Light. Plant in full sun, in a spot with room to spread; the canopy shades whatever grows beneath it.
Water. Water new trees through their first year. In dry spells a mature tree may need 20–50 gallons a week; stressed trees fruit poorly. Figs do not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Soil and feeding. Root-knot nematodes are the main threat in sandy soil. Mulch such as Natural Wood Mulch holds moisture and reduces nematode damage. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients several times between February and early August.
Size. Grows to 20 ft or more; in the Southeast figs are seldom taller than 25 ft.
Pruning. Figs fruit without pruning. To control size, prune after harvest in early summer; heavy winter pruning can remove next year's crop.
Problems to watch. Fig rust is the most common disease. Mealybugs, fig borers and ants are the usual insects. Heavy rain can split ripe figs.
Good to know. Brown Turkey is a common fig and sets fruit without pollination.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS MG214: The Fig · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Figs
