CORVALLIS, Ore. — Though they look tropical and taste exotic, figs grow well across Western Oregon.
With the right microclimate and winter protection, many gardeners in Southern Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Eastern Oregon, Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge can grow figs, too — details in the regional tips section below. Cooler coastal summers and colder winters east of the Cascade Range make success more site-dependent, but careful placement and variety choice help.
For Western Oregon gardens, Cody Copp, horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service, recommends three cultivars for fresh eating: ‘White Kadota,’ ‘Desert King’ and ‘Lattarula.’ All have yellowish-green skin, amber flesh, solid cold hardiness and the potential for two harvests.
Except for pruning — which can be tricky at first — figs are tough plants. Give them quick-draining soil and the hottest spot you have, and you’re most of the way there.
Site and soil
- South-facing location with sun all or most of the day
- Loose, well-drained soil; add organic matter to improve drainage
- Neutral pH (6.5–7); many Western Oregon soils benefit from lime
Planting (fall is optimal)
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the pot
- Work compost into the planting area, set the tree at the same depth and backfill
- Water thoroughly
- Skip synthetic fertilizer; top-dress with compost once a year
- Avoid fertilizing in summer
- Be patient — fruit may take a few seasons
Water
Once established, less is more. Provide about 1 inch of water every couple of weeks in dry weather.
Easy propagation by cuttings
In winter when the tree is dormant, take 8–10 inch hardwood cuttings. Make a straight cut just below a node and an angled cut at the tip. Insert cuttings into pots of potting mix. Keep through spring. Plant out then, or hold in a pot for another year.
Containers: use with caution
Figs are vigorous and prefer in-ground planting. If a container is your only option:
- Start with a large pot to buy time (7-gallon for 3–4 years; 15-gallon for 7–8 years)
- Use a soilless potting mix and a container with ample drainage
- Water only when the top inch is dry
- Feed with a thick layer of well-rotted manure, a monthly foliar feed or a balanced 5-5-5 in early and late spring
- When the pot is root-bound, lift the plant, prune roots hard and reduce the canopy to match
Pruning: simple steps for beginners
Copp recommends growing figs as multi-trunked plants to match their natural habit.
- Prune in January or February to open the interior and reduce height. Start by assessing the overall shape.
- Remove some older, interior wood to improve light and airflow. Retain about one-third to one-half of the 1-year growth — that’s where fruit forms. One-year wood is green and smooth; older wood is gray.
- To lower height, figs can be topped. Make reduction cuts to outward-growing side branches to keep light in the canopy and encourage fruit lower on the tree.
Cold snaps and the first crop
A hard winter can freeze the first crop. In spring, check overwintered fruit as leaves emerge. If fruit is black, it’s dead. Prune out those tips early to stimulate new growth and improve the chances of ripening the second crop.
Regional tips for growing figs in Oregon
Southern Oregon
Hot summers and a long season are well suited to figs.
- Full sun and good airflow
- Deep, infrequent irrigation once established
- Protect young trees from occasional hard freezes with mulch or wraps
Oregon Coast
Cool, foggy summers can limit heat units; favor early, reliable breba-crop producers like ‘Desert King.’
- Warm, south-facing microclimate against a heat-reflective wall
- Wind protection
- Expect one main harvest from the early crop in many years
Eastern Oregon
Cold winters and big temperature swings challenge in-ground trees.
- Plant in the warmest south- or west-facing spot with reflected heat
- Heavy winter mulch and trunk wrapping for young trees
- Be prepared for dieback in subzero events; fruiting may be limited
Central Oregon
Short season and very cold winters make in-ground figs unreliable.
- Best in containers moved to a protected, unheated space for winter
- Espalier against masonry can help in mild pockets
- Expect dieback if left outdoors near negative 10°F
Columbia Gorge
Conditions vary widely.
- West Gorge: cooler, windier — treat like the Oregon Coast with wind protection and an early-ripening cultivar
- East Gorge: hotter, drier — treat like Eastern Oregon with attention to winter protection
Previously titled Don’t be fooled, figs grow fine in Western Oregon
