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When to Plant Figs in Lee County, NC

Figs are ancient fruiting trees or shrubs producing uniquely sweet fruits with soft flesh. They are surprisingly cold-hardy for a Mediterranean plant and thrive against warm walls.

Lee County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Figs during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Figs, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Figs root diseases.

Lee County, NC (Zone 7b) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 2 gal / 100 sq ft
Figs needs ~23,314 GDD — county provides 4,051 GDD May not mature

Figs Planting Timeline โ€” Lee County, NC

Figs Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1825 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

222 days

Growing Tips for Lee County

Plant against a south-facing wall for maximum heat. Restrict root growth with barriers to encourage fruiting over vegetative growth. Protect in winter with wrapping in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Figs in Lee County, NC?

Lee County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Figs planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, NC?

Lee County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, NC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.