Growing Figs Indoors: Lights, Heat, and Container Care

Written By Steven Biggs

Growing Figs in Pots

Texas fig enthusiast Eddie Sleem didn’t set out to grow figs indoors. It started with an Angelito fig tree, a Texas storm, and one plant that stayed inside while another went outdoors.

The indoor tree grew faster, set figs sooner, and launched Eddie into a full-blown indoor fig-growing experiment.

In this episode, Eddie talks about growing figs inside the house, with tips on grow lights, air circulation, watering, soil, and fertilizer. He explains why light and heat are so important, how indoor pests are different from outdoor pests, and why he thinks long-season fig varieties are especially exciting for indoor growing.

We talk about:

  • Why a Texas fig grower started growing figs indoors

  • Eddie’s first indoor Angelito fig

  • Grow lights, side lighting, and light intensity

  • Heat and how a few degrees can change ripening

  • Soil aeration for potted indoor figs

  • Fertilizing figs that are growing almost continuously

  • Pest management indoors

  • Watering actively growing container figs

  • Choosing containers and managing space

  • Grow tents, open rooms, and domestic negotiations

  • Air movement, humidity, and air quality

  • Eddie’s favourite varieties, including Black Madeira, Pakistan Mulberry, Angelito, and Cosme Mano

  • What Eddie wishes he knew earlier: prune your trees and aerate your soil

You can find Eddie on YouTube at Figgy Ed.

Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

Next

Growing Figs in Pots: Fig Tetris, Variety Trialling, and Collector Wisdom