Fig trees love a hot, fairly dry climate, so they are ideal for growing in most parts of the United States where they can be planted after the last frost or in early fall. They do need full sunlight but dislike strong winds. Although they grow happily in alkaline soils, they enjoy compost-rich, slightly acidic soil, so don’t hesitate to add a generous amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers as they will encourage excess leaf production at the expense of fruit.

When planting your fig tree, remember that drainage is essential for the tree to establish its roots in the soil, so if you have heavy, clay soil, build up the soil with mulch to improve drainage or plant on a slope where water will drain away easily in wet weather. Figs like a Mediterranean type of climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, so don’t overwater during the summer. If you see the leaves dropping that is an indication your tree is needing water. Excessive overwatering during the summer can cause the fruit to split. In the winter, they can also be sensitive to frost when young, so be prepared to protect them with a blanket or winter cloth if freezing temperatures are part of your climate. Once established, they can better tolerate a moderate frost.