If you want to grow a fruit-bearing fig tree, the common fig is your best bet. There are other types of fruiting figs, but common figs are self-pollinating and easy to care for. Fig trees grow best in warm climates because they are a tropical plant, but fruit-bearing fig trees can survive cold weather as long as they are protected. Many varieties of fruit-bearing figs are hardy in zones 6 to 10 while some are hardy down to zone 5.
Choose a variety of fruit-bearing fig tree to plant. There are many types of common figs available from the brown turkey to the hardy violette de bordeaux. Choose a variety of fruit-bearing fig that will grow well in your climate zone.
Plant fruit-bearing figs in full sun with well drained loamy soil. Plant fig trees in the spring after the last frost. If your soil is not rich enough add organic material to improve it, such as compost or manure. Work the compost or manure into a depth of about 3 to 4 feet. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic, about 6.0 to 6.5.
Dig holes for your fruit-bearing figs. Space each hole about 20 feet apart to account for growth. Dig each hole deeper than the container the fig trees came in, about 3 feet deep and 3 feet wide. Place the fig tree in the hole making sure the base of the tree is about 3 to 4 inches inside the hole and not level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil and water the tree for about 10 minutes.
Water your fruit-bearing fig tree regularly. Water it about once every other week for 10 minutes each watering or whenever the ground around the tree dries out.
Prune fruit-bearing fig trees in the fall after they have borne fruit. Remove all dead, diseased and damaged branches at the base of the tree. Crossing branches may also be removed. No other pruning is needed.