The Best Fig(s) for Growing in Pots or Containers

When growing fig trees in containers, not all varieties are created equal. The top contenders for production in containers are Ronde de Bordeaux, Violette de Bordeaux, and Martinenca Blanca. Unlike dwarf fig varieties, which may seem like a good fit for smaller spaces, these faster-growing varieties produce higher quality fruit and more of it. Dwarf figs, despite their compact size, often struggle to establish themselves and yield fruit, making them a less favorable choice for container gardeners. For those seeking a robust harvest, focusing on these vigorous varieties is key to success.

However, climate plays a crucial role in selecting the right fig variety for your garden. In regions with high rainfall or humidity, certain varieties like Ronde de Bordeaux may suffer from issues such as fruit splitting, leading to a lower quality harvest. Gardeners in such areas should consider choosing varieties that are more resistant to these conditions. Additionally, while it is possible to grow figs in containers, achieving a fruitful breba crop is more challenging, and larger pots—ranging from 15 to 55 gallons—are recommended to support the tree's energy needs. Ultimately, whether you're in a hot, dry climate or dealing with frequent rain, selecting the appropriate fig variety and container size can significantly impact your success.

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Introduction 0:00:
Overview of the topic: best fig varieties for containers.
Top 3 Varieties 0:01:
Recommends Ron de Bordeaux, Violette de Bordeaux, and Martinka Blanca as the best fig varieties for pots.
Dwarf Fig Warning 0:38:
Advises against growing dwarf fig varieties due to lower productivity and fruit quality.
Faster Growing Figs 1:17:
Recommends faster-growing varieties for higher quality and quantity of fruit.
Rainy Climate Consideration 1:53:
Discusses challenges with Ron de Bordeaux in rainy climates, including potential fruit splitting.
Focus on Quality 2:28:
Emphasizes choosing varieties that consistently produce high-quality fruit.
Humid and Short-Season Varieties 3:06:
Mentions having lists of fig varieties suited for humid and short-season climates.
Braeba Crop Advice 3:38:
Suggests not growing figs in pots for the braeba crop; recommends larger pots if necessary.
General Pot Recommendation 4:10:
Recommends using larger pots (at least 15 gallons, ideally 30-55 gallons) for better fig production.

Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia

[QualityGardener]

Ross, this is a banger video. It is reminiscent of when I started watching your channel 3 years ago when getting into figs. Great for newcomers, and straight to the point. Thanks for sharing!

[kimcasa]

I grow fig in pots in Bangkok.Two of them grow very fast but never produce any fruits😢😢. However my figs in small pots produce more. Thanks for sharing your experience ❤❤❤❤❤.

[edslim]

My Angelito went absolutely crazy outside. First year tree from a cutting and has over 50 figs on it. Main branch is about 4' and 5 scaffolds about 3' each. It's incredible...

[jennifermontgomery]

I have a lovely Violette de Bordeaux growing in a 20 gallon pot. I live in Zone 6b in eastern Washington so will be putting it in the garage this winter. I plan to leave it out until we see temps regularly in the 20’s and then thinning prune it and put it in the garage. Question: how do I know when to give my plant water during its winter hibernation? I don’t want to wake it up too early.

[karenandriancontainergardening]

Hi Ross. Great information. I have to rethink the ones I am growing without success. Take care

[sunnysharma]

When's the in ground main crop fig tasting video coming Ross? Perfect hot and dry weather right now.

[ludwigcodjambassis]

Great info, thankyou
Unfortunately I live in the northern part of Patagonia, in Chile...very humid, and rainy...one of the Bordeaux kinds would be nice but I haven't found yet. I'm experimenting all I find, so when they grow up I'll graft them all with the best performance variety ...bearly nobody grows figs in this area, even when north a central Chile produces a lot of high quality figs

[johngillum]

Great video do you give away cuttings at the end of the growing season I would love to grow them in zone 9a high desert southern California

[randylynnr]

Can you do a video on how to root pruning? I am not sure what that is. Can you also tell me what is the difference between a mission fig and turkey fig. I have two trees and I think one is mis marked. How to get figs to dry out without molding.

[tlnelson]

I live in west Texas, 40 miles from the Texas/New Mexico stateline. My summer temps are 100+ for weeks with little to no rain. Spring and Fall we recieve 2-3 inches of rain in a good year. What would recommend for my area? Thanks in advance.

[paul.]

Any favorite green skinned figs for in ground in the Philly area? I've been bagging my Chicago Hardy when they start to change color as either mockingbirds or robins have been pecking them at that time. It works well enough, but if I planted a tree further from my house I get the feeling the birds would be even more relentless.

[AlenAbdula]

Where do we buy to expand our selection? I've been browsing locally, can't find anything other than Chicago. I scooped up Brown Turkey and dying Desert King from Home Depot parking lot two years ago. Do you offer cuttings, is FigBid decent?

[TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

I want to grow cold tolerant figs you cut back to the roots every year and mulch, and they produce brebba the next year, that’s a game changer for cold Climates like canada. Just heard about that.