Common fig care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Common fig

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every day

Its big leaves use a lot of water: in a pot, water thoroughly about daily once the topsoil dries, sometimes morning and evening in midsummer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 2 days

The fall crop is ripening, so keep it evenly moist: about every two to three days once the surface dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 5 days

After leaf fall it uses little water: about every four to six days once the soil is dry, during a mild midday.

Light and placement for Common fig

As a guide, full sun outdoors; short of light it bears few, bland figs, and being generally heat-tolerant it thrives even on a summer balcony.

Overwintering Common fig

Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above

A fairly hardy deciduous tree that generally winters outdoors on the Kanto and Kansai plains; as a guide, keep a young tree or pot out of the north wind and wrap the trunk loosely in fleece.

Fertilizing and repotting Common fig

Fertilizer

As a guide, organic fertilizer at the base in December or January, then small top-ups around June and August; too much nitrogen generally means lush shoots and fewer figs.

When to repot

Autumn (Oct–Nov), Winter (Dec–Feb)

Common problems with Common fig

• A summer dry spell shrivels the figs and drops them before they ripen.
• Hard winter pruning removes the wood that carries the summer crop.
• Longhorn beetle larvae bore into the trunk, leaving sawdust at the base.

Tips for growing Common fig

• A fall-fruiting variety can be cut back hard in winter and still fruits on the new shoots.
• Pick figs in the morning once the fruit droops and softens.
• Wear gloves when picking or pruning to keep the sap off your skin.

More fruit tree care guides

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