How Long to Get Figs from New Fig Tree?

Q. We're considering planting a fig tree grove in our school garden this year. How long typically does it take for them to produce figs ready for harvest?

Main crop of figs growing on new growth.

A. Figs produce fruit very quickly after planting. You should start seeing fruit produced the year after planting in most varieties. Remember, figs produce fruit on the wood that grew last year as well as the wood actively growing.

First crop of figs (Briba crop) growing on older wood (right) while the younger crop of figs (Main crop and left) is alongside the older crop. Look at the age of the wood they are growing from.

            Figs can be very big trees if you allow them to grow. They can also be cut back to a much smaller size. You mentioned planting a grove of figs. Their planting distances apart should be the same as their maximum height. If you plant them 10 feet apart, don’t let them grow above 10 feet tall.

The main crop of figs (not the first crop) will dry up and get hard if you dont give the tree more water as it gets hotter!

            Remember that figs do great in desert climates, in desert soils, in the desert heat with low humidity. But they are heavy water users much like palm trees. Water them the same as you would any other fruit tree and don’t expect production if you don’t give them enough water. They will benefit from soil covered with woodchips simply because the woodchips keep the soil moist longer. As the main crop comes on, they may dry up. This is because they dont have enough water to fully develop!!!