How to Grow Figs in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties

Introduction
Figs (Ficus carica) are a delightful fruit known for their sweet, honey-like flavor and chewy texture. Whether eaten fresh, dried, or used in culinary recipes, figs are a versatile and rewarding crop to grow at home. Fig trees are low-maintenance and thrive in containers or directly in the ground, making them suitable for gardens of all sizes. January is an excellent time to plant bare-root fig trees while they are dormant, setting the stage for a healthy growing season. This guide will walk you through the best varieties, planting instructions, and care tips, along with answers to common questions.

Why Grow Figs in January?

Planting figs in January offers several benefits:

• Dormant Planting: Bare-root fig trees planted during dormancy establish strong roots before spring growth begins.
• Container-Friendly: Figs grow well in containers, making them ideal for small gardens or patios.
• Long Harvest Season: Figs produce fruit over an extended period, with some varieties yielding two crops a year.
• Nutritional Value: Figs are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

How to Grow Figs in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties

Best Fig Varieties to Grow in January

Hardy Varieties (Best for UK Gardens)

1. ‘Brown Turkey’ – A reliable, cold-hardy variety producing sweet, brown-skinned fruit.
2. ‘Brunswick’ – Known for its large, juicy fruit with purple-brown skin.
3. ‘Ice Crystal’ – A compact variety with attractive foliage and sweet fruit.

Container-Friendly Varieties

1. ‘Petite Negra’ – A dwarf variety ideal for containers, producing sweet, black fruit.
2. ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ – A compact variety with intensely flavored, dark purple fruit.

Exotic Varieties (For Greenhouses or Warm Sheltered Gardens)

1. ‘Panachee’ (Tiger Fig) – Produces striped green and yellow fruit with a sweet, red interior.
2. ‘Kadota’ – A green-skinned fig with honey-sweet flesh.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Figs in January

1. Choose the Right Growing Location

• Figs thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.
• For outdoor planting, select a sheltered south-facing spot to protect the tree from cold winds.
• For container growing, place pots in a sunny position, such as a patio or greenhouse.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Figs prefer slightly alkaline to neutral soil with good drainage.
• Amend the soil with well-rotted compost or manure to enrich it.

3. Planting Bare-Root Fig Trees

• Timing: Plant bare-root figs in January while they are dormant.
• Depth: Ensure the tree’s roots are spread out in the planting hole, and plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery.
• Spacing: Space trees 3–5m (10–16 feet) apart if planting in the ground.
• Container Growing: Use a pot at least 45cm (18 inches) in diameter and depth, filled with a mix of potting compost and grit for drainage.

4. Restricting Roots for Better Fruit Production

• Figs benefit from root restriction, which encourages fruiting rather than excessive leafy growth.
• If planting in the ground, line the planting hole with paving slabs or bury the tree in a large, bottomless container to restrict root spread.

5. Watering and Mulching

• Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Fertilizing Figs

• Figs are light feeders and benefit from a balanced fertilizer in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of fruiting.

7. Pruning Fig Trees

• For newly planted trees, prune lightly to shape the structure and remove any damaged branches.
• Established trees should be pruned in late winter to remove dead, weak, or overcrowded branches.

Caring for Fig Trees as They Grow

• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer when the tree is actively growing and fruiting.
• Frost Protection: In colder regions, protect young trees or container-grown figs with horticultural fleece during frosty nights.
• Harvesting: Pick figs when they are fully ripe, soft to the touch, and slightly drooping from the branch.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Yellowing Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
• Solution: Ensure the soil drains well and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.

2. Poor Fruit Production

• Cause: Excessive fertilization or lack of sunlight.
• Solution: Restrict roots to encourage fruiting and place the tree in a sunny location.

3. Pest Issues

• Cause: Birds and insects may damage fruit.
• Solution: Use bird netting or organic insect sprays to protect the crop.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Figs

1. Can I plant fig trees in January?

Answer: Yes, January is an ideal time to plant bare-root fig trees while they are dormant.

2. Can I grow figs in containers?

Answer: Absolutely! Figs thrive in containers, especially compact varieties like ‘Petite Negra’ and ‘Violette de Bordeaux.’

3. How often should I water fig trees?

Answer: Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.

4. Do fig trees need full sun?

Answer: Yes, fig trees require full sun to thrive and produce high-quality fruit.

5. How do I prune fig trees?

Answer: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches.

6. Do I need to fertilize fig trees?

Answer: Figs benefit from a balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer but don’t require heavy feeding.

7. How do I protect figs from frost?

Answer: Cover young trees or container-grown figs with horticultural fleece during frost or move pots to a sheltered location.

8. How long do fig trees live?

Answer: With proper care, fig trees can live and produce fruit for 50 years or more.

9. How do I know when figs are ready to harvest?

Answer: Figs are ready to harvest when they are soft to the touch, fully colored, and slightly drooping.

10. Can I grow figs indoors?

Answer: Yes, figs can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory, especially in colder climates.

Conclusion

Planting fig trees in January is the perfect way to prepare for a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit. Whether you choose hardy varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ or exotic options like ‘Panachee,’ fig trees are a productive and ornamental addition to any garden. By following these tips, you’ll grow healthy, fruitful trees that reward you for many years. Start planting now and enjoy the sweetness of homegrown figs!

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧