How Fast Do Fig Trees Grow? Everything You Need To Know

Im a little obsessed with these sweet, juicy fruits when fall comes around. Figs are indeed the fruit of fall!

Often associated with the Mediterranean, where the warm climate is perfect for these sun-loving plants, figs are sweet, versatile, and packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins.

Did you know figs provide higher mineral and fiber content than most fruits, nuts, or vegetables? Whether youre eating them fresh, dried, or in a jam, figs are a delicious and healthy treat with so many health benefits!

Fig trees can successfully grow in zones 5-11 if you follow a few basic guidelines. Let me take you through the process below—from learning about these fantastic fruits to how to plant them to the thrill of harvesting your very own figs.

Figs are a delicious fruit that can be grown at home with the right climate and care. If you’re considering planting a fig tree, you may be wondering – how fast do fig trees grow?

The growth rate of a fig tree depends on several factors. On average fig trees grow at a medium rate adding about 1 foot or more in height per year. With ideal conditions, they can grow even faster.

Let’s take a deeper look at what impacts the growth rate of fig trees and what you can expect as your tree matures.

Factors That Influence Fig Tree Growth Rate

Many elements work together to determine how quickly your fig tree puts on growth each year. Here are some of the most important factors:

Climate and Location

Figs prefer warm climates in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10. Some cold-hardy varieties can grow in Zones 6-7.
Figs thrive in Mediterranean climates that are warm and dry. Too much humidity hinders growth.
Figs need at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Morning sun is ideal.
Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil encourages the best growth. Avoid frost pockets.

Tree Variety

Some fig varieties grow faster than others naturally.
Dwarf varieties are bred to stay small, under 10 feet tall/wide. Standard trees reach 30-50 feet tall.
Cold-hardy varieties may grow slower overall in some climates.

Tree Age and Size

Young trees put energy into root growth and branch/leaf establishment before fruiting.
Once the canopy fills in, around years 3-5, energy goes to fruit production.
Growth slows as trees reach mature height. Pruning helps maintain vigor.

Care and Maintenance

Water: 1-1.5 inches per week. Too much or too little water stunts growth.
Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer in early spring aids growth.
Pest/disease control prevents leaf/root damage that slows growth.
Pruning directs energy to desired branches and removes problematic growth.

Fig Tree Growth Stages

Understanding the phases of development a fig tree goes through will give you realistic expectations for growth:

Years 1-2

The first year, the fig tree focuses on establishing its root system for nutrient uptake.
Little vertical growth will occur in year one, especially for cuttings or young nursery trees.
By year two, the root system can support more branch and leaf growth. But fruit will be sparse.

Years 3-5

Growth takes off in years 3-5 as branches thicken and the canopy fills out.
Fig trees can grow over 3 feet per year once the robust root system is in place.
Flowers and fruits become reliable by year three. By year five, a full crop is expected.

Year 6 Onward

Growth slows as trees reach mature size, up to 10 feet for dwarfs and 50 feet for full-size trees.
Pruning and occasional rejuvenation is needed to maintain fruit production.
Well-cared for fig trees continue producing for decades, often 30-50+ years.

When Do Fig Trees Bear Fruit?

Fig trees usually start bearing a small edible crop around year three from planting. However, the exact fruiting timeline depends on several factors:

Cuttings from mature trees can fruit heavily in 2 years since they have an established root system.
Potted nursery trees may take 3-4 years to fruit if roots were confined.
Bare root trees take at least 3-5 years since they must grow their roots first before fruiting.
Cold climates delay fruiting by 1-2 years typically.
Slow-growing varieties also push fruiting back compared to fast growers.
Neglect – lack of sun, water, pruning – postpones fruit production until care improves.

Once your fig tree starts bearing fruit, you can enjoy figs for decades to come!

Estimating First Year Fig Tree Growth

Now that you know what impacts fig tree growth speed, what can you expect that first year after planting? Here are some general guidelines:

Cuttings – Can grow 3-4 feet in height if conditions are ideal. Mostly leaf/branch establishment.
Nursery tree – Around 1-2 feet of growth expected if roots filled nursery pot.
Bare root tree – As little as 6 inches of height in year one as roots establish.

Keep in mind that in colder climates, trees go dormant earlier in fall and have a shorter growing season. Growth may be slower than estimates.

Tips For Maximize Fig Tree Growth

Want your fig tree to grow as quickly as possible? Here are some tips:

Start with a cutting or established nursery tree when possible.
Choose a fast-growing variety suited for your climate. LSU Purple and Celeste are quick growers.
Plant in spring to take advantage of the full growing season.
Give young trees a 5-foot diameter weed/grass-free zone so roots flourish.
Water new trees weekly if rain is lacking. Ease off water as it matures.
Apply balanced organic fertilizer each spring to fuel growth.
Control pests like fig beetles that can slow plants.
Prune regularly to encourage desirable branching and maintain vigor.

When Do I Get My First Ripe Figs?

Be patient – most fig trees won’t produce ripe fruit the first couple years after planting. Here’s a realistic timeline:

Year 1: No figs, all growth is in roots and branches.
Year 2: Possible figs, but likely won’t ripen fully.
Year 3: Small crop of ripe figs! Enjoy a light harvest.
Year 4: Full crop but smaller figs on average.
Year 5+: Mature tree with full yield of large, tasty figs.

The waiting will be worth it when you bite into a luscious fig still warm from the summer sun. Trust the process and enjoy watching your fig tree grow!

Final Thoughts

Fig trees grow at a moderate pace, averaging about 1 foot per year once established. Their growth rate depends on the climate, variety, tree age, and care provided. Most fig trees start producing a small edible crop around years 3-5 after planting. Choose a suitable variety, provide ample sun and water, fertilize, and prune for the fastest growth and earliest harvest from your backyard fig tree.

how fast do figs grow

Planting or Repotting Young Trees

If youve purchased a young fig tree, the first step is to repot it into a larger container with fresh soil or plant it directly in the ground.

Choose a pot thats a few inches wider than the current one and ensures good drainage. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree in the new pot, then fill in with soil and water thoroughly.

When planting directly in the ground, loosen the roots and set the tree on top of a small mound of soil a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots.

Plant the tree 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was initially in the pot (check the trunks color to see the original soil line).

READ MORE: Grow bountiful fruit trees with the Ellen White Tree Planting Method

how fast do figs grow

How to plant fig trees

Now, lets get to the fun part: planting your fig tree!

You can grow fig trees in two ways: From cuttings or young trees bought from a nursery. You can grow figs from seed, but it takes a lot of patience. Fig seeds are tiny, and it can take several years for a seed-grown tree to bear fruit.

If you know someone with a healthy fig tree, ask for a cutting. Youll need a piece of a young branch, about 8-10 inches long.

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly. In a few weeks, you should see roots starting to form.

Air layering is another method of propagating fig trees. It involves wrapping moist soil around a branch to propagate it in the “air.” After 1-3 months, cut off your air layer to have an identical clone of your Mother fig tree.

My dad brought a fig cutting all the way from Missouri when he moved here to Georgia. He planted it and how has a massive fig tree outside his home just a few years later.

How fast do figs grow? FAST!

FAQ

How long does a fig tree take to grow?

AI Overview

Rapid Growth:

Fig trees are one of the fastest-growing fruit trees, capable of significant growth in a single season.
Early Fruiting:

They can produce fruit within their first growing season, often within 6-8 months after rooting from a cutting.
Varietal Differences:

Some fig varieties may grow more quickly than others, and the time to full maturity and consistent fruit production can vary.
Environmental Factors:

Factors like climate and growing conditions can influence the speed and quality of growth and fruiting.
Established Trees:

Once established, fig trees can grow vigorously, sometimes adding 6-15 feet in a single growing season.
Fruit Quality:

While the first harvest might have lower quality due to the young tree’s focus on establishment, the fruit will improve in sweetness and richness as the tree matures.

Can you eat a fig right off the tree?

AI Overview

Edible Whole:

From the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad of tiny seeds, the entire fig is edible.
No Preparation Needed:

You can simply pick them and eat them whole or, if you prefer, remove the stem and the skin before eating.
Enjoy the Experience:

Many people enjoy the texture and slight chewiness of the skin, says a user on Reddit and find it adds to the overall flavor.

Does a fig tree need a lot of water?

AI Overview

Young trees:

Need more frequent watering to help establish their root systems.
Established trees:

Can tolerate drier periods, but still benefit from regular watering, especially during warm, dry spells.
Container trees:

Need more frequent watering than in-ground trees, as they can dry out faster.
Soil type:

Sandy, porous soils may require more frequent watering than heavier clay soils.
Signs of underwatering:

Yellowing and dropping leaves.
Signs of overwatering:

Yellowing leaves, especially on the lower branches, and potential root rot.
General rule:

A good rule of thumb is to aim for 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
Mulch:

Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and reduce watering needs.

How fast do fig trees grow?

Fig trees have a medium growth rate. With proper care, they can grow 1-2 feet per year. However, the growth rate can depend on several factors, including the variety of the fig tree, the growing conditions, and the care provided.

How long do fig trees last?

A fig tree reaches significant size by the time it is 3–5 years old. Fig trees continue to grow until they are 30 years old. Hardy cultivars of figs tend to have an average lifespan of around 200 years. Take good care of your fig tree and it will provide late summer to late autumn harvests for generations.

Can you speed up fig tree growth?

You can speed up fig fruit tree growth with certain fertilizers but it’s a bad idea to do so. Speeding up the growth too much leads to splits and cracks in your tree’s bark. This is both unattractive and also weakens your fig tree’s winter protection. This will make it easier for cold winter temperatures to harm your tree.

Do fig trees grow well?

Numerous people find pleasure in having fig trees in their gardens, as they boast alluring foliage and delectable fruits. These trees are closely associated with notions of abundance, fertility, and sweetness. If you’re considering planting your first fig tree, you are likely curious about what it takes to grow them successfully.

Why do fig trees grow so slow?

This slow growth is exacerbated by a dormant season in the winter months where the tree won’t grow at all. Fig trees are naturally pretty slow-growing, only gaining 12 inches (30 cm) of height every year.

Can fig trees grow faster without fertilizer?

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll never see a common fig tree grow faster than this without fertilizer aid. However, you generally don’t want to speed up the growth process. Growing faster than 12 inches per year weakens fig trees and reduces cold hardiness. This leads to poor winter protection in colder climates that can kill the tree.