Fig (Ficus carica)
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❤️ Why you'll love it
A traditional and surprisingly hardy fruiting tree for the UK garden, producing sweet, honeyed figs in a warm summer against a sheltered wall. Decades of cultivation history make it a classic choice for a productive, characterful garden.
🌿 Details
How to look after Fig (Ficus carica) in the UK
Position & Light:
Grow in full sun in a warm, sheltered position, ideally against a south or west-facing wall. Figs are surprisingly hardy and thrive in the UK, with attractive large, lobed leaves and sweet fruit in late summer and autumn. They also do well in large containers, which help restrict root growth and encourage fruiting.
Soil & Watering:
Plant in well-drained soil. Figs fruit best when the roots are restricted, so plant in a pit lined with paving slabs or bricks, or grow in a large pot. Water regularly during the first year, and keep container plants well watered through summer, especially when the fruit is developing. Water less over winter. Mulch the base to retain moisture.
Feeding:
Feed container figs with a high-potash feed, such as tomato feed, every two to three weeks in summer. Plants in the ground rarely need feeding, as rich soil promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Prune in mid to late spring, removing dead or damaged wood, and trim back stems to keep a framework of branches. Pinch out growing tips in early summer to encourage fruiting shoots. In autumn, remove any large unripe figs, as they will not ripen in the UK, but leave the tiny pea-sized embryo figs, which will overwinter and ripen next summer. In cold areas, protect with fleece or straw in winter. Wear gloves, as the sap can irritate skin.
Common Problems:
- No fruit: Usually caused by too much root space, too much nitrogen or too much shade. Restrict roots and feed with potash.
- Fruit dropping: Caused by irregular watering or cold. Water consistently and shelter the plant.
- Frost damage: Protect young plants and pots in cold winters. Fig can regrow from the base after damage.
- Leaf drop in autumn: Natural, as figs are deciduous.
- Pests: Check for scale insects and red spider mite, particularly in pots under cover.
Supplied bare root, carefully packed with a moisture source to ensure freshness.
Plant height: approximately 40cm.
Please remember that most plants (except Evergreens) are dormant in Autumn/Winter so your order may have no leaves until Spring.
🪴 What Does Bare Root Mean?
Our plants have their full root systems but are carefully removed from the pot and soil before delivery.
The roots are wrapped in moist material and eco-friendly packaging to keep them fresh during transit.
It's less messy, reduces waste, and allows the plant to settle into your garden more easily once planted.
🌱 Sustainably Grown in Britain
Plants are sustainably grown and harvested at our nursery in the South West UK, without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Packaged using biodegradable materials for an eco-conscious delivery.
📜 Certified & Compliant
We are APHA-authorized for Plant Passports: your assurance that our plants are healthy, pest-free, and meet UK plant health regulations.
🚚 Combined Postage & Fast Dispatch
No extra delivery charge when you buy multiple plants from us! Simply add all the plants you love to your basket and pay one flat delivery fee at checkout.
Shipped via UPS Express, so they are in transit for less than 24 hours: includes care cards tailored to each plant you order.
Orders are sent out at the beginning of each week to reduce time in transit,
see Delivery information.
📌 Planting Advice
Upon arrival, plant immediately in a cool, shaded spot (indoors or outdoors) and water thoroughly.
Once new growth appears, move to the final growing location.
💚 Our Guarantee
If your plant doesn't survive delivery*, just send us a photo and we'll send a replacement (or issue a refund).
No hassle, no worries.
* provided you accept the first delivery attempt