How fast does a fig tree grow?

QUESTION: How fast does a fig tree grow? I was looking at one in the garden center and it’s small, so I was wondering how long it will take to get pretty big. – Leanna H

ANSWER: You have come to the right place seeking this answer. In my experience, fig trees are extremely fast growers.

My property is filled with fig trees. The person who owned our place before us, got a little “happy” when it came to planting fruit trees.

Unfortunately, this person planted quite a few fig trees close together on the side of our home. We cut these trees back every year, but we have a hard time killing them because they’re such wonderful producers.

Therefore, we try to keep things looking tidier by thinning them out each year. We’ll cut certain trees back, when things are dormant in late winter, and allow the previously cut trees to take center stage for the year.

Then we’ll switch the next year. It never fails. By the end of the season, the side of our home is booming with fig trees and figs!

In a nutshell, fig trees can grow a foot or more each year. Depending upon the variety, some will produce within one to two years. Other common varieties may take three to five years.

Fig trees can grow to be as tall as 30 feet. Therefore, it’s vital that you’re mindful of where you plant this type of tree.

You should also consider the necessary growing conditions to ensure your fig tree will grow quickly and be productive.

By planting figs where they’ll receive ample sunlight, they should be happy. They’re drought-tolerant, so unless you go through a severe drought, they shouldn’t require any water from you.

However, you will want to watch for pests and diseases. A great deal of wildlife will enjoy your figs as much as you do.

It might be wise to apply netting over the tree while it’s producing. Fungal issues are another concern for fig trees.

By planting where there’s plenty of room for air to flow around the tree and planting in well-draining soil, you should be able to avoid many of these issues.

Fig trees are fast-growing and fast producing in some cases. They are low-maintenance and a gorgeous addition to most landscapes.

If you’d like to grow a fruit tree that will give quite a bit and not take much work on your part, don’t overlook growing figs.