'Chelsea' Fig Tree
From the banks of the Thames
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Premium Plant in a 3L Pot
50-70cm on arrival
Choose your size
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Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
'Chelsea' Fig Tree
- A variety purported to have originated from a fig tree found near Chelsea Bridge, in London, 'Chelsea' is a truly excellent variety, producing an abundance of delicious fruit at the end of summer
- Particularly flavourful, the tree's figs are brown when ripe and display exceptional sweetness - our favourite thing to do? Dry the fruit out and have them as healthy little "pick-me-ups" to get through those mid-afternoon slumps
- The tree is wreathed in lovely, lobed deep green foliage, ensuring great ornamental value alongside its fabulous fruit
- Growing to only a couple of metres tall, this tree makes a great option for smaller gardens, and is particularly well-suited to container planting in a Mediterranean-style courtyard garden
- When planting fig trees in the ground, it's recommended that you restrict the spread of their roots, as this encourages greater fruiting. To do this, you can use a purpose-designed root bag or use some paving slabs and rubble when planting
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Tasting notes
Time to first crop
Habit
Hardiness
Self fertile
Uses
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, the 'Chelsea' Fig Tree grows exceptionally well in a pot. In fact, restricting its root system in a container can actually encourage more prolific fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes, and use a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3 mixed with some grit for drainage. You will need to repot every couple of years as it grows.
How big does it get?
This tree can reach a height and spread of 3 to 4 metres if unrestricted, but it stays smaller in a container.
How much sunlight does this need?
It needs a sheltered, sunny spot, ideally south or west-facing, to ensure the fruit ripens properly in the UK climate.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
This fig tree prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is ideally neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0-7.5), and if grown in a pot, you should use John Innes No. 3 compost with added grit.
How much watering does this plant need?
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist. Reduce watering in winter when the tree is dormant.
Will this plant need pruning?
Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and maintain shape. Pinch out young shoots in summer to encourage fruiting.
How hardy is this plant?
The 'Chelsea' fig is a hardy variety (H4) that is well suited to the UK climate, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. It is ideal for patio containers but will benefit from winter protection in particularly cold areas to safeguard the developing fruit.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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