Can I grow figs in containers long-term?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.†Cultivating fig trees in containers allows us to indulge in fresh fruit with no access to a backyard. My Violette de Bordeaux fig tree grows well in a 15-gallon pot and produces over 60 figs annually. For the best results start with dwarf varieties, which manage to adapt to restricted root system types better than standard fig trees.
Soil & Pot Setup
- Use 40% compost, 30% perlite, 30% topsoil for drainage
- Choose pots with 4+ drainage holes to prevent rot
- Elevate containers on feet to avoid waterlogging
Long-Term Care
- Root-prune every 3 years using a saw or sharp knife
- Replace top 3 inches of soil each spring with fresh compost
- Apply slow-release 8-8-8 fertilizer in early March
Root pruning plays an important role in maximizing production in container figs. I cut off the outer 2 inches of roots every 3 springs and repot into still more soil every spring. This promotes new feeder roots that are more efficient in nutrient uptake. My Celeste tree produced double the fruit after being root-pruned for the first time!
Winter care varies by zone. In Zone 5, I move pots to an unheated garage after the leaves drop. Water monthly with a cup (240 ml) to prevent desiccation. Growers in southern zones will typically mulch pots with straw and wrap trunks with burlap during the occasional frost.
To avoid overpotting, you should always move up to larger pots as your trees grow. My fig tree started in a 5-gallon and graduated to 10 gallons to 15 gallons, increasing the pot size gradually. If you place the trees in large pots too quickly they will retain moisture and rot. When you select a pot you want the pot to be the size of the rootball plus 2 inches of extra growth.
Read the full article: How to Grow Figs: Expert Tips for Thriving Trees
