Yellow Fig Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on May 18, 2022

Planting instructions

To start the planting process for a yellow fig tree, begin with a planting hole that is as deep as the tree’s root ball is tall and at least twice as wide as the root ball. Remove your tree from its container and rough up the roots to encourage them to spread outward rather than tangling into each other. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with healthy soil. Provide plenty of water during planting and continue to do so during the first few months of growth.

Watering and nutrients

Young yellow fig trees need water about once per week, and mature trees may need a similar amount. However, it is important not to overwater your yellow fig. For that reason, it is best to monitor the soil around your tree and allow it to become slightly dry before you add more water. Fertilize your yellow fig tree with a mix that has low but equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizer about every two months during the growing season.

Pollination

Yellow fig trees, and all other figs, are unique because they rely on a single pollinator species to conduct pollination. The fig wasp uses parts of the fig tree to lay eggs and produce their offspring. During that endeavor, the wasps carry pollen from one part of a fig tree to another. Each individual yellow fig tree is self-pollinating as well, meaning that you need to buy only one of these trees to produce a harvest of figs.

Pruning

The best time to prune a yellow fig tree is in the late winter, just as the tree is ending its dormancy period. Begin the pruning process by identifying which branches will become the main fruit-bearing parts of the tree. Remove other branches that are smaller or otherwise unsuitable for holding fruits. You should also take off branches that grow at a weak angle, as they will probably break under the weight of the fruits to come later in the year.

Pests, diseases, and animals

Pests can be a common problem for gardeners who grow yellow fig trees. Among these pests, several types of nematodes are some of the most likely to stunt your tree’s growth. However, there is a long list of other insects that can harm the yellow fig tree, including scale, mites, beetles, and earwigs. Diseases can also befall a yellow fig tree, with some of the most common ones being anthracnose, leaf spot, and some forms of rust.

Harvesting

Yellow fig trees are usually ready for harvest in the mid-summer to early fall. However, you should be careful not to pick your figs too early — they will not ripen off of the plant. As the name suggests, yellow fig trees produce figs that are yellow when ripe. Wait until your figs have achieved this color before you remove them. Be gentle when removing a fig, whether you use your hands or decide to use a tool to cut the fig from its branch.

Achieving maximum results

The best care for your fig tree depends on the specific variety that you have. Make sure that you study the growing conditions and maintenance needs for a yellow fig tree before you commit to growing one. In most cases, you’ll need to protect your fig tree from any cold winds or frost. As such, those in colder zones will need to grow this plant in a container and overwinter it as soon as the temperature drops.

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