Fig trees (Ficus carica) are popular fruit-bearing plants known for their tropical appearance and delicious harvest. The cost of acquiring one of these trees is highly variable, depending on factors related to its maturity, specific variety, and source of purchase. Understanding these variables is the first step in budgeting for a new fig tree.
Baseline Costs Based on Size and Maturity
The most significant factor determining a fig tree’s price is its physical size and age, which directly relates to how quickly it will bear fruit. The least expensive option is a small, rooted cutting or sapling, often sold in a 4-inch pot or as a small liner. These young plants typically cost between $15 and $30 and require the most patience, as they will take several seasons to become fully productive.
A step up in price and maturity is a young tree sold in a 1-gallon or 2-gallon nursery container. These trees are usually one to two years old and have a more established root system, often priced in the mid-range of $40 to $70. These trees offer a balance of lower cost and a quicker path to harvesting fruit, sometimes producing a small crop in their first year in the ground.
The highest prices are reserved for mature, fruit-bearing specimens, which may be sold in 5-gallon or larger containers. These trees can command prices well over $100, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars, particularly for very large or espaliered forms. The premium cost reflects the time and resources the nursery has invested to grow a tree that can offer an immediate, substantial harvest.
Price Influence of Variety and Growth Form
Beyond the size of the fig tree, its specific cultivar and how it is prepared for sale also affect the final price. Common varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ or ‘Black Mission’ are widely propagated due to their reliability and are generally available at the lower end of the price spectrum for their size. These well-known types are often the ones found at large retailers because they are easy to grow and meet mass market demand.
Conversely, rare, heirloom, or newly introduced fig varieties can be substantially more expensive, even as small cuttings. Enthusiasts often seek out these unique cultivars—such as the ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ or specialty cold-hardy types—due to their distinct flavor profiles or specific growth characteristics. The limited supply and specialized propagation of these less common varieties drive up their cost significantly, sometimes resulting in prices over $80 for a single rooted cutting.
The form in which the tree is sold also creates a price difference between bare-root and container-grown trees. Bare-root fig trees are dug up while dormant and sold without soil, making them less expensive—often 30 to 50% cheaper than potted counterparts. This lower cost is due to reduced handling, packaging, and shipping weight, but these trees are only available seasonally during the winter months. Container-grown trees are available year-round but are more costly due to the added expense of the potting medium, the container, and continuous nursery care.
Sourcing Location and Vendor Impact on Price
The retailer chosen for the purchase can introduce significant variations in the price of an identical fig tree. Big-box stores typically offer the lowest prices on common varieties due to their massive purchasing power and bulk shipping arrangements. However, the selection is usually limited to a few popular types, and the level of expert care or varietal advice from staff may be minimal.
Specialized local nurseries and garden centers often charge higher prices, reflecting their expertise, quality control, and localized selection. These vendors are more likely to carry varieties that are specifically suited to the local climate and can provide detailed guidance on planting and care. The higher price often covers the improved health of the plant stock and the valuable, localized knowledge shared by the staff.
Purchasing from online specialty growers provides access to the greatest variety of fig cultivars, including many rare and unusual types not found locally. While the base price of the tree itself might be comparable to a local nursery, the final cost is heavily influenced by shipping. Since fig trees in containers can be heavy and bulky, shipping charges can be substantial, sometimes adding $30 to $50 or more, especially for larger specimens.
Beyond the Purchase Price: Ancillary Costs
The total expense of acquiring a fig tree extends beyond the initial purchase price.
Shipping and Freight
Shipping and freight costs are a significant consideration, particularly when ordering online or for very large, mature trees. The weight and size of containerized plants necessitate specialized packaging and high shipping rates, which can easily double the cost of a small tree.
Supplies and Materials
Once the tree is acquired, several materials are necessary for successful planting and establishment. If the tree is to be grown in a container, a durable, large pot is required, often around 30 gallons for long-term growth. Specialized, well-draining potting soil or soil amendments, such as compost and fertilizer, must be factored into the budget to ensure the fig tree receives the necessary nutrients and structure.
Tools and Winter Protection
Basic gardening tools, such as a shovel, pruning shears, and a watering system, may also be needed. For gardeners in colder climates, materials for winter protection become an annual ancillary cost. These include burlap, straw, or insulating wraps used to protect the tree from freezing temperatures.