Can you grow a fig tree indoors? The short answer is no. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to: The edible fig (Ficus carica) needs full sun in the summer, which is almost impossible to get indoors. In autumn, the deciduous fig tree loses its leaves and goes into dormancy for the winter, when it doesn’t need any sun at all. Most common fig trees get too big and gangly and too messy to be good houseplants. But you can grow fig trees in containers for a few reasons which we will explain below.
Black Mission fig trees are a popular variety prized for their delicious, sweet fruit. While traditionally grown in the ground, these trees also thrive when planted in pots and containers. Growing figs in containers allows gardeners to move them into shelter for winter protection in colder climates.
With the right care, Black Mission fig trees can produce abundant fruit even when grown in a pot In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to successfully grow container Black Mission fig trees
Overview of Black Mission Fig Trees
The Black Mission fig tree is a deciduous fruit tree that produces a prolific crop of purple-black skinned figs with sweet, reddish-pink flesh. Here are some key facts about this variety
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Well suited for container growing and easily kept small through pruning.
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Produces two crops of figs per year – a smaller breba crop in spring followed by a main crop in late summer/fall.
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Thrives in zones 8-10 outdoors Can be grown in zones 5-7 in a container and overwintered indoors
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Self-pollinating so only requires one tree for fruit production.
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Fruits have thin, delicate skin that splits when ripe. Harvest promptly once ripened.
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Attracts birds and pollinators to the garden when fruiting. Provides beautiful ornamental interest.
With extra winter protection, Black Mission fig trees can reliably produce fruit for years when grown in containers. Let’s look at how to get started.
Choosing the Right Container
Picking the right container is key to growing a healthy and productive Black Mission fig tree. Here are some tips:
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For a mature tree, select a container at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. This provides enough room for root development while still being portable.
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Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot from waterlogged soil.
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Opt for a plastic, wood, or ceramic container which offers insulation to protect roots. Avoid thin metal pots.
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Place the pot on casters or a plant dolly to make moving easier. The tree can get heavy when filled with soil and water.
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Start in a smaller 6-10 inch nursery container when young, repotting up to larger pots as the tree grows.
A 20-25 gallon pot is ideal for a mature Black Mission fig tree, giving the roots sufficient space while staying a manageable size to overwinter indoors.
Using the Right Potting Mix
The soil composition is vital when cultivating container fig trees. Here is an ideal potting mix recipe:
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1 part high quality potting soil – provides a nutrient-rich base
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1 part compost or coconut coir – retains moisture and adds organic matter
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1 part perlite or pumice – improves drainage to prevent wet roots
You can also add a bit of worm castings or organic fertilizer like bone or blood meal. Fig trees prefer a slightly alkaline soil pH between 6.0-7.0. Add dolomitic lime if needed to reach the ideal range.
This balanced mix will provide excellent drainage while still retaining some moisture. Proper soil ensures healthy root function and productive trees.
How to Plant Black Mission Figs in Containers
Planting a young Black Mission fig tree in its new container is simple:
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Fill the pot about 3/4 full with prepared soil mix, leaving some room at the top.
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Gently remove the fig tree from its nursery pot, loosen circled roots, and place in the container.
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Backfill remaining space with more potting mix, keeping the root ball 1-2 inches below the rim.
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Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom drainage holes.
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Top with 2-3 inches of organic mulch like bark chips or straw to retain moisture.
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situate in full sun.
And that’s it! In its new home, your young Black Mission fig tree is ready to thrive.
Watering and Fertilizing Fig Trees in Containers
Water and fertilizer are essential for container fig trees to flourish:
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Check soil daily, watering whenever the top few inches become dry. Figs need consistent moisture.
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Increase watering frequency during summer’s heat. Fig trees are actively growing and fruiting at this time.
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Reduce watering in winter but don’t allow pots to fully dry out. Monitor soil moisture in dormancy.
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Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
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Flush pots with clean water monthly to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.
By staying on top of irrigation and nutrition needs, your container fig tree will be healthy and loaded with fruit.
Caring for Fig Trees Over Winter
In zones 5-7, container fig trees must be moved to an unheated indoor space before freezing weather arrives:
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Bring potted fig trees indoors once temperatures consistently drop below 45°F.
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Prune back branches by 1/3 to 1/2 to reduce stress on the dormant tree.
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Allow soil to moderately dry out over winter. Only water if completely parched.
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Check weekly for pests like fungal gnats and spider mites. Treat any issues immediately.
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Keep tree in complete darkness if possible. Cover with burlap or black plastic sheeting.
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In spring after the last frost, move back outside and resume normal care.
With proper overwintering indoors, container fig trees will burst back to life once warm weather returns.
Troubleshooting Common Fig Tree Problems
Growing figs in containers comes with some challenges. Here are solutions for common issues:
Insufficient Growth: Indicates too little light or overwatering. Provide ample sunlight and allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
Leaf Drop: Caused by under or overwatering. Check soil frequently and water correctly.
Small Fruit: Extreme heat, overpruning, and overbearing can cause small figs. Provide afternoon shade, limit pruning, and thin developing fruits.
No Fruit: Usually a lack of pollination. Plant a second fig variety nearby to pollinate.
Wilting: Signals underwatering. Check soil and water immediately if dry.
Stay vigilent to avoid these common problems with container fig trees. Proper care keeps them thriving.
Tips for Abundant Harvests
Here are some tips to maximize your Black Mission fig yield:
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Plant in full sun and provide at least 8 hours of direct light daily. Figs need lots of sunshine.
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Choose a vigorous, healthy nursery tree and repot as it grows into progressively larger containers.
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Water frequently, allowing soil to dry only 1-2 inches between irrigation. Consistent moisture is key.
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Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced organic fertilizer.
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In late summer and fall, patrol for ripe fruits daily. Harvest all figs when soft and sweet.
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Move containers to a sheltered spot if cold snaps threaten. Protect developing fruits from frost.
With the right care, a mature Black Mission fig tree can produce up to 200 fruits in a large container during each growing season!
Enjoying the Harvest from Your Container Fig Tree
After all your hard work nurturing your potted Black Mission fig tree, it’s time to reap the rewards!
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Pick ripe figs when they feel slightly soft and hang down under their own weight.
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Twist the stem gently to separate the fruit. Don’t pull hard or the skin may tear.
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Eat fresh figs within a few days for optimal flavor and quality. Ripe figs won’t store long.
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Preserve abundant harvests by canning, freezing, dehydrating, or making jams and chutneys.
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Share extras with friends, neighbors, and family so everyone can enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The sweet, succulent flavor of a ripe, fresh-picked Black Mission fig is a real taste treat that’s worth the effort of cultivating your own container fig tree.
Black Mission fig trees are an ideal choice for container growing. By following these guidelines for planting, care, overwintering, and troubleshooting, you’ll be harvesting basketfuls of delicious figs even with limited space.
The key is providing plenty of sun, frequent watering, nutrient-rich soil, and protection from cold. With some simple maintenance, Black Mission fig trees will reward you with an abundance of fruit. So get planting and soon you’ll be enjoying these garden gems!
We’ve determined you’re in Growing Zone 10b
Can you grow a fig tree indoors? The short answer is no. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to: The edible fig (Ficus carica) needs full sun in the summer, which is almost impossible to get indoors. In autumn, the deciduous fig tree loses its leaves and goes into dormancy for the winter, when it doesn’t need any sun at all. Most common fig trees get too big and gangly and too messy to be good houseplants. But you can grow fig trees in containers for a few reasons which we will explain below.
GROW YOUR OWN FIGS IN POTS
FAQ
Can mission fig be grown in containers?
Black Mission fig trees can be grown on the coast or inland. This is a wonderful container plant.
Can you keep a fig tree in a container?
You can grow figs in a wide variety of pots; however, whatever container you choose should have plenty of drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil.
How long does it take for a black mission fig to bear fruit?
The black Mission fig tree takes between 2-6 years to produce fruit and will produce 2 crops per year with proper living conditions.
Can you grow a fig tree in a 5 gallon bucket?
Planting Fig Trees in Containers
Don’t waste space! Start small and move up to a larger container size as the tree roots fill the current container. For example, you may start out with a 5- or 7-gallon container and move up to a 10-gallon container when the tree’s roots fill the previous container size.
Can Black Mission fig trees be planted in containers?
Black Mission is an especially good variety for pots. Growing fig trees in containers allows gardeners in colder climates to move them indoors over winter. But potted figs require specific care to flourish. In this article we’ll explore how to successfully plant Black Mission fig trees in containers.
What is Black Mission fig?
Black Mission is a classic fig variety that originated in Spain, It produces a prolific crop of purplish-black skinned figs with sweet reddish-pink flesh This variety is suited for zones 8-10. In colder zones, Black Mission can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. Key traits include:
How tall does a black Mission fig grow?
It grows anywhere from 10 to 30 feet tall. Most fig varieties grow well in a Mediterranean climate with damp, mild winters and hot, dry summers. In the United States, the Black Mission fig grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
Are black mission figs Hardy?
Black Mission figs thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can tolerate some shade, but they produce the best fruit in full sun. These trees are hardy and can adapt to various soil conditions, but they perform best in soil rich in organic matter.
How do you grow a black Mission fig tree?
Avoid thin metal pots. Put potted trees on wheeled plant caddies or dollies to make moving easier. Start small in a 6-10 inch nursery pot and repot into larger containers as the tree grows. For Black Mission figs, aim for a 20-25 gallon container size at maturity. This provides enough room for root development while still being portable.
Are black Mission fig trees a good crop?
Fig trees have long been cultivated as a valuable food crop. They are now grown throughout the moderate climates in the world and have been bred to include hundreds of different cultivars. ‘Black Mission’ figs are very productive trees and easy to grow, making this variety an ideal candidate for commercial production.