I have to admit, that although we have an amazing example of just how robust fig trees can be, with a 50 year old Brown Turkey that produces prolifically on our vineyard property, my experience in planting newer varieties is that perhaps figs are not nearly as tough as many people would have you believe. The most important time for their ongoing success is in the first year after planting.

Figs are tolerant of alkaline soils of many textures, and are forgiving of high salinity too, but will not put up with wet feet or very acid soils. Good drainage is the most important consideration. We have deep, sandy loam at home where I have most of our fig trees, including White Genoa, Black Genoa and White Adriatic, but if you’re unsure of what your drainage is like I would recommend, when planting your fig, to fill the planting hole with water and make sure it drains away within half an hour. -MB