A fig tree is a resilient fruit tree that thrives in Mediterranean climates, but its ability to produce a flavorful, abundant harvest is tied to consistent moisture management. While figs can survive periods of drought due to their deep root systems, they are sensitive to inconsistent watering, which can quickly lead to fruit drop or splitting. Mastering the correct watering technique is the most important factor for maintaining a healthy fig tree and ensuring high-quality fruit production.
When Your Fig Tree Needs Water
The decision to water a fig tree should never be based on a fixed calendar schedule; instead, it must be determined by the moisture level of the soil. The most reliable method for checking the soil is the “finger test,” where you insert your index finger into the growing medium. For both in-ground and container-grown trees, the top 1 to 2 inches of soil should be allowed to dry out before water is applied again.
If the soil feels dry and crumbly at this depth, it signals that the tree is ready for hydration. If the soil still feels cool and moist, hold off on watering to prevent the roots from sitting in saturated conditions. An alternative is using a soil moisture meter, which can provide a more precise reading of the water content in the root zone. Maintaining a soil moisture level that is consistently slightly drier than fully moist encourages sweeter, more intensely flavored figs.
The Correct Way to Water
Once the soil moisture test confirms the need for water, the application should be deep and thorough to promote a strong root structure. Shallow, frequent watering encourages surface roots, which makes the tree susceptible to short-term drought stress. The goal is to saturate the entire root ball.
For in-ground trees, water should be applied slowly and allowed to soak into the soil, often using a soaker hose or a slow trickle. The water should reach a depth of 12 to 18 inches to encourage deep anchoring roots, especially for younger trees. Container-grown figs require this deep soaking until water flows freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Well-draining soil is a prerequisite for this technique, as figs have fibrous root systems that are prone to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Applying a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the watering frequency.
Adjusting Watering Based on Environment and Season
External conditions significantly influence how quickly a fig tree’s soil dries out, requiring constant adjustment of the watering routine. During the active growing season, which spans from spring through summer, the tree’s water needs are at their peak, often requiring deep watering one or more times per week. This high demand is particularly true when temperatures climb above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or when the tree is actively developing fruit.
Container-grown fig trees dry out much faster than those planted in the ground, necessitating more frequent checks, sometimes even daily watering during extreme summer heat. Established in-ground fig trees, however, can often sustain themselves with deep, infrequent watering, especially after a few years when their deep roots have developed.
Conversely, when the fig tree enters dormancy in the fall and winter, its metabolic activity drastically reduces, and water requirements drop significantly. During this period, the soil should be checked only about once a month, and only minimal water should be provided to keep the roots from completely drying out.
Recognizing Signs of Water Distress
The tree itself will provide visual cues indicating whether its watering regimen is balanced, too sparse, or excessive. A fig tree suffering from underwatering will display drooping or wilted leaves that may perk back up shortly after a deep soak. If the dehydration is severe, the leaves may curl and turn yellow or brown at the edges, and the tree may prematurely drop its developing fruit.
Signs of overwatering often mimic drought stress, making diagnosis confusing, but the distinction is important. Overwatered figs will exhibit yellowing leaves, especially the lower ones, which may drop quickly. Unlike underwatering, the leaves often appear limp or sickly without the classic wilting, and the soil will feel perpetually wet or mushy, a condition that encourages anaerobic root rot. If overwatering is suspected, the immediate corrective action is to stop watering completely and allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before resuming a less frequent schedule.