Tree · Moraceae family
common fig
Ficus carica
In short a 10-second read
Common fig (tree) grows to 2–8 m tall and 3–6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −12 °C.
× spread 3–6 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −12 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 5.5–8
Frost
It does not take frost well — in winter it needs protection or a pot you can bring indoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
formative pruning (January–February)
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
mulch the crown, protect from winter wet
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown, protect from winter wet.
- Mulch the crown
- Protect from winter wet
- Hardy to −12 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does common fig tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does common fig need?
At maturity 3–6 m wide and 2–8 m tall; recommended spacing 400 cm.
Does common fig survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown, protect from winter wet.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (15)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Ficus carica
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Ficus carica
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Ficus carica
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Ficus carica
- EPPO Global Database — Ficus carica
- RHS - Ficus carica
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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