How to grow and raise fig trees

Figs need well-drained soil and full sun. Plant them in the early spring . Favored varieties for Southern California are Kadota and Mission; for the southeast, Celeste; for colder regions, Brown Turkey. Even if severely frozen, the latter may bear fruit in late summer.

In areas where winters are severe, figs must be protected. As soon as the ground freezes, wrap the fig tree, branches and all, in layers of burlap or other insulating material. Pull it into a tight bundle, then cover it with tar paper or plastic. Make sure water cannot leak in at the top. Remove the wrapping in early spring. Or plant a fig tree in a tub in well-drained, fertile soil. Winter it in a light garage or cellar where the temperature ranges from 30°F to 45°F

Where summers are long, figs usually bear two crops of fruit: an early one on last year’s twigs, a late one on the current season’s growth. Prune last year’s growth after the first crop.