How to grow Fig in the UK
Ficus carica
Fig (Ficus carica) is a fruit that grows well in UK gardens. Restrict roots aggressively — wild roots = leaf, no fruit. Brown Turkey is reliable in UK. This guide covers when and how to sow Fig, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Fruit
Difficulty
Challenging
Position
full sun (6+ hrs direct)
Sow
spring
Harvest
August, September
When to sow & grow Fig
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr Plant | May | Jun | Jul | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Poor soil — restrict the roots for fruit not leaf
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Position
- Warmest sunny sheltered wall
- Sowing depth
- Plant to the original soil mark; stake bare-root trees
- Spacing
- Fan against a warm wall, roots restricted
- Sowing
- Plant in a restricted pit or large pot
- Growing
- Water well for the first 3 years; mulch and feed in spring
- Harvest & upkeep
- Prune lightly in spring; only pea-sized embryo figs survive winter to ripen
- Watch for
- Generally trouble-free outdoors
Companion planting for Fig
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Fig this year
Add Fig to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Fig FAQs
How much sun does Fig need?
Fig prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Fig ready to harvest?
Fig is typically ready to harvest in August, September in the UK.
Is Fig easy to grow?
Challenging. Restrict roots aggressively — wild roots = leaf, no fruit. Brown Turkey is reliable in UK.