The short answer

Quick Answer

Fig thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 2 to 4m. keep contained by root restriction. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -10°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late autumn after fruit harvest. Pinch back new shoots in June

How: Pinch back shoots to 5 or 6 leaves in June. Remove old unproductive wood

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Western Asia and Mediterranean

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated for over 11,000 years, making figs one of the oldest cultivated crops. Brought to Britain by the Romans

Folklore: In ancient Greece, figs were sacred to Demeter and Dionysus. They were a symbol of prosperity

Fun fact: A fig is not a fruit but a syconium, an inverted flower. The flowers are inside and pollinated by a tiny specialised wasp in warmer climates

Historical medicinal uses: Figs are high in calcium, fibre and potassium. The sap has been used traditionally to treat warts

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: In UK climates, figs crop without pollination through parthenocarpy [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Low to medium. Provides shelter for birds[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 6 out of 10 Large lobed leaves. Fruit ripens August to October[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Grow alone in a root restriction pit. Underplanting not recommended

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Coral spot, fig mosaic virus. See RHS fig page

Invasive note: Roots can be invasive in light soils. Always use a root barrier or fig pit

CGM care note

The trick with figs is to leave only the small pea-sized embryonic figs at the end of the season, removing the larger unripe ones in November. The small ones will ripen the following summer. We dig a pit 60cm square lined with paving slabs and fill with soil mixed with rubble.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Fig

How Fig fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Apple Tree, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Pear Tree, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Plum Tree, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Cherry Tree (Fruiting), compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Hazel, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Fig.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Fig are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Fig (Ficus carica). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Fig. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Ficus carica. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Moraceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Clement WL, Weiblen GD (2009). Morphological evolution in Moraceae. Systematic Botany, 34(3), 503-518.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Moraceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pruning, seasonal_highlight.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Fig. The pollinator description above ("In UK climates, figs crop without pollination through parthenocarpy") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low to medium. Provides shelter for birds") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Large lobed leaves. Fruit ripens August to October"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("In UK climates, figs crop without pollination through parthenocarpy"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Fig's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low to medium. Provides shelter for birds") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Fig. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Fig's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Moraceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Fig. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Fig. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Fig. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Fig. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Fig. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Fig. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Fig. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Fig performs well locally

Towns where Fig is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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