Also known as Fig · 146 saves
Ficus
Ficus, the genus most gardeners know as fig. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Ficus varieties
2 species of Ficus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ficus in Sow
Save the Ficus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ficus
Whats common across all Ficus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Ficus year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Shape tree and remove dead, crossing, or weak branches in late winter.
- FertilizeMarch and June89% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
- HarvestJuly–September78% of varieties
Pick fruit when soft, fully colored, and slightly drooping.
- Winter PrepOctober and November67% of varieties
Protect in-ground trees with mulch; move container figs to a cool, dark place.
- PlantMarch, April and September44% of varieties
Plant bare-root or container figs after the last hard frost
Do
- Prune to shape and remove dead branches
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't fertilize in late fall to prevent new growth that can be damaged by frost
- Never ignore pest signs; early intervention is key
- Don’t fertilize in late fall
What goes wrong with Ficus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Fig Rust Mite | Webbing and stippling on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fig Rust | Yellow-brown spots on leaves with early defoliation in late summer | Clear fallen leaves; improve air movement around the plant |
| Fig Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
Making more Ficus
Cuttings
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood branches in late summer
- Cut 6-inch sections with a sharp knife
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks
Grafting
- Choose compatible rootstock and scion
- Make matching cuts on both parts
- Join and secure with grafting tape
- Keep in controlled environment for 8 weeks
Ficus questions
How many types of Ficus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Ficus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 146 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ficus grow in?
Across its varieties, Ficus covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ficus bloom?
Most Ficus varieties bloom in late summer, early summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ficus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.