 3. Wait For The Root Party

Place in bright, but indirect light and keep the soil barely moist. In 4 to 8 weeks, you should see new fig root growth, which means things are going according to plan. Gently tug – if there’s resistance, you’ve got fig roots!

The Bottom Line: Seeds are for patient gardeners who love surprises. Cuttings are for gardeners who want figs that taste exactly like the parent tree – and want them in 1 to 3 years instead of half a decade!

Fig Growing Requirements

Ripe purple fig fruits growing on the tree.

Good news. Fig trees are surprisingly forgiving! They’re one of the easiest food forest crops for beginners. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

Sunlight

Fig trees want full sun. They need at least six hours of direct light daily. But they will also tolerate partial shade. More sunlight equals more fig fruit! So, for best results, plant in a location with at least six or eight hours of daily sunlight.

Climate

Most fig cultivars are hardy in zones 7 to 10. But those in colder zones can also grow fig trees in containers. (Bring them in during the freezing weather.) They can handle some frost. But, they need protection below 20°F. Hot summers? They love it!

Soil And Fertilizer

Garden soil with excellent drainage is key for fig trees! They hate soggy soil! Luckily, they’re far less fussy about pH. (Though, a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is their preference.) Only offer a light feeding with balanced organic fertilizer in spring, then back off. Overfed figs get leafy but stingy with fruit.

Watering

Deep, periodic watering of the fig tree works best. Let the fig tree’s soil dry between waterings, especially as fig fruit ripens – stress actually makes figs sweeter! Container figs need more frequent watering. (Our massive, 30-gallon grow bags and containers dry out surprisingly fast.)

Harvesting

Ripe figs feel soft and may have a slight crack at the Bottom. They don’t ripen after picking, so patience pays off. Fresh figs last 2 to 3 days, so eat them fast or preserve them! Look for a rich color that corresponds to the variety, as this is often the best indicator of optimal sweetness and flavor!

Fig Planting & Growing Calendar

Lovely small fig tree growing in a food forest garden.

Below you’ll find the most critical dates all fig growers should know.

April

Excellent planting time! Get new trees and cuttings in the soil after the season’s last frost. Start fertilizing established trees with balanced fertilizer. Remove any winter protection and prune out dead wood.

May

Watch for new growth and tiny fruit forming. This is when you’ll see the “breba” crop (early figs) developing on last year’s wood. Water deeply but infrequently as temperatures warm up.

June

First harvest of breba figs ripens in warmer zones! Keep an eye on watering your fig trees as summer heat kicks in. The main crop is also forming on new wood – those will be your late summer treasures.

July

Peak growing season means peak water needs. Mulch around trees to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Start watching for pests like fig beetles attracted to ripening fruit.

August

August is the primary harvest season for figs. Double-check trees daily! Fruits ripen fast in the summer heat. Reduce watering as your figs ripen. Reducing watering near harvest helps concentrate sugars – and also prevents splitting.

September

Final harvest push before frost! Pick all remaining fruit before temperatures drop. Ensure you snag the last of the season’s bounty. In colder USDA grow zones, start preparing container figs for winter storage indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. For growers in USDA zones 8 to 10, September is an excellent time to plant new fig trees! This timing allows your fig roots to grow before winter sets in.

Top Five Fig Cultivars – The Hall Of Fame

We’ve lost track of all the delicious fig cultivars we’ve hungrily devoured over the years. (Lol.) But these five are our favorites for gardeners and homesteaders.

Brown Turkey

The reliable workhorse that never lets you down. Brown Turkey is like that dependable friend who always shows up – it produces consistently, handles cold better than most, and forgives beginner mistakes. Perfect for first-time fig growers who want (nearly) guaranteed success.

Appearance: Medium-sized figs with brownish-purple skin and sweet pink flesh with tiny edible seeds.
Taste: Mild, sweet flavor that’s not too intense – think honey with a subtle berry finish.
Harvest Time: 90 to 120 days from fruit set, typically ripening mid-summer through early fall.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10. But it can survive in zone 6 with winter protection.

Brown turkey figs are perfect when eaten fresh right off the branch. But they’re also the champions of fig preserves. Their mild flavor won’t overpower other ingredients in jams and chutneys.

Black Mission

This is the classic California fig that made figs famous in America. Black Mission brings serious Mediterranean vibes and deep, complex flavors that make you feel like you’re sitting in a Tuscan garden. It’s the fig that converted countless people from fig-skeptics to fig-fanatics.

Appearance: Deep purple-black skin with gorgeous, bright red flesh that practically glows.
Taste: Rich, jammy sweetness with wine-like complexity and hints of berry and honey.
Harvest Time: 100 to 130 days from fruit set, ripening in mid to late summer.
USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10. It needs a warm climate to reach full potential.

Black Mission figs belong on a fancy cheese board with goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic – their complex flavor elevates any culinary creation.

Celeste

Nicknamed “Sugar Fig” for good reason! This little powerhouse packs incredible sweetness into a compact package. Celeste is perfect for small spaces and container growing. Plus, it’s one of the most cold-hardy varieties available.

Appearance: Small, purple-bronze figs with light pink flesh and a closed eye that resists pests.
Taste: Intensely sweet with honey and brown sugar notes – like nature’s candy.
Harvest Time: 80 to 100 days from fruit set. Early to mid-season ripening.
USDA Growing Zones: For best results, 6 to 9. Excellent cold tolerance makes it great for borderline climates.

Pop these little sugar bombs straight into your mouth for the ultimate summer snack. Or dehydrate them for homemade fig “candy” that’ll make store-bought treats seem dull.

Kadota

The golden child of the fig world, literally! Kadota brings sunshine to your garden with its bright yellow-green appearance and consistently sweet flavor. It’s also one of the best for preserving and drying. They’re an excellent choice for homemade preserves.

Appearance: Beautiful yellow-green skin with amber-colored flesh that looks like liquid gold.
Taste: Mildly sweet with subtle honey flavors and less complexity than darker varieties.
Harvest Time: 90 to 110 days from fruit set, reliable mid-season producer.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10. It performs best in warm, dry climates.

The ultimate preserving fig – their golden color stays gorgeous when dried, and their mild flavor makes them perfect for baking into breads and scones.

Panache

Panache figs are like the showstopper that makes everyone do a double-take! Also called “Tiger Fig,” Panache is pure eye candy with its stunning striped appearance. It’s a conversation starter, an Instagram star, and a delicious fruit all rolled into one unique package.

Appearance: Dramatic green and yellow striped skin with bright red flesh – absolutely stunning and unique.
Taste: Sweet with berry notes and a hint of tartness that adds complexity and interest.
Harvest Time: 100 to 120 days from fruit set, middle to late season ripening.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10. It needs a warm climate and protection from strong winds.

Panache figs look impressive on the inside and out. Slice them open to reveal that stunning striped exterior and crimson interior. It’s a lovely garden treat perfect for impressing dinner guests or farmers market customers.

Common Problems When Growing Figs

Gorgeous fig tree growing under a lovely Italian sunset.

Even the easiest fruit trees have their drama! Here are the most face-palm moments fig growers experience – and how to bounce back like a pro.

1. Dealing With Birds, Squirrels, Raccoons, And Other Fig Fruit Thieves!

This is a little tongue-in-cheek. But not really! Local wildlife LOVE figs. So, grow a few extra fig trees. Otherwise, you might not harvest any for yourself. Seriously, though, netting is your best friend, especially during ripening season.

Some gardeners swear by fake owls or reflective tape, but honestly? The “plant extra trees” strategy works – think of it as paying your wildlife tax. Harvest figs slightly underripe if the critter pressure is intense.

2. Pruning Your Figs At The Wrong Time

Pruning figs in fall or early winter is like throwing away next year’s fruit! Figs produce on both old and new wood. So, late-season pruning removes the branches that would give you that early “breba” crop.

The fix? Prune fig branches only in late winter or early spring before buds break! Try only to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Less is more with fig pruning. They actually prefer being left alone most of the time.

3. Ignoring Sunlight Needs + Bad Site Selection

Planting figs in shade is like asking a sun-worshipper to live in a root cellar – they’ll survive but never thrive. Shaded figs produce fewer, less sweet fruits and are more prone to fungal issues.

If you’re stuck with your current location, consider container growing so you can move the tree to chase the sun throughout the day.

Remember: 6+ hours of direct sunlight isn’t a suggestion. It’s a requirement for fig happiness!

Conclusion

Black mission figs harvested in a brown pot atop a blue table.

There you have it. We just shared everything we know about growing figs from seed or cuttings. Now you’re armed with the knowledge to avoid rookie mistakes and harvest bowls (and buckets) of yummy fig fruit!

Remember: Figs have been feeding families for thousands of years with minimal stress! So, relax and enjoy the journey. Your future fig-obsessed self will thank you!

What about you?

Will you grow some fig trees this year?
If so, do you know which cultivar you will grow?
Do you grow any other fruit trees or crops?

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!