How to Start a Fig Tree From Seed

Overview

Fig trees are prized for both their fruit and their ornamental quality in the home landscape. There are many varieties of figs available today, including those that have been bred for their superior fruiting ability. When choosing which type of fig seed to plant, go with the common variety grown by most commercial producers in the United States, as they are more likely to have fertile seeds. Many of the Asian and Mediterranean varieties have a lower fertility rate, which makes them unsuitable for the home garden.

Step 1

Fill a 4-inch diameter pot with soil-less potting mixture. You can mix your own by combining 1 part peat moss with 1 part sterilized compost and 1 part vermiculite.

Step 2

Plant the fig seed to a depth twice that its width in the center of the pot. Moisten the soil just until water starts to come from the bottom drainage holes then cover the pot in plastic wrap.

Step 3

Set the pot in a warm 70 to 75 degree F room to germinate. Place on top of a seedling heat mat set to the proper temperature, if necessary.

Step 4

Remove the plastic once seed has germinated---which may take from one week to a month. Place the seedling where it receives full sun for eight hours a day and maintain the 75 F temperature.

Step 5

Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Begin adding a half-strength liquid houseplant food to the water once a week when the tree is two weeks old.

Step 6

Transplant outside once the last spring frost has passed. Alternately, move fig into a permanent 5-gallon planter.