How Long Does It Take for Fig Trees to Bear Fruit?
How Long Does It Take for Fig Trees to Bear Fruit?
If you’re wondering how long it takes for fig trees to bear fruit, the answer might be quicker than expected. Having grown thousands of fig trees and cultivated hundreds of varieties, I can tell you from experience: that fig trees can produce fruit in as little as six to eight months from a cutting—that’s a stick with no roots!
Ignore the conflicting information online about how long it takes fig trees to bear fruit. They’re wrong and sadly much of the fig-related information you find is also regurgitated. It’s frankly irresponsible. Some sources claim it takes 3-5 years, but with the right conditions and care, your fig tree should be producing fruit no later than the 3rd year. At the end of the article, I’ll explain some reasons why your fig tree may not be producing as early as it should.
For more fig-related content, subscribe to the Fig Boss monthly newsletter at the top of the page.
A fig tree’s quick turnaround is one of the reasons fig trees are so popular among gardeners.
Related: Planting Fig Trees: A Masterclass
Even small fig trees purchased in one-gallon pots, measuring just a few inches tall, can start producing fruit relatively quickly.
Compared to other fruiting trees, figs are remarkably fast to bear. Apples, pears, peaches, and most other fruit trees typically take 3 to 5 years to produce their first harvest. My Pawpaw trees took a whopping 7 years! In contrast, fig trees offer near-instant gratification. They’re also so easy to grow. There’s not a better fruiting plant for those new to gardening.
One Caveat
While fig trees fruit quickly, the quality of the first harvest is never up to par. Young trees often absorb excess water as they establish themselves, which can dilute the sugars in the fruit, affecting its flavor. By the second or third growing season, as the tree becomes more established, fruit quality improves significantly. The figs will be sweeter, richer, and more enjoyable.
Related: Fig Tree Watering | How Much Water, When to Water & Why Excess Water Leads to Watered-Down Figs!
Grafting for Faster, Better Results
For gardeners who want to fast-track their fig-growing experience, grafting offers an excellent solution. By grafting a fig cutting onto an established rootstock, you can reduce the waiting time for fruit production to just four to five months.
Established root systems also help avoid the water uptake issues common in young trees, leading to higher-quality fruit early on. Read more about grafting below. It’s a skill I highly recommend learning.
Related: Branching Out: The Many Ways of Propagating Fig Trees | Layering, Rooting, Grafting, Seeds & More!
Wondering if your fig tree will produce fruit this growing season?
When Do Fig Trees Produce Fruit?
For most gardeners, fig season peaks during summer and fall, offering a steady supply of fruit during these months.
Fig trees can produce two distinct crops:
The breba crop - forms on last year’s wood and is not produced by all fig varieties.
In tropical areas like Louisiana or Florida, brebas can ripen as early as March.
In milder climates, such as the Pacific Northwest or the UK, brebas may not ripen until August.
Conditions for breba crop production include:
A variety that produces brebas.
Proper pruning techniques.
A tree that can withstand cold temperatures.
The main crop - the main crop grows on new growth and is produced by all fig varieties. However, it takes longer to ripen compared to the breba crop, typically maturing 30–45 days after the breba harvest.
Depending on your region, the main crop ripens between April and September.
The main crop may not ripen fully before the growing season ends in colder climates or areas with fewer frost-free days.
Don’t see any figs yet? Don’t fret.
Why Your Fig Tree Isn’t Producing Figs
It can be frustrating to nurture a fig tree only to find that it isn’t producing fruit. Understanding the reasons behind this can help you take the right steps to encourage fruiting. Here’s a guide to diagnosing and solving common issues.
Related: Fig Tree, NO FRUIT - Grow Figs Not Leaves | The 4 Reasons Why Your Fig Tree IS NOT Fruiting
Factors Affecting Fruit Production
Varietal Differences: Some fig varieties naturally take longer to produce fruit than others.
Pruning Practices: Improper pruning is one of the most common reasons a fig tree fails to produce fruit. Excessive pruning or pruning at the wrong time can prevent fruit formation.
Tree Health: The overall health of your tree plays a critical role in fruit production.
Proper Drainage: Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other health issues.
Adequate Watering: Overwatering or underwatering can stress and defoliate the tree, reducing its ability to produce fruit.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Address any nutritional deficiencies in the soil with a balanced fertilizer.
Related: Revive an Unhealthy Fig Tree
Sunlight: Fig trees require at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive, but more sunlight is always better. Without sufficient light, your tree is unlikely to fruit.
Distinguishing Common Problems
No Figs Forming: If your fig tree is healthy but not forming figs, review the basic care factors like sunlight, water, soil, and pruning.
Figs Falling Off Prematurely: If figs form but drop before ripening, this could indicate a pollination issue. Some fig varieties require specific pollinators to produce mature fruit, especially varieties propagated by seed.
