How to Grow Fig
Fruit Tree
Figs bring a Mediterranean note to British gardens, yet a well-sited 'Brown Turkey' can be rewarding far beyond the south. The secret is warmth and restraint: a sunny wall and restricted roots encourage fruiting instead of a great rush of leafy, unmanageable growth.
Planting & rootstocks
Most figs are grown on their own roots, not grafted dwarfing rootstocks. Plant a container-grown fig in spring or early summer, either in a large container or in a lined pit about 60 cm wide and deep with a restricted opening for roots. This limits excessive vigour. Set it 20 to 30 cm from a warm wall, water in thoroughly and train young shoots on wires. Use free-draining soil and avoid rich ground.
Pollination
'Brown Turkey' is self-fertile in the UK and does not need a pollination partner. Its fruits form without the specialised fig wasps required by some types elsewhere. Choose a proven British variety and concentrate on warmth, root restriction and protection, rather than matching pollination groups. A single established plant can crop well if its tiny overwintering embryo figs survive.
Care & pruning
Mulch lightly in spring and water container figs regularly during dry spells, but avoid excessive nitrogen-rich feeding that encourages leaves over fruit. Train shoots against the wall and remove only dead, damaged or badly placed wood in late winter. In autumn, remove larger unripe figs; retain pea-sized embryo figs, which overwinter and ripen next year. Protect stems with fleece in severe cold and insulate containers where practical.
Years to bear
Container-grown figs can offer a few fruits within 1 to 2 years, though 3 years is more typical for a useful crop. Root restriction and warmth hasten fruiting considerably.
Harvest
Main crops ripen from August to October, later in cooler districts. Pick when fruits droop on their stalks, feel soft and may show a tiny bead of moisture at the base. Harvest promptly as they soften; ripe figs are delicate and do not keep long. Do not rely on late, large green fruits to ripen after autumn.
Common problems
Cold damage, poor ripening and over-vigorous leafy growth are more frequent than serious disease. Restrict roots and choose the warmest wall. Birds, wasps and squirrels may take ripening fruit, while scale insects and red spider mite can occur under glass. Remove affected material by hand, improve ventilation, avoid water stress and use carefully fitted netting where wildlife pressure is high.
Growing Fig: frequently asked questions
How do I grow fig in the UK?
Most figs are grown on their own roots, not grafted dwarfing rootstocks.
Does fig need a pollination partner?
'Brown Turkey' is self-fertile in the UK and does not need a pollination partner.
When is fig ready to harvest?
Main crops ripen from August to October, later in cooler districts.
General guidance for UK home growers. Variety and pollination needs vary; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise for your area. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.