Can You Grow Figs in the UK? How to Get Ripe Figs in a Cool Climate
Fig growing tips, best UK varieties, and how to (try to) ripen your crop
Are Figs Worth Growing in the UK?
Short answer: yes — but with some caveats.
Figs (Ficus carica) are Mediterranean plants that love long, hot summers and mild winters. In the UK, that’s... not quite what we have. So while fig trees grow very happily in many parts of the UK — even thriving in poor soils — getting a reliably ripe fig crop is another story.
That’s not to say it’s impossible. Plenty of UK gardeners manage it, especially in southern England, warm microclimates,or by using a wall-trained or container-grown fig in a sunny spot. But many others find their figs stay small and hard, fall off, or never ripen fully.
Best Fig Varieties for the UK Climate
Choosing the right fig is half the battle. You’ll want varieties that:
• Ripen early – Go for varieties which develop fruit fast enough for the UK’s shorter, cooler summers.
• Are self-fertile – Self-pollinating types are essential in the UK, as we lack the fig wasps needed for pollination in warmer climates.
• Produce a reliable “breba” crop (fruit on last year’s wood) – The breba crop forms on shoots grown the previous year and ripens earlier than the main crop. In the UK, this is often your best chance of getting properly ripe figs outdoors, as the later main crop may struggle to fully mature before autumn.
|
Variety |
Why it Works in the UK |
Flavour |
|---|---|---|
|
Brown Turkey |
The most reliable UK fig. Hardy, productive. |
Sweet, rich and honeyed with a slight berry-like tang |
|
Brunswick |
Hardy and early to ripen. Compact tree. |
Mildly sweet, soft and juicy with a hint of caramel |
|
Rouge de Bordeaux |
Early-ripening French variety. |
Jammy and rich with a deep berry and honey flavour |
|
Madeleine des Deux Saisons |
Can produce two crops in good summers. |
Delicate, lightly sweet and floral, soft texture |
For most UK gardens, Brown Turkey is the safest bet.
What is a Breba Crop (and How to Get One)
A breba crop is the early fig crop that forms on last year’s wood. These figs develop over winter as tiny green fruitlets and ripen in early or mid-summer — well before the main crop. In the UK, breba figs are often your best bet for getting a reliably sweet harvest outdoors, as the later main crop often struggles to ripen before autumn.
How to Encourage a Good Breba Crop:
1. Keep last year’s shoots – Don’t prune all your old wood in winter. Breba figs grow on those older shoots, so only remove dead or damaged ones.
2. Pinch out new growth in summer – This helps channel energy into swelling the breba fruit instead of producing lots of new leaves.
3. Leave main-crop fruitlets alone – On main-crop shoots (this year’s growth), leave only the tiny pea-sized fruit at the tips. These overwinter to become next year’s breba crop.
4. Protect over winter – If you’re in a cold area, wrap the tree or move potted figs under cover to stop tiny breba figs from dropping in frost.
Handled right, you can enjoy an early bowl of ripe figs every July or August, even if your main crop never fully matures.
How to Grow Figs in the UK (And Actually Get Fruit)
Where to Plant
• Full sun: South- or southwest-facing walls are ideal.
• Sheltered: Protect from wind and frost in spring.
• Root restriction is key: figs fruit better when roots are cramped. That’s why they’re ideal for containers — or try planting in the ground with a paving slab base.
Soil
Figs like well-drained alkaline or neutral soil with plenty of organic matter to retain moisture. Avoid heavy clay or boggy areas, as waterlogged roots can rot and stunt growth. A sandy loam or improved garden soil works best, especially if mixed with grit for extra drainage.
Pot-Grown Figs
A fig in a pot is often the easiest way to grow it in the UK. You can move it to the sunniest spot and even overwinter it in a cool greenhouse to give it a head start in spring.
When Do Figs Fruit in the UK?
UK-grown figs typically produce two crops:
|
Crop |
Where It Forms |
Ripening Time |
Will It Ripen in the UK? |
|
Breba crop |
On last year’s wood |
Late July–August |
Often yes (especially down south) |
|
Main crop |
On current year’s wood |
Sept–Oct (or later) |
Usually not ripened in UK climate |
How to Help Figs Ripen in the UK & Other Cool Climates?
• Remove excess fruit early in summer. Keep 5–7 per branch to channel energy into fewer figs, helping them swell and ripen fully.
• Prune correctly in winter to encourage breba crop. Focus on removing old, unproductive wood to boost early-season fig development.
• Feed with high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) in summer. Apply every two weeks to promote fruit swelling and sweeter, richer-tasting figs.
• Limit water in late summer to encourage ripening. Reduce watering gradually so the plant concentrates on ripening existing fruit.
• Grow against a south-facing wall or inside a greenhouse/conservatory for best results. Extra warmth and shelter improve sweetness and full ripening.
Still green in October? Don’t worry. It’s normal.
In the UK, many figs won’t ripen before the weather turns cold. Simply remove unripe fruits over winter — they won’t develop next year.
Pruning and Training Fig Trees
Figs don’t need constant pruning, but they do benefit from some structure.
In winter:
• Remove any weak, crossing or frost-damaged branches.
• Cut back overcrowded growth to let light into the centre.
• Keep the tree to a manageable size (especially in containers).
In summer:
• Pinch out the tips of vigorous shoots to encourage fruiting sideshoots.
Wall training:
Figs are ideal for espalier or fan training on warm walls, which helps concentrate heat and ripen fruit.
Fig Tree Problems and Pests in the UK
|
Problem |
Symptoms |
Solution |
|
Figs dropping early |
Small, hard fruit falling before ripening |
Overwatering, cold spells — remove excess fruit in summer |
|
No fruit at all |
Lots of leaves but no figs |
Tree too young or not root-restricted |
|
Fruit splitting |
Cracked skins |
Too much water after dry spell — water evenly |
|
Birds pecking fruit |
Holes in ripe figs |
Use mesh netting or pop-up fruit cage |
Animals That Eat Figs in the UK
Ripening figs attract:
• Blackbirds and starlings – they peck ripe fruit and can strip a tree quickly
• Wasps – especially in warm summers
• Squirrels – in urban gardens, they’ll raid trees regularly
To protect your figs:
• Use flexible plant protection netting over pots or small trees
• Install a fruit cage (easy to lift off or access for harvesting)
• Harvest figs as soon as they’re soft — don’t wait
Browse our fruit protection range for pop-up cages and easy-fit nets designed for patio trees and raised beds
Can You Grow Figs in a Greenhouse or Polytunnel?
Yes — and you’ll increase your chances of ripening the main crop. Fig trees love the dry heat of a greenhouse or south-facing conservatory. Just make sure to:
• Choose a dwarf or patio-sized variety – Compact types like Rouge de Bordeaux thrive in containers and limited indoor spaces.
• Prune carefully to avoid overcrowding – Thin out old/weak shoots regularly so sunlight reaches fruiting branches for better ripening.
• Watch for pests like scale and red spider mite – Check leaves weekly and treat early with horticultural soap or neem oil if needed.
Even one good fig tree in a tunnel can supply a couple of bowls of ripe fruit — and adds a lovely architectural touch.
Final Take: Should You Grow Figs in the UK?
Figs aren’t the easiest crop — but they’re one of the most satisfying once you get them right. If you want guaranteed harvests, go for raspberries or gooseberries. But if you love a challenge, have a sunny spot and a little patience, a fig tree could be a fantastic addition to your garden.
You might not get a huge bowl of fruit every year… but when you finally taste that first warm, ripe fig — soft, syrupy, slightly honeyed — or the wonderful coconut-esque scent of the leaves, it’ll be more than worth it!
Image Credits
"Potted fig and bay trees at Ivy Cottage, New Cut, Westfield - geograph.org.uk - 6978632" by Patrick Roper is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
