When to plant Figs in Saint Augustine,
Saint Augustine's short 297-day growing season means one Figs planting between February 23 and March 9. No fall crop in Zone 9b.
When to Plant Figs in Saint Augustine, FL
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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.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Figs may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Figs will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Figs root diseases.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Figs Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Figs's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Figs prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Figs will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Figs.
How to Plant Figs
Figs Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Figs
Figs needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Figs Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Figs Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Figs Planting Timeline — Saint Augustine, FL
Figs Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Figs in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Figs outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Figs with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in St. Johns County, provide afternoon shade for Figs and water deeply in the morning.
Your 297.0-day growing season in St. Johns County is tight for Figs (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Figs in Other Locations
When should I plant Figs in Saint Augustine, ?
In Saint Augustine, , plant Figs after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, for Figs?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Figs grows reliably in zones 7a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Figs grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Figs grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.