How much sun does a fig tree need?

Fig trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant fruit. Insufficient light can lead to poor growth and reduced yields.

When is the best time to prune a fig tree?

The ideal time to prune a fig tree is in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant and before new growth begins. This allows for shaping, removing dead or diseased wood, and managing size.

Are fig trees self-pollinating?

Most common cultivated fig varieties (Ficus carica) are parthenocarpic, meaning they produce fruit without the need for pollination. Some wild or specific varieties may require pollination by a specialized fig wasp.

How often should I water my fig tree?

Water fig trees regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells and when fruit is developing. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.

Can fig trees be grown in pots?

Yes, fig trees can be successfully grown in large containers, which is particularly beneficial in colder climates where they can be moved indoors during winter. They will require regular repotting and pruning to manage size.

Edible Fig (Ficus carica) – Benefits, Growing Guide & Care

Common Fig Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Common Fig
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	Yes 2/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	Yes 2/5 intensity
Edible	Yes

The milky white sap (latex) contains furanocoumarins and ficin, which can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and photosensitivity upon contact.

Common Fig Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Plant Category: Fruit, Ornamental
Plant Place Type: Ground, Garden, Pot
Plant Environment: Outdoor, Greenhouse
Lifespan: Perennials
Plant Height: 3-10 m
Spread: 3-10 m
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Dormancy: Winter
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Lobed, Palmate
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 75000

Care guide for Common Fig

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Fig trees require consistent watering, especially during dry periods and fruit development, to ensure good yield and prevent fruit drop. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.

Reduce watering significantly in autumn as leaves drop and during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.

Pruning

Prune fig trees during their dormant period in late winter or early spring before bud break. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.

Shape the tree to maintain a manageable size and encourage fruit production on new wood. Light summer pruning can also be done to remove suckers or thin out dense growth.

Propagation

Figs are easily propagated from dormant hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be 20-30 cm long with several nodes. Rooting hormone can improve success.

They can also be propagated by air layering or by seeds, though seeds may not produce true-to-type plants.

Repotting

Container-grown fig trees should be repotted every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Root prune if the plant is becoming root-bound and you wish to keep it in the same size container.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MarPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MarPeak fruit · Dec

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Common Fig (Ficus carica)

Common Fig Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Angeer
Bodhi Tree
Brown Turkey Fig
Common Fig
Common Fig-Tree
Cultivated Fig
Cultivated Fig Tree
Edible Fig
Fig
Fig Tree
Garden Fig
Smokva
Southern Brown Turkey Fig
انجیر
అత్తి (atti)

Common Fig Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Common Fig
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Rosales
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Ficus
Species	Ficus carica

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Ficus

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

Cuban-Laurel

Ficus retusa

Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

Common Fig FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

How much sun does a fig tree need?
Fig trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant fruit. Insufficient light can lead to poor growth and reduced yields.
When is the best time to prune a fig tree?
The ideal time to prune a fig tree is in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant and before new growth begins. This allows for shaping, removing dead or diseased wood, and managing size.
Are fig trees self-pollinating?
Most common cultivated fig varieties (Ficus carica) are parthenocarpic, meaning they produce fruit without the need for pollination. Some wild or specific varieties may require pollination by a specialized fig wasp.
How often should I water my fig tree?
Water fig trees regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells and when fruit is developing. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
Can fig trees be grown in pots?
Yes, fig trees can be successfully grown in large containers, which is particularly beneficial in colder climates where they can be moved indoors during winter. They will require regular repotting and pruning to manage size.

Common FigFicus carica

Common Fig Care Summary