Fig trees are known for their delicious fruits and violin-like leaves. They can grow up to 30 feet, but their height can be managed when grown in a container. If you can provide sufficient light and protection from cold, you can home your fig trees indoors or outdoors in your garden. 

Here are seven fig trees you can consider for your home garden or as house plants. All of these are self-pollinating varieties, so you do not have to worry about manual pollination. This way you can have tasty, fig jams and ice cream made from the fruits of your labor! 

Brown Turkey

Height: 10 to 30 feet 

Fruit size: Medium 

Fruit color: Bronze 

Ficus carica or 'Brown Turkey' is one of the most popular figs in the United States. This fig tree looks good on the patio and can grow well in a container. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight so planting it against the south or west wall will keep it happy. 

It thrives in a warmer climate, so if the temperature drops below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, you should protect it using plastic sheeting, burlap, or cold frames. If you are growing it in a container, bring the container indoors during winter. 

This fig tree needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It produces edible fruits twice a year from late spring to throughout the summer. However, the leaves and the sap of this fig tree might cause skin irritation so it's best to wear gloves when handling this tree.

It is also prone to aphids, mealybugs, root-knot nematodes, and spider mites so inspect your plants frequently.

Celeste

Height: 6 to 10 feet

Fruit size: Small 

Fruit color: Light brown to violet 

'Celeste,' or 'Little Brown Sugar,' is the second most grown fig tree in the southern United States. It is a low-maintenance plant that can grow well in indoors or in small yards. It thrives in a temperature between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot survive temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

This fig tree needs bright, indirect sunlight. However, it needs weak sunlight in winter to ensure bright-colored leaves. Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best for growing 'Celeste' fig trees. 

'Celeste' is prone to gray spots, wilt disease, root-knot nematode, and anthracnose. Furthermore, it cannot withstand excess water as it can cause root rot. 

Alma

Height: 10 to 15 feet

Fruit size: Small 

Fruit color: Greenish brown 

'Alma' fig tree was first propagated by Texas A&M University in 1974. It is suitable for cold hardiness zones 7 to 9 but needs protection in winter during the first year. 

'Alma' fig trees require partial to full sunlight, and sandy and clay soils are the best for them. These trees are compact and rot resistant. They produce continuous crops throughout the summer, while the fruits ripen from late July to August. Eat them fresh or processed, as you like! 

Ischia Green  

Height: 12 to 15 feet

Fruit size: Medium

Fruit color: Bright Green

'Ischia Green' or 'Verte' fig trees thrive in small yards or on the patio as they prefer full sun. These trees are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 8. Their fruits have green color skin which partially camouflages the fruits from the birds.

Well-draining but somewhat dry soils are the best to grow 'Ischia Green' fig trees.

Black Mission 

Height: 15 to 30 feet

Fruit size: Medium to large 

Fruit color: Purplish black with pink

'Black Mission' fig trees are suitable for cold hardiness zones 7 through 10. Grow them outdoors in your yard or on your patio if you live in warmer zones, otherwise grow them indoors, in a container. 

These trees require at least four hours of direct sunlight and well-draining soil. They produce fruits twice a year from summer to winter. 

'Blass Mission' fig trees are prone to pests like fig beetle and fig scale insect, along with diseases like Alternaria rot and botrytis limb blight, however, they often attract songbirds. 

Chicago Hardy 

Height: 10 to 15 feet

Fruit size: Small to medium-sized 

Fruit color: Purple brown

'Chicago Hardy' fig trees grow well in hardiness zones 5 to 7 with winter protection. This fig tree will not tolerant temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit and will need additional care to keep them warm. Plant their pairs in containers to beautify your balcony or patio. But it is best to bring them inside during winter.

If you have planted them in the ground outside, then add mulch with shredded bark and wood chips to the drip line of the trees to protect the roots from cold. Wrapping small trees with an insulating material will also work. 

It is good to water the 'Chicago Hardy' fig tree every three to five days during the growing season, especially when there is no rainfall. However, you may quit frequent watering in the fall. 

Little Miss Figgy

Height: Around 4 feet

Fruit Size: Large 

Fruit Color: Burgundy 

'Little Miss Figgy,' often known as a dwarf variety of fig trees, is a common ornamental houseplant from America. It can withstand a temperature of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only this, 'Little Miss Figgy' is pest resistant and can also tolerate drought conditions. 

Place it in a large patio pot, fir colder climates such as zones 7 to 9, or plant it in your garden if you live in warmer climates such as zones 10 and 11. This fig tree produces fruits twice every year in spring and autumn.

A light, well-draining soil is the best for 'Little Miss Figgy.' 

Plant a Fig Tree Today!

Different varieties of fig trees are grown indoors and out and if you look at this list, you might just find your favorites. They require some care and protection, but their beauty and fruits are worth the work. 

Have you ever grown a fig tree in your house? Share your secret tips in the comments below.Â