Fig trees are one of the most rewarding and low-maintenance fruit trees for home gardens—but when planting bare root figs, your biggest success factor is watering. While figs are known for drought tolerance once established, they’re incredibly sensitive during transplanting.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly water fig trees before and after planting, how to manage dry conditions, and what mistakes to avoid during early growth.
🪣 Before Planting: Soak the Roots
Soak the roots of your bare root fig tree in a bucket of clean water for 4–12 hours before planting.
This step:
- Rehydrates the roots after shipping,
- Wakes the tree from dormancy,
- Reduces transplant shock.
💡 Do not soak for more than 24 hours. Plant immediately after soaking for best results.
🌱 Step 1: Deep Watering After Planting
After planting, give your fig tree a slow, deep soak. This helps:
- Settle the soil,
- Eliminate air pockets,
- Provide immediate hydration for root development.
✅ For extra success, mix Soil Moist Transplant Mix into the planting hole. It absorbs water and slowly releases it to the roots, helping to maintain moisture between waterings—especially useful in sandy or fast-draining soil.
🗓️ Weeks 1–2: Keep Moist but Not Soggy
During the first two weeks:
- Water every 2–3 days, depending on weather and soil.
- Keep the root zone moist, especially in warm or windy areas.
- Wilting, curling, or dry leaves are signs your fig tree is thirsty—water immediately if you notice these signs.
💧 Consistent moisture is critical in this early stage of root development.
🗓️ Weeks 3–8: Establish a Healthy Watering Routine
Once your fig tree begins to establish:
- Water once or twice a week, adjusting based on weather and drainage.
- Always water at the base to avoid fungal issues.
- Mulch around the root zone to lock in moisture and regulate temperature (2–3 inches deep, but keep away from the trunk).
Figs are tough, but still vulnerable in their first few months—don’t let them dry out during establishment!
☀️ Drought Conditions: What to Know
Once mature, fig trees can survive long dry spells—but when newly planted, they’re vulnerable without consistent moisture.
In drought conditions:
- Water deeply 2x per week, using 1–2 gallons per tree.
- Water in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
- Mulch generously and reapply if needed.
- Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix at planting to reduce how often you need to water.
🌿 Missing just one watering during a heatwave can cause transplant failure—stay ahead of the dryness!
🌳 Where to Buy the Best Bare Root Fig Trees?
Look no further than Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC.
Why?
- ✅ Top-quality bare root fig trees in many popular varieties
- ✅ Fastest shipping—so you can plant at the right time
- ✅ Lowest prices in the industry
- ✅ FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
→ Get store credit if your plant doesn’t survive
→ Zero Stress. All Success.
Ty Ty Plant Nursery's Blog 
Leave a comment