Figs are an easy plant to grow in an indoor space. Figs in their native habitat reach from 15 to 30 feet (4.6 to 9 m) in height. Growing indoor fig trees is more manageable when they are grown in containers, since the limited root space results in natural dwarfing. As the roots fill the container, you’ll need to pot up the plant, and you will eventually need a very large pot indeed. Make sure that you can easily handle the final container, in case you need to move it around.
Figs aren’t picky about their soil as long as it drains well, so any container you choose must allow for proper drainage. Constantly wet soil may kill the plant entirely. Figs must grow in a sunny or extremely well lit location, and need to be fed occasionally. They grow fast in the summer.
Once the plants reach around 2 years of age, they will start bearing fruit. There are many fig varieties that will develop edible fruits without the gardener’s help in pollination. In fact, most fig varieties sold for home growing do not need pollination at all. However, it is wise to check your plant source, just to make sure that you are purchasing the appropriate variety. In addition, make sure to avoid varieties that are described as “hardy”. Such varieties need more of a winter cooling period than a typical indoor space can provide, which will result in less fruit production. Proven indoor space fig trees include Brown Turkey, Celeste, and Chicago.
Most fig varieties bear fruit throughout the summer, but it usually comes in two waves. The first wave starts around June and the second, larger wave happens around August and continues into the fall. Depending on the variety you grow, as the fruit begins to mature, the outer skin becomes soft and gets a bit darker, and it’s easier to remove the fruit from the branch. Your taste buds will tell you when it’s the best time for picking. Some varieties taste the best when they look their worst.
In the dead of winter, the leaves of some fig varieties turn yellow and drop to the ground, leaving the plant leafless. Don’t worry; this is the normal dormant period that needs to happen. It will only last for a month or two. New green leaves will start to appear in late winter or early spring. This video is a great example showing the size of an 11 year old fig tree. It’s enormous!
