Fig (Ficus carica)

In my opinion, a healthy, mature fruiting fig tree is one of the most beautiful specimens of tree nature provides. It can be pruned into all kinds of unique shapes, or left to grow in its natural shape.

Mature Canopy Size

15–30 ft wide, 15–25 ft tall (can be pruned smaller for patios or tight yards)

Growth Rate

Fast — 2–4 ft per year with irrigation

Water Requirements (Minimum vs. Maximum Growth)

• Minimum: Moderate — needs deep watering every 10–14 days in summer

• For Maximum Growth & Yield: Weekly deep watering produces larger canopies and heavier fruit sets

Ecological & Functional Benefits

• Provides dense shade in summer while allowing winter sun (deciduous)

• Attracts birds and pollinators

• Ancient heritage fruit tree with high cultural and ecological value

Edible / Harvest Season / Nutritional Benefits

• Harvest Season: May–July (main crop), with a possible smaller “breba” crop in early spring depending on variety

• Nutrition: Rich in dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants

• Maximizing Fruit Quality:

  • Prune annually in late winter to encourage strong new growth

  • Deep, consistent watering during fruiting prevents fruit drop and splitting

  • Mulch heavily to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture

  • Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting or paper bags

Minimum Chill Hours

100–300 hours depending on variety

Maintenance Requirements

Moderate — requires annual pruning for size and fruiting wood, and cleanup of fallen fruit if not harvested. Susceptible to sunburn on trunks — avoid over pruning, but whitewash exposed bark if heavily pruned.

Thorny or Not?

No

Deciduous or Not?

Yes — loses leaves in winter, allowing sunlight into winter gardens

Root System

• Vigorous, wide-spreading roots

• Can be destructive to foundations, patios, and septic if planted too close

• Safe if planted 15–20 ft away from hardscape or grown in large raised planters/containers

• Performs extremely well in root-restricted spaces (containers, walled beds) which can even increase fruit yield

Miscellaneous Notes

• Figs bleed a latex sap when pruned — may cause skin irritation

• Birds, squirrels, and roof rats are common competitors for ripe fruit

• Can be espaliered or grown in large pots for urban gardens

Best Varieties for Phoenix

• Black Mission — Classic sweet fig, reliable producer, does well in heat

• Kadota — Light green/yellow skin, excellent for fresh eating or drying

• Conadria — Large, sweet fruit with good heat tolerance

• Brown Turkey — Tolerates varied conditions, heavy bearer

• Kadota & Conadria often outperform Mission in the hottest Phoenix summers due to better sunburn resistance

• *note about Desert King — sometimes seen out here due to its name. It’s a San Pedro variety, which means it’s a heavy breba crop producer (most of the main crop drops as there is no wasp to pollinate it). Pruning this in a shrub form is more effective since it saves 1+ yr old branches for the breba to grow on. (source)

Questions about the Fig Tree?

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