Growing fig trees can be an extremely rewarding endeavor. The sight of those large, plump figs hanging from vibrant branches is enough to make any gardener’s mouth water. However, one of the most common questions asked by new fig growers is “how long for a fig tree to bear fruit?”
The truth is that there is no single definitive answer as many factors come into play. Through years of experience and research though I’ve put together this complete guide to provide clarity on fig fruiting timelines and equip you with realistic expectations.
Typical Fruiting Timeline
Most fig varieties take between 3-5 years to bear their first mature fruit assuming ideal growing conditions. Here’s a look at what you can expect in the early years
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Year 1: Don’t expect fruit in the first year. Focus on proper planting, watering, and care to help the tree establish itself.
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Year 2: Some breba crop figs may appear, but likely will not reach maturity.
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Year 3: More breba figs, with some varieties producing a small main crop.
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Year 4: Increased breba and main crop production.
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Year 5: Full fruit production with mature breba and main crop figs.
Remember, this timeline serves as a useful guide, but exact timing depends on the variety, environment, and your care routine. Now let’s look at the key factors that affect fruiting.
Factors That Influence Fruiting
While the above timeline provides a general overview, several variables impact exactly how fast your fig tree bears fruit. Being aware of these factors allows you to understand your specific tree’s needs.
Tree Variety
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Some fig varieties naturally reach maturity and bear fruit faster than others.
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For example, Brown Turkey and Celeste tend to fruit sooner, while Kadota and Marseilles take longer.
Tree Age
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Like most fruit trees, younger fig trees produce less as they become established.
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Fruit production increases with maturity. Trees older than 10 years often bear the most fruit.
Climate and Growing Conditions
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Warmer climates with long seasons accelerate growth and fruiting.
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Trees grown in pots often fruit 1-2 years faster than those grown in the ground.
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Fig trees need at least 8 hours of sun daily and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Pruning and Care
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Annual pruning encourages healthy growth and fruit production.
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Watering regularly, fertilizing each spring, and controlling pests/diseases ensures a vibrant, fruitful tree.
As you can see, a complex interplay of factors like variety, age, climate, and care helps determine how quickly your fig tree bears fruit. Let’s look at some tips to nurture abundant fruit production.
Encouraging Faster Fruiting
While patience is required, employing certain techniques can help coax your fig tree into fruiting sooner:
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Choose faster-fruiting varieties like Brown Turkey or Celeste.
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Plant in pots – the restricted space encourages early fruiting.
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Prune annually – this stimulates new growth and fruit buds.
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Pick breba figs – this forces the tree to focus energy on main crop.
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Water deeply and fertilize each spring.
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Protect from frost – cold damage delays fruiting.
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Maximize sunlight – even reflected light helps.
Paying close attention to your tree’s care helps it establish a strong foundation to support early and abundant fruiting year after year.
Potted Trees vs. In-ground Trees
Should you grow your fig tree in a pot or plant it in the ground? This decision influences fruiting timeframes:
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Potted trees generally fruit 1-2 years earlier since their roots are more confined.
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In-ground trees take a bit longer to fruit but grow larger and can yield more long-term.
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For short growing seasons , containers allow moving the tree indoors to protect it.
Make sure pots are large enough (15-25 gallons) but not oversized. Restricting the roots somewhat speeds fruiting.
Whether choosing pots or planting in the ground, provide well-draining soil and sufficient water to support lush growth.
Common Problems That Delay Fruiting
While most trees eventually fruit, certain issues can slow them down:
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Insufficient sunlight – figs need 8+ hours of sun daily.
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Improper watering – too much or too little water inhibits fruiting.
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Cold winters – winter damage delays growth and fruiting.
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Overpruning – pruning heavily reduces fruit buds.
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Diseases/pests – problems like mosaic virus stunt growth.
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Nematodes – root knot nematodes restrict roots and growth.
By accurately diagnosing problems, you can take corrective actions to help your tree gain momentum.
Benefits of Growing Potted Fig Trees
Growing fig trees in pots offers some nice advantages:
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Faster fruiting – Typically 1-2 years faster since roots are more confined.
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Portability – Pots allow moving the tree to ideal conditions.
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Protection – Can move the tree indoors over winter in cold climates.
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Smaller Size – Pots restrict growth, keeping the tree a more manageable size.
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Versatility – Pots allow planting in poor soil and let you rearrange trees.
Just be sure to water more frequently, use quality potting mix, and avoid oversized containers for best results.
Tips for Growing Potted Fig Trees
Follow these tips when growing fig trees in pots:
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Use containers 15-25 gallons in size to restrict roots and speed fruiting. Don’t use oversized pots.
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Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
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Choose dwarf varieties like Little Miss Figgy or Petite Negro to control size.
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Plant in quality potting mix enriched with compost or organic fertilizer.
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Consider burying pots in soil or using insulated containers to protect roots from temperature extremes.
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Maintain even soil moisture since pots dry out faster than in-ground planting.
With the right practices, potted fig trees can be easier to care for and satisfy your craving for homegrown figs!
The precise fruiting timeline will depend on your specific growing conditions and variety. But rest assured that within 3-5 years, your wait will likely be rewarded with plump, sweet figs to enjoy fresh from your own backyard. So take a deep breath and care for your fig tree – delicious fruit will come in due time.
Fig Tree Temperature: Don’t Forget About Metabolism
Contrary to popular belief, the lack of fruiting in fig trees is not typically due to insufficient water, sunlight, or fertilizer. The real culprit is often a hormonal imbalance within the tree. Fig trees, like all plants, rely on hormones to regulate their growth and fruit production. When these hormones are out of balance, the tree may prioritize vegetative growth over fruiting.
Figs Not Forming vs. Figs Dropping
- Sunlight and Warmth: Fig trees need a warm, sunny spot with lots of direct sunlight. The warmth from sunlight helps maintain proper metabolism, especially during cooler spring and fall temperatures.
- Watering: Improper watering is a common issue. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to prevent over and underwatering.
- Overwatering: Due to their thin and fibrous roots, fig trees are especially prone to root rot, which will stunt growth, cause nutritional deficiencies, and even death. Enhance soil life and diversity with homemade compost tea and mycorrhizal.
- Underwatering: Without enough water, fig trees will not continue their ripening process. Its possible the fruit buds have formed and are small on the tree, but their development will be stunted until moisture in the soil returns.
- Soil and Drainage: Plant fig trees in well-draining soil with a neutral pH of around 7. If the soil is poor, improve it with compost, mulch, or other organic matter.
- Fertilizing: Use slow-release fertilizer like this one to provide nutrients without overwhelming the tree. Too much fertilizer can be harmful. Consider a soil test and correct any nutrient deficiencies immediately.
- Disease Management: Fig trees can be affected by Fig Mosaic Virus, which hinders photosynthesis and weakens the tree over time. The same can be said for fig rust in humid areas.
Fig Trees: How Long Till They Bear Fruit?
FAQ
Why is my fig tree growing but no fruit?
The real culprit is often a hormonal imbalance within the tree. Fig trees, like all plants, rely on hormones to regulate their growth and fruit production. When these hormones are out of balance, the tree may prioritize vegetative growth over fruiting.
Will a potted fig tree bear fruit?
Scientifically known as Ficus carica, fig trees are renowned for their distinctive lobed leaves and intriguing trunk structure. They are some of the best fruiting plants for both the garden and containers, and they are almost fool proof in their culture, yielding a surprising amount of fresh fruit in one season.
When do fig trees bear fruit?
Black Mission Fig Trees produce two crops of figs a year. The first crop ripens in late spring or early summer, and the second crop ripens in late summer or early fall. You will be harvesting figs for weeks and weeks and enjoying the unique flavor that is only possible with tree-ripened fruit. This plant grows into a large tree, with beautiful large leaves, divided into five lobes.
How long does it take a fig tree to produce fruit?
A container grown or bare root fig tree will start to produce fruit after just a year, and you should see a decent sized harvest the year after. Once it’s established, your tree is capable of producing up to fifty fruits per season!
How long does a fig tree take to ripen?
Typically, a fig tree tree takes several seasons before it produces figs. It may produce two fruit crops per year. Figs ripen at different times of the growing season, depending on the tree variety and the growing environment. When peduncle sacs darken, the fruits grow heavier and soften as they become ripe. Fruit skins split in some varieties.