General
Figs (Ficus carica) are heat-loving fruit trees that can be grown outdoors in Sweden’s mildest areas (zones 1–3) or in large containers that are moved under cover for winter. They fruit best when roots are somewhat confined, which shifts energy from foliage to fruit. Outdoor crops in Sweden are typically the main crop that ripens late summer to early autumn; breba (early) crops are less reliable. Choose hardy, self-fertile cultivars such as 'Bornholmsfikon' (syn. Brown Turkey) or 'Hardy Chicago'. A warm microclimate, reflective walls, and protection from wind greatly improve ripening.
Light
Full sun, warm and sheltered; best against a south-facing wall or in a heat-retaining courtyard/greenhouse.
Soil type
Well-drained loam or sandy soil, rich in organic matter but not overly fertile; benefits from root restriction in heavy soils.
Water requirement
Moderate. Keep evenly moist during active growth and fruit swelling; allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings in containers.
Nutrient requirement
Low to moderate. Avoid high nitrogen; favor balanced or high-potash feeds to support fruiting.
Precultivation
Propagation is most reliable from hardwood cuttings taken late winter to early spring. Root 15–25 cm cuttings indoors at 20–24°C in a free-draining mix (e.g., 50% perlite, 50% compost). Maintain high humidity but avoid waterlogging; rooting usually takes 3–6 weeks. Seed is possible but slow and variable (not true to type). If raising seedlings, sow thinly indoors Feb–Mar, 20–25°C, light germination, transplant once true leaves form.
Planting
Plant in late spring once nights are consistently above 10°C. Site in full sun, ideally against a south-facing wall. In-ground: provide root restriction (bottomless container or a masonry-lined pit ~60×60×60 cm) to enhance fruiting. Container: use a 40–60 L pot initially with drainage; upgrade gradually. Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot; water in thoroughly and mulch. Space 3–4 m from other trees. In cold regions, grow in a large container and overwinter frost-free or in a well-insulated, unheated garage where temps stay above about -5°C.
Pruning
Train as a fan against a wall or as an open-centre bush. In early spring (March), remove dead, damaged, or crossing wood and thin congested stems; keep a framework of 6–8 main branches. In summer (July–August), tip-prune new shoots to 5 leaves after fruitlets have formed to direct energy into ripening. Remove suckers from the base. Retain short fruiting spurs carrying pea-sized overwintering figs; these can ripen the following season in warm summers. Avoid heavy winter pruning, which can cause bleeding in late winter/early spring.
Maintenance
Water consistently during spring–summer, especially in containers; uneven moisture causes fruit drop and splitting. Mulch with composted bark or leaves in late spring to conserve moisture. Feed lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer in late spring, then switch to a high-potash feed in July; avoid strong nitrogen after midsummer. Tie and support fan-trained branches. For winter, wrap outdoor container plants with insulating fleece and pack around the pot with straw or leaves; protect crowns from freeze–thaw. Ventilate greenhouses on warm days to prevent fungal issues.
Harvest
Harvest from mid-August to mid-October. Ripe figs soften, droop on the stalk, and the neck yields to gentle pressure; skin may crack slightly and a drop of nectar may appear at the ostiole. Pick individually; figs do not ripen off the tree. Expect mainly one crop outdoors in Sweden. If cool weather threatens, move container plants under cover to extend ripening.
Common issues
Fruit drop and poor ripening: usually from cool summers, insufficient sun, or irregular watering; improve microclimate, root-restrict, and maintain even moisture. Splitting: caused by drought followed by heavy watering; mulch and water steadily. Leaf spots/rust: remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and apply sulphur or potassium bicarbonate as needed. Scale and mealybugs under cover: use horticultural soap or oil and encourage beneficials. Frost damage: protect in winter; damaged shoots often resprout from the base.
Pollination
Parthenocarpic (common fig) — no pollinator needed. Varieties like 'Bornholmsfikon' (Brown Turkey), 'Hardy Chicago' set fruit without the fig wasp.
Companion plants
Drought-tolerant herbs and pollinator plants that enjoy sun and good drainage: lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, marigold, borage, creeping thyme as a living mulch.
Incompatible plants
Avoid aggressive, water-hungry or shallow-rooted competitors near the root zone: willow, poplar, bamboo. Keep away from lawns with frequent irrigation.
