With over 800 fig species, including both ornamental and edible types, this guide helps you pick the ideal fig tree for your space.
Originating in warm climates, these stunning plants are fast-growing and produce sweet fruit with minimal care. Many are easy to maintain.
Select from evergreen or deciduous options and grow fig trees as shrubs or climbers. Their striking foliage varies from large, leathery leaves to delicate oval shapes on arching branches. Interestingly, figs lack visible flowers; instead, tiny flowers develop inside the fruit, fertilized by minuscule wasps. These trees are monoecious, meaning one tree contains both male and female reproductive organs, allowing for self-fertilization.
Best Fig Trees
Depending on your climate, figs can thrive in the ground, in pots, or indoors as excellent houseplants. Most varieties flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, while some hardy types handle Zones 6-7 with frost protection.
1. Common Fig (Ficus carica)
USDA Growing Zones: 8-10, with some varieties suitable for zones 6-7
Light levels: Full sun
Mature height: 10-13ft (3-4m)
Also known as ‘San Pedro Black’, ‘Black Spanish’, or ‘Brown Turkey’, this popular variety thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers sheltered outdoor spots. Slow growing, it takes about 10-20 years to reach full height, making it a stunning architectural choice for walls, borders, and protected gardens.
“The Common Fig is fantastic for outdoors, hardy down to 14℉ (-10℃),” says an expert from a well-known nursery. It requires a warm, south or east-facing position to crop reliably. To manage its size, consider surrounding the planting hole with concrete slabs or a thick membrane.
“Train it as a fan against a sunny wall for added beauty,” the expert continues. “Prune old wood in winter, removing unripe fruits while allowing marble-sized figlets to mature for next year's harvest.”
Ficus carica plants can be purchased on Amazon.
2. 'Violette de Bordeaux' Fig
USDA Growing Zones: 7-10, with some protection needed in zones 5 and 6
Light levels: Full sun
Mature height: 9ft (3m)
Renowned for its rich sweetness, this fig dates back to around 1680 from gardens near the Palace of Versailles. It yields two crops yearly, ready for harvest in late spring and fall, ensuring a constant supply of fresh or dried fruit.
Hardy in cooler climates, it thrives in large containers with fertile, well-draining compost. Position in full sun and repot every two years.
“Some varieties like Brunswick and Violette de Bordeaux naturally dwarf,” says a nursery owner. “All our figs are self-fruitful, and unlike most fruit trees, they grow from cuttings, allowing for multi-stemmed shrub cultivation.”
Violette de Bordeaux fig plants are available at Burpee.
3. Chicago Hardy Fig Tree
USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
Light levels: Full sun
Mature height: 10-15ft (3-4.5m)
This cold-tolerant variety produces small purple-brown fruit and is easy to grow. It may die back in colder seasons but will shoot up again in spring.
With large dark green leaves and green fruit that darkens with ripening, this attractive fig adapts well to containers. Ensure you select a pot with good drainage and nutrient-rich soil.
Position it next to a south-facing wall for optimal growth. “Figs require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight from late June to early August,” advises a nursery expert, emphasizing the importance of sun exposure for bud development and fruit flavor.
One advantage of the Chicago Hardy fig is its resistance to pests and diseases. Once established, it can tolerate drought due to its robust root system.
Available Chicago Hardy fig plants can be found at Burpee.
4. Little Miss Figgy
USDA Growing Zones: 7-10
Light levels: Full sun
Mature height: 6ft (2m)
A dwarf version of 'Violette de Bordeaux', this new fig variety is gaining popularity.
“Who can resist a fig named ‘Little Miss Figgy’?” says a nursery expert. “This naturally dwarf fig is perfect for small gardens and patio pots, reaching only about 6 feet high.”
This self-fertile fig yields a bountiful harvest of sweet purple figs in August. Enjoy fresh from the tree or use in cooking. While somewhat hardy, it thrives best in warm, sheltered spots.
As a deciduous fig, it sheds leaves in fall and regrows in spring. Treat it as a freestanding bush or train it against a south or southwest-facing wall.
“If grown against a wall, plant it about 10 inches away to prevent shading,” advises another nursery expert.
You can buy Little Miss Figgy plants at The Home Depot.
5. Indian Banyan Fig (Ficus benghalensis)
USDA Growing Zones: 10-12
Light levels: Sun to part shade outside; avoid harsh direct light indoors
Mature height: Up to 100ft (30m) in natural habitat
Among the tallest canopy trees, Banyan figs are frost-sensitive, making them ideal indoor plants unless you reside in a warm area. Known as an epiphyte, they thrive by absorbing moisture from the air and grow in crevices of other trees.
These trees produce aerial roots that give the appearance of multiple trunks, allowing for vast coverage. Indoors, they display large glossy leaves, making a striking addition to any well-lit room. Keep them away from cold drafts and maintain temperatures between 60-74℉ (16-24℃).
Water them to keep the compost moist but never soggy. “Let the top couple of inches dry before watering,” suggests an expert. A simple thumb test can help determine when to water.
You can find Indian Banyan fig seeds on Amazon.
6. Red Leaf Fig (Ficus ingens)
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Light levels: Full sun
Mature height: 49ft (15m)
Valued for its heart-shaped olive green leaves, the red leaf fig adds charm to outdoor spaces. Semi-evergreen, it has a short deciduous phase before new leaves emerge in spring.
It produces small, spherical figs that ripen from white to yellow-brown or purple. Known as the ‘rock-splitter’, its vigorous roots can damage nearby structures, so avoid planting it near buildings unless in a pot.
“In cold regions, figs can be container-grown with winter protection,” says a nursery owner. “A 5-gallon pot can be partially buried in the garden during summer, allowing roots to escape. When dormant, they don’t need light.”
Growing this fig as a bonsai is another option due to its gnarled bark and unique character.
7. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
USDA Growing Zones: 8-11
Light levels: Outside: Full sun; inside: avoid direct light
Mature height: Up to 10ft (3m)
This evergreen climber with heart-shaped leaves is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Fast-growing and low-maintenance, it can climb walls or trail from hanging baskets. To manage growth, prune back a third in spring.
Indoors, it prefers being pot-bound but should be repotted every couple of years. It thrives in temperatures between 55-75℉ (13-24℃) and requires well-draining soil that remains slightly moist.
It’s important to note that this fig is toxic to cats and dogs, making it unsuitable for pet owners.
Creeping fig plants are available on Amazon.
8. Black Mission Fig Tree (Ficus carica 'Mission')
USDA Growing Zones: Outside 7-10; containers 3-6
Light levels: Part to full sun
Mature height: 98ft (30m)
Introduced to the US in 1768, this attractive fig thrives outdoors as a shrub or tree. With large green leaves and prominent veins, it makes a stunning focal point in any landscape.
This fig yields two harvests each year, in spring and early fall. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and is drought-resistant.
Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, Black Mission figs can also be grown in pots in zones 3-6 if brought indoors before winter.
Black Mission fig tree plants can be found at The Home Depot.
9. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Light levels: Outside: Light dappled shade to full shade; inside: bright indirect light
Mature height: 196-328ft (60-100m)
This giant from regions like India and Malaysia boasts glossy leaves and can reach nearly 100ft outdoors. However, indoors, it typically reaches a more manageable height of about 6.5ft (2m).
Place it in a bright, warm location, avoiding cold drafts for optimal health. It thrives with minimal watering and monthly fertilization from March to August. “The best approach is to let it dry out between waterings,” advises an expert, noting that overwatering can harm the plant.
In USDA zones 10 or 11, these trees make excellent outdoor patio plants or privacy screens. Prune to maintain a compact shape, and be cautious of the sticky latex sap that can irritate skin.
Rubber tree plants can be found on Amazon.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Light levels: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun
Mature height: Indoors: 10ft (3m); outdoors: 60ft (18m)
This graceful indoor plant adds charm to any space with its dense glossy foliage that hangs elegantly from slender branches. Available as standards or full shapes, it’s perfect for brightening corners or stairwells.
Preferring average room temperatures of 60-75℉ (16-24℃), the Weeping Fig enjoys bright, indirect light and occasional misting. However, it can be temperamental, shedding leaves if moved or exposed to drafts.
In warm regions, it can grow outdoors as a sizeable tree, thriving in a variety of conditions. This fig requires at least six hours of daily sun and well-draining soil, showing some drought tolerance once established.
Weeping fig plants can be purchased on Amazon.
11. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Light levels: Bright light, avoiding direct sun
Mature height: 3m (10ft)
With its striking large leaves featuring prominent veins, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is highly sought after. In its native Africa, it can grow into a massive shade tree, but indoors, it remains more compact.
“Fiddle-leaf figs require bright indirect light and regular watering,” says a garden advisor. “While they are easy to care for, they can drop leaves if light is insufficient or if over- or under-watered.”
To maintain the best conditions, keep temperatures steady between 60-75℉ (16-24℃) and avoid drafts. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly from May to September.
Fiddle Leaf figs can be found at The Home Depot.
What is the easiest fig tree to grow?
The easiest fig tree is the Common Fig (Ficus carica). It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered, sunny position. This relatively slow-growing tree takes 10-20 years to reach its full height (10-13ft) and works well in wall borders, urban settings, or courtyards. You can harvest figs from August to September, and remember to prune in spring for better fruit production and shaping.
