Find Your Perfect Fig: A Bay Area Gardener’s Guide to Flavor, Form & Fruit

fig tree and fig fruit slicedYour Guide to Growing Figs in the Bay Area

In the Bay Area, where space is limited and flavor is always in demand, figs are a rewarding addition to any garden. We are fortunate to live in a Mediterranean climate where figs thrive.  Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a large container, these low-maintenance, fruit-bearing trees offer beauty and abundance in return.

Why Plant Figs?

  • Delicious Harvests: Enjoy sweet, fresh-picked figs from your own garden.
  • Low-Maintenance: Once established, figs are drought-tolerant and dependable.
  • Ornamental Appeal: Bold foliage and striking form make them stand out.
  • Great for Small Spaces: Many varieties thrive in containers and patios.

Meet the Figs: Big Flavor for Any Garden Size

🌟 Fignomenal® Dwarf Fig - Monrovia®fignomenal fig fruit tree ultra dwarf

Ficus carica
This compact variety is ideal for small gardens or patios, growing only 28 inches tall and wide. It produces deep brown fruit with pink-red flesh throughout the year—perfect for container growing in the Bay Area.

  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: When soil is dry
  • Size: 28 in. tall and wide
  • Best For: Containers, patios, small urban spaces

Mission Figmission fig fruit tree

Ficus carica 'Mission'
A California classic known for its rich history and sweet, purplish-black fruit. It grows into a large shade tree and performs best in sunny, inland gardens.

  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: Deep and consistent
  • Size: 20 to 35 ft. tall and wide
  • Best For: Larger gardens, orchards, edible landscapes

Black Jack Figblack fig fruit tree

Ficus carica 'Black Jack'
With elongated purple fruit and a semi-dwarf form, this fig is a great choice for smaller yards. It can be kept compact with pruning and does well in containers.

  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: Deeply when needed
  • Size: Up to 15 ft. tall and wide; easily maintained at 6 ft.
  • Best For: Small gardens, espaliers, containers

Brown Turkey Figbrown fig fruit tree

Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey'
Produces tasty brownish-purple fruit twice a year. This medium-sized tree fits well into backyard gardens and can also be grown in containers.

  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: When soil is dry
  • Size: 15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
  • Best For: Screening, edible borders, container culture

Fig Tree Care

  • Soil: Prefers enriched, well-drained soil
  • Water: Deeply and regularly during the first year; less frequent once established. Increase during fruiting season.
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding in spring
  • Pruning: Light pruning in late winter to shape and maintain health
  • Cold Protection: Shelter potted figs during cold snaps or overwinter indoors in colder zones

Check out this Fig Tree Care Guide from Monrovia: How to Grow healthy Fig Trees 

Companion Plants

Figs grow well alongside other Mediterranean-friendly plants:

Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore our wide selection of fig trees. Whether you're planting for flavor, form, or function—we’ll help you choose the perfect variety for your garden.