Growth: how fast does a fig tree grow?

The fig (Ficus carica) is a specialty among the exotic. It is decorative and also offers delicious fruit. How fast a Fig tree grows, is influenced and controlled by various factors.

Growth depends on region, variety and attitude

The main focus of the fig tree is on the fruits. But the wood itself is also extremely decorative. While it can be up to ten meters high and wide in its natural locations, it is between 300 and 400 cm in this country. Under optimal conditions even up to 500 cm. The annual increase is 20-40 cm.

• Growth rate depends u. a. on the variety
• some particularly vigorous, others less vigorous
• Little growth in the first time after planting
• Fig tree initially occupied with the formation of a strong root system
• The root is flat and about three times the size of the crown
• Main root grows almost vertically into the ground
• remaining roots radiate around the plant
• Ficus carica is a rather sparsely growing wood
• Branching starts at a low altitude

In older specimens, the crown is very broad and expansive as well as irregular and low. The fig tree grows wide and tall. As a result, the mostly gnarled, twisted or curved trunk is comparatively short and stocky.

Note: Like the crown, the roots spread in all directions, potentially damaging neighboring plants.

Curb growth

As already mentioned, the fig tree tends to form a spreading crown. it grows strongly in width. This can be a problem, especially in smaller gardens.

• remove any additional ground shoots to limit latitudinal growth
• It grew too tall, cut down all the shoots consistently
• Cut should be made as early as possible
• Fig tree takes time to form new fruit wood
• Woods sometimes develop many branches close to the ground
• remove all downward-growing shoots close to the ground for an aesthetic shape
• Pruning strengthens vertical branches
• Restore straight shape of crooked, strong branches through supports

If the crown is now too dense, shoots that are growing transversely can be cut out. Then the fig should form a 'V', i.e. that is, all main shoots should radiate out from the root. The best time for this is in spring, as soon as there is no longer any threat of severe frosts.

Note: Young fig trees in particular often need a training pruning in order to balance the main or leading shoots as well as secondary shoots.

Restricted growth in the bucket

For moderate growth in pots, it is advisable to choose less vigorous varieties such as 'Dalmatica', 'Dauphine' or 'Longue d'Août'. If necessary, you can let the plants and their tubs into the ground. But you also feel very comfortable on a sunny balcony. A fig tree usually grows much more slowly in a bucket.
Nevertheless, the annual growth can still be up to 35 cm. To do this, they have to be repotted about every two years. Alternatively, Ficus carica can also be used as a trellis and, with good care and regular pruning, can quickly cover entire house walls.

Note: At the age of two to three years, the roots and wood are so mature that they can also be planted out and overwintered in the garden, provided the varieties are frost-hardy. Varieties with yellow or green fruits and less deeply lobed foliage are considered the most hardy.

Care for optimal growth

In the garden

• The location should be full sun and protected
• Temperature fluctuations are not well tolerated
• Soil as loamy and calcareous as possible, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in nutrients
• Sludge the subsurface well
• Let it dry off before the next watering
• Bale should still be slightly damp
• Do not fertilize nutrient-rich and fresh soils
• otherwise monthly fertilization is usually sufficient
• Figs are only partially hardy
• Frost hardiness depends on the region and variety
• In mild wine-growing areas, wintering outdoors is possible
• in mild to cold only under favorable conditions
• very cold regions not suitable for wintering outdoors

It is not uncommon for figs to freeze back in winter, but usually sprout again. This happens especially in longer cold spells with temperatures below minus 15 degrees. Possible frost damage can be removed with the spring pruning.

In the bucket

When fully leafy, potted figs need a lot of water, as a lot of it evaporates. You pour so much that the pad is always well moistened. Wet feet are not a problem. You should only use lime-free or filtered tap water for watering. Liquid fertilizers, which are applied via the irrigation water, are suitable for fertilization.
When budding begins, fertilize every two weeks, later weekly and from August no more. To overwinter, wrap the bucket in a jute sack or fleece and stuff it with insulating material. Then you put it in a sheltered place near the house. It is best to overwinter particularly frost-sensitive varieties in a protected winter quarters.

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