Did you know many figs do well in Las Vegas? Growing figs may seem unlikely at first, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely possible to enjoy your own fresh figs even in the desert! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about how to grow figs in Las Vegas, including the specific challenges and solutions for the Southwest gardening zone 9b.
Understanding Figs: Why They’re Worth It
Figs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and can even add a beautiful touch to your garden. Aside from their culinary uses, figs are known for health benefits due to high fiber and antioxidant content. They are one of the few low maintenance fruit trees for our desert climate. Understanding the best ways to cultivate figs in Las Vegas can lead to a bountiful harvest.
Best Fig Varieties for Las Vegas and Desert Climates
Many fig varieties do well when planted in the right location. These figs are the few that do well in direct southern side sun exposure:
| Alma | Golden brown, sweet and delicate flavor. Rot-resistant. | Full sun | Very hardy |
| Brunswick | Bronzy yellow, rich flavor, vulnerable to rain. | Full sun | ~15–20°F |
| Calimyrna | Large yellow fig with nutty flavor. Requires pollination. | Full sun | Not for Southern zones |
| Conadria | Yellow-green, rich flavor. Good post-freeze recovery. | Full sun | ~15°F |
| Excel | Yellow, amber pulp, sweet. Great in containers. | Full sun | ~15°F |
| Green Ischia | Small green fig with dark pulp. Late maturing. | Full sun | Fairly hardy |
| Kadota | Greenish white, sweet all-purpose fig. Great for drying. | Full sun | ~15°F |
| King (Desert King) | Greenish yellow fig with red pulp. Breba producer. | Full sun | Fairly hardy |
| LSU Gold | Large yellow fig with strawberry pulp. Outstanding flavor. | Full sun | Moderately hardy |
| Mary Lane | Yellow, sweet, seedless fig. Very juicy. | Full sun | Hardy |
| Panachée (Tiger Fig) | Striped fig with red pulp. Mealy texture. | Full sun | Moderately hardy |
| Tena | Greenish yellow, very sweet. Likes hot, dry weather. | Full sun | ~20°F |
| Verte | Green fig with dark pulp, excellent flavor. | Full sun | ~15–20°F |
| Black Mission | Large black fig with strawberry pulp. Productive. | Full sun | Not very hardy |
| Celeste | Brown to violet skin, very cold hardy, sweet. | Full sun | Very hardy |
| Brown Turkey | Light brown to violet, sweet but not rich. | Full sun | Very hardy |
| LSU Purple | Purple fig, variable flavor. Good for Deep South. | Full sun | Tender |
| Hardy Chicago | Small to medium, very hardy, rich flavor. | Full sun | Very hardy |
Planting Figs in Las Vegas
When to Plant
- Ideal Months: Late winter to early spring (February to March), maybe April. Fall is also a good time.
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 80°F for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
- Type: Sandy loam soil is ideal, but amended clay is also tolerable.
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
- Amendments: Incorporate compost and perlite to improve soil structure and drainage.
Sunlight Needs
Figs require full sun to thrive, aiming for at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Consider using shade cloth during the hottest months to prevent leaf scorch, only when you see leaf burn develop. One year, my Panache faded to yellow. A good high phosphorous drench like Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic, available at Star Nursery can helps with heat stress. Again check the variety. Some like the White Genoa comes from cooler climate and will need the shadier side of your house.
Watering Schedule
- Frequency: Deep watering twice a week is sufficient. You can leave it on automated sprinkler setting as the city permits.
- Method: Check soil moisture up to a depth of 2 inches before watering in pots.
- Tip: Focus on water volume over time to ensure deep root penetration.
Fertilizer Recommendations
- Use an organic fertilizer or a balanced synthetic formula.
- Apply every four to six weeks during the growing season.
- Slow-release options are excellent for extended nutrient supply.
Harvesting Figs
- Days to Harvest: Approximately three to five years after planting, you can expect figs ready for picking between July and September.
- Tips: Harvest when figs are soft to the touch and slightly drooping from the stem.
Managing Common Pests
- Common Pests: Aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
- Organic Treatments: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to combat infestations.
Weather Protection Tips
- Wind Protection: Install windbreaks or plant in sheltered locations.
- Frost Care: Cover young plants with burlap or frost cloth during unexpected cold spells.
Companion Planting
- Basil and lavender can deter pests naturally.
- Consider marigolds, which mycorrhizae fungi that benefit fig roots.
Conclusion
Armed with these tips, how to grow figs in Las Vegas becomes an achievable goal, even in the desert heat. Visit our blog or shop at vansgarden.com to discover more resources, seeds, and tools for growing desert-adapted plants in Las Vegas. Transform your garden into a productive and beautiful space with lush, fruit-bearing fig trees!
Checkout my gardening journal on Amazon to help you track plant notes.