In warm regions, plant your fig tree while it is dormant in the early spring. In regions with colder winters, plant in late fall. Avoid planting a fig tree during the winter months or while the tree is actively growing. Planting in winter can kill your fig tree because cold temperatures can cause damage to a newly planted fig. Planting during late spring or early summer exposes the newly planted tree to heat stress that can cause the tree to struggle and die.
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Where Should You Plant Fig Trees in Spring?
If you are growing figs in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b through 10a, plant your fig in early spring. Late February through March are typically the best months to plant figs in these regions. This rule applies to most of the southern United States, as well as the Southwest, West Coast, and Southeast.
- If you live in USDA planting zones 8b through 10a, plant in spring.
- Late February, March, and early April are the best planting months.
- Plant before the fig tree begins producing leaves.
- If your recent winter was exceptionally mild, you may need to plant early.
It is essential that your fig tree is still dormant at the time of planting. Make sure to plant early enough in the year that the tree has not yet produced leaves. If your region experienced a mild winter, begin shopping for fig trees in February, to ensure you do not begin planting too late.
Where Should You Plant Fig Trees in Fall?
If you live in plant hardiness zone 7b or 8a, plant your fig tree in late fall, while the tree is bare. This will give the tree time to develop roots during winter so it has productive spring and summer growth. Late October through early December are the best months for fig planting in cooler regions. This rule applies if you are planting figs in the Lower Midwest, Upper South, or Pacific Northwest.
- Figs benefit from fall planting in plant hardiness zones 7b and 8a.
- Plan to plant in late October, November, or early December.
- Wait until your baby fig has lost all its leaves before planting.
Wait until all the leaves have fallen off your baby fig before planting in fall. It will cause less stress on the tree if it is planted while dormant. You can buy a young fig early and keep it in the pot for a few weeks until the tree has gone dormant. Then, you can plant it.
Where is the Best Place to Plant Your Fig Tree?
Plant your fig tree where it will get full sunlight but won’t have hot soil. A south or west-facing location will allow you to provide your fig with the right amount of sunlight. However, it’s a good idea to prevent dry soil by planting your fig where its root zone will be protected by mulch or shade cast from other trees. This allows you to get that balance of full sun and cool soil that figs crave.
- Plant your fig where it will receive 7 to 8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Choose a spot where the root zone is shaded or well-mulched—figs like to grow in cool soil.
- Make sure to plan for the mature size of your fig tree at the time of planting.
- As a general rule, plant figs at least 20 feet (6 meters) from your home and other structures.
Once you have picked the perfect spot for your fig tree, follow our steps for planting a fig tree in the ground. Figs are very tolerant trees with low care requirements. So, if you choose a good spot, your young tree will thrive once it exits dormancy.
Are Fig Trees Toxic for Dogs?
Fig sap found in branches, roots, and leaves can be toxic and irritating to dogs. If you have four-footed friends that like to dig, chew on branches, or eat leaves, they may be at risk of fig poisoning. All parts of the fig tree can be dangerous for dogs.
- Toxic sap in fig branches, leaves, and roots can poison dogs.
- Eating or coming into direct contact with fig sap can make your dog sick or irritate its skin.
- Consider planting your fig tree in the front yard if you own dogs.
Fig sap can even irritate human skin, so it is essential to take proper precautions when you prune a fig tree. If you are worried about your pets or other family members being harmed by fig poisoning, take this into account before planting. The backyard may not be the ideal place for your fig tree.
Can Fig Trees Grow in Your Front Yard?
Fig trees make an excellent addition to your front yard. Not only will figs love a large space with unrestricted sunlight, they will also provide incredible shade. It is best to plant figs in front yards that receive sun for most of the day. East, west, and south-facing yards can all support healthy fig trees. Avoid planting a fig tree in a front yard that faces north—your tree won’t receive enough sun and warmth.
- Fig trees can be grown in warm, sunny front yards.
- Do not plant a fig tree in your front yard if your house faces north.
- Make sure your fig is planted a safe distance from your home and driveway.
When planting your fig tree in the front yard, first make sure that invasive fig roots won’t damage your home or driveway. Based on the variety of fig you’re growing, you may need to keep your tree up to 20 feet (6 meters) away from your home’s foundation and any paved surfaces.
What is the Best Time to Transplant a Fig Tree?
Early spring is the best time to transplant figs. The soil is often moist at this time, which makes digging up the tree easy. Start the transplant process after the last average fall frost in your region, but before your fig has sprouted new leaves. Transplanting while the tree is dormant helps to minimize shock and damage.
- Transplant figs in early spring for the best success.
- The best time is after the last spring frost but before your fig has grown new leaves.
- Take advantage of loose spring soil to carefully dig up branching fig roots.
Take care when transplanting a tree from one spot in your yard to another. Figs develop large, spreading root systems. When digging up an established tree, avoid damaging the roots as much as possible.
What is the Best Time to Plant a Fig Tree?
Before you plant a fig tree, make sure you time your planting correctly.
- Always plant figs when they are dormant, never when they are actively growing.
- Avoid planting figs in winter.
- In USDA planting zones 8b through 10a, plant figs in early spring.
- If you are living in planting zone 7b or 8a, plant your fig tree in late fall.
- Choose a planting location with lots of sun.
- Keep your fig tree a safe distance from your house, so fig roots don’t cause foundation damage.
These simple tips will put you on the right track to growing and harvesting your own figs. Once you’ve planted your fig in a sunny spot, you can expect ripe fruits to arrive soon.
