Fig trees are ancient, beloved fruit trees that produce sweet, nutritious fruits and provide beautiful, tropical-looking foliage in the home orchard. Selecting the best companion plants for figs involves understanding their growing requirements, which include full sun, well-drained soil, and deep root systems that can compete with shallow-rooted plants.

Fig trees benefit from companions that attract pollinators, improve soil health, suppress weeds, or repel pests like nematodes and root-knot pests. The ideal companions should share fig’s preference for well-drained soil and full sun while providing complementary benefits without competing for water or nutrients.

Proper companion planting around fig trees can improve fruit production, reduce pest pressure, and create a more resilient, diverse orchard ecosystem. Combining thoughtful companion plant selection with good cultural practices supports healthy, productive fig trees.

In this guide, we examine the top 10 best companion plants for figs, evaluating pollination support, pest management, soil improvement, and overall orchard synergy to help you create a thriving, productive fig tree environment.

10 Best Companion Plants For Figs

1. Comfrey – Best dynamic accumulator for fig trees

Comfrey is the best dynamic accumulator for fig trees, featuring deep taproots that draw up nutrients from the soil and make them available through mulch. The large, nutrient-rich leaves can be cut and used as mulch or added to compost, significantly improving soil fertility around fig trees. Additionally, comfrey’s deep roots help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.

The deep taproot of comfrey reaches minerals that are otherwise unavailable to fig trees and concentrates them in its leaves. Consequently, applying comfrey leaves as mulch around fig trees provides a natural, slow-release fertilizer that supports healthy growth and fruit production. Moreover, comfrey is a reliable perennial that provides years of nutrient-rich biomass.

Comfrey is a vigorous grower that produces abundant foliage with minimal care. The large, fuzzy leaves are excellent for composting and mulching, supporting a sustainable orchard ecosystem. Therefore, comfrey delivers nutrient accumulation and soil improvement for fig trees.

Pros

• Nutrient accumulator
• Deep taproot
• Mulch source
• Soil improvement
• Compost activator
• Drought-tolerant
• Perennial plant

Cons

• Can be invasive
• Deep-rooted
• Competition risk

2. Borage – Best pollinator-attracting companion for figs

Borage is the best pollinator-attracting companion for figs, featuring striking blue star-shaped flowers that draw bees and other pollinators to the orchard. The beautiful flowers enhance garden biodiversity while the plant’s deep roots help improve soil structure and nutrient availability. Additionally, borage is known to improve resistance to pests and diseases when planted near fruit trees.

The star-shaped flowers attract bees and other pollinators that enhance garden biodiversity and support overall ecosystem health. Consequently, planting borage near fig trees creates a more productive garden environment with improved pollination. Moreover, borage can tolerate poor soil conditions, making it adaptable to various garden situations where figs are grown.

Borage also serves as a dynamic accumulator, drawing nutrients from deep in the soil that become available to neighboring plants. This makes it a valuable addition to fig-growing areas for improving overall soil fertility. Therefore, borage delivers pollinator support and soil enhancement for fig trees.

Pros

• Pollinator attractor
• Blue star flowers
• Soil improvement
• Heat-tolerant
• Self-seeding
• Edible blooms
• Dynamic accumulator

Cons

• Can self-seed
• Short-lived
• Hairy leaves

3. Chives – Best pest-repelling companion for fig trees

Chives are the best pest-repelling companion for fig trees, featuring a mild onion scent that effectively repels aphids, ants, and other common pests. Planting chives around the base of fig trees creates a protective barrier that helps keep these harmful insects at bay. Additionally, chives attract beneficial insects that support natural pest control in the orchard.

Both chives and fig trees prefer well-drained soil and sunny locations, making them compatible orchard companions. Consequently, chives can be planted in a ring around the tree or in small clumps near the trunk without significant competition. Moreover, chives are perennial plants that provide reliable pest protection year after year.

Chives are easy to grow and provide both culinary value and pest protection for fig trees. The attractive, grass-like foliage and purple flowers add visual interest to the orchard understory. Therefore, chives deliver effective pest deterrence and culinary value for fig trees.

Pros

• Repels aphids
• Repels ants
• Perennial plant
• Culinary use
• Attractive flowers
• Easy to grow
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Limited season
• Competition risk
• Bulb harvest only

4. Garlic – Best fungal-protection companion for fig trees

Garlic is the best fungal-protection companion for fig trees, featuring strong antimicrobial properties that help prevent fungal diseases that can affect figs. Planting garlic around fig trees creates a protective barrier that can reduce disease pressure naturally. Additionally, garlic’s strong odor repels aphids, borers, and other pests that can damage fig trees.

The antifungal properties of garlic make it a valuable companion for fig trees, particularly in humid climates where fungal diseases are common. Consequently, garlic planted around the tree base provides a natural, chemical-free approach to disease prevention. Moreover, garlic bulbs can be harvested before the tree requires access to the area, providing a second crop.

Garlic is easy to grow and provides both culinary value and disease protection for fig trees. The compact growth habit makes it suitable for planting near trees without significant root competition. Therefore, garlic delivers fungal protection and pest deterrence for fig trees.

Pros

• Fungal protection
• Pest repellent
• Antimicrobial
• Culinary use
• Easy to grow
• Compact growth
• Early harvest

Cons

• Limited season
• Bulb harvest only
• Competition risk

5. Marigolds – Best nematode-repelling companion for fig trees

Marigolds are the best nematode-repelling companion for fig trees, featuring bright flowers that release compounds into the soil that inhibit nematode activity. The roots of marigolds secrete nematicidal substances that protect the root systems of fig trees from these microscopic pests. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects and add vibrant color to the orchard understory.

The root-knot nematodes that can damage fig trees are effectively suppressed by marigold root secretions. Consequently, planting marigolds around fig trees provides natural, long-term nematode control without chemical intervention. Moreover, the bright flowers create a beautiful, colorful display that enhances the orchard’s visual appeal.

Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and provide continuous bloom throughout the growing season. The compact growth habit makes them suitable for planting around tree bases without competing with tree roots. Therefore, marigolds deliver nematode protection and vibrant color for fig trees.

Pros

• Repels nematodes
• Vibrant flowers
• Beneficial attractor
• Continuous bloom
• Easy to grow
• Compact growth
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Annual plant
• Needs replanting
• Strong scent

6. Nasturtiums – Best trap crop companion for fig trees

Nasturtiums are the best trap crop companion for fig trees, featuring colorful flowers and round leaves that attract aphids and other pests away from the tree. These annual plants act as sacrificial crops, drawing pests to themselves and protecting the valuable fig tree. Additionally, nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that help control pest populations naturally in the orchard.

The ability of nasturtiums to lure pests away from fruit trees makes them valuable companions in the orchard. Consequently, planting nasturtiums around fig trees provides a natural, effective pest management strategy that reduces the need for chemical interventions. Moreover, the edible flowers and leaves add culinary diversity to the garden.

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and provide attractive ground cover around fig trees. The vibrant blooms create a beautiful contrast with green foliage and add visual interest to the orchard. Therefore, nasturtiums deliver trap crop protection and garden beauty for fig trees.

Pros

• Trap crop
• Edible flowers
• Beneficial attractor
• Colorful ground cover
• Easy to grow
• Pest diversion
• Orchard beauty

Cons

• Annual plant
• Can self-seed
• Competes lightly

7. Yarrow – Best beneficial-insect attractor for fig trees

Yarrow is the best beneficial-insect attractor for fig trees, featuring flat-topped flower clusters that attract predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These beneficial insects help control aphid populations and other pests that can damage fig trees. Additionally, yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial that provides reliable performance with minimal care.

The flowers of yarrow provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects throughout the growing season, supporting natural pest control in the orchard. Consequently, planting yarrow around fig trees creates a habitat for predatory insects that help maintain a balanced orchard ecosystem. Moreover, the feathery foliage adds texture and visual interest to the understory.

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that requires little water once established and provides reliable beneficial insect attraction year after year. The long blooming period supports beneficials throughout the growing season. Therefore, yarrow delivers beneficial insect support and drought tolerance for fig trees.

Pros

• Beneficial attractor
• Drought-tolerant
• Perennial plant
• Long blooming
• Textural interest
• Low maintenance
• Orchard understory

Cons

• Can self-seed
• Can spread
• Fungal issues

8. Lemon Balm – Best aromatic companion for fig trees

Lemon balm is the best aromatic companion for fig trees, featuring fragrant lemon-scented leaves and small white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The pleasant scent of lemon balm enhances the sensory experience of the orchard while its flowers provide nectar for beneficial insects. Additionally, lemon balm’s strong scent helps mask the smell of fig trees from pests seeking them out.

Both lemon balm and fig trees prefer well-drained soil and sunny locations, making them compatible orchard companions. Consequently, lemon balm can be planted around the base of fig trees to create a pollinator-friendly understory. Moreover, the aromatic leaves provide culinary and medicinal value beyond the orchard.

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial that provides reliable performance year after year with minimal care. The fragrant foliage adds a pleasant aroma to the orchard and repels certain pests naturally. Therefore, lemon balm delivers pollinator support and aromatic benefits for fig trees.

Pros

• Fragrant foliage
• Pollinator attractor
• Perennial plant
• Culinary use
• Pest-repelling
• Easy to grow
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Can be invasive
• Spreading habit
• Competition risk

9. Oregano – Best ground cover for fig trees

Oregano is the best ground cover for fig trees, featuring spreading, aromatic foliage that creates a dense mat around the tree base. The ground cover helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and reduce soil temperature fluctuations that can stress fig trees. Additionally, oregano’s strong scent helps repel pests that can damage the tree and its fruit.

Both oregano and fig trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them compatible orchard companions. Consequently, oregano planted around the base of fig trees creates a living mulch that reduces maintenance and supports tree health. Moreover, the aromatic foliage provides culinary value and sensory appeal to the orchard.

Oregano is a hardy perennial that provides reliable ground cover with minimal care year after year. The spreading habit makes it excellent for covering the root zone of fruit trees and suppressing weed growth. Therefore, oregano delivers effective ground cover and pest protection for fig trees.

Pros

• Living mulch
• Weed suppression
• Moisture retention
• Pest deterrent
• Culinary use
• Perennial plant
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Can be invasive
• Slow to establish
• Competition risk

10. Dill – Best beneficial-insect attractor for fig trees

Dill is the best beneficial-insect attractor for fig trees, featuring tall, feathery foliage and yellow flowers that attract predatory insects including ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These beneficial insects help control aphids, scale insects, and other pests that can damage fig trees. Additionally, dill’s seeds and leaves provide culinary value and attract pollinators to the orchard.

The umbel-shaped flowers of dill provide an excellent habitat for beneficial insects, supporting natural pest control around fig trees. Consequently, planting dill near fig trees creates a reservoir of predatory insects that help maintain a balanced orchard ecosystem. Moreover, the feathery foliage adds textural contrast and visual interest to the orchard understory.

Dill is easy to grow from seed and self-sows readily, providing reliable beneficial insect attraction year after year. The tall growth habit makes it suitable for planting at the edges of the orchard without competing with tree roots. Therefore, dill delivers beneficial insect support and culinary value for fig trees.

Pros

• Beneficial attractor
• Culinary use
• Self-sowing
• Tall growth habit
• Pollinator attractor
• Easy to grow
• Textural contrast

Cons

• Annual plant
• Can self-seed
• Limited season

7 Essential Strategies For Fig Companion Planting

• Provide adequate spacing: Fig trees need room to grow and should not be overcrowded. Maintain sufficient distance between the tree trunk and companion plants to allow access for pruning and harvesting.
• Choose shallow-rooted companions: Select companion plants with shallow root systems that won’t compete with fig tree roots for water and nutrients. Herbs like chives, oregano, and lemon balm are excellent choices.
• Incorporate pollinator attractors: Include plants that attract bees and other pollinators to support fig pollination. Borage and lemon balm are excellent choices for pollination support.
• Use pest-repelling plants: Plant chives, garlic, marigolds, and nasturtiums around fig trees to deter common pests like aphids and nematodes.
• Add beneficial insect attractors: Include plants that attract predatory insects to help control pest populations naturally. Yarrow and dill are particularly effective beneficial insect attractors.
• Practice proper orchard hygiene: Remove fallen fruit and leaves to prevent disease buildup. Good garden hygiene complements companion planting strategies for maximum orchard health.
• Monitor regularly: Inspect fig trees and companion plants for signs of pests and disease. Early detection enables prompt intervention and prevents problems from spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Companions

1. What is the best companion plant for fig trees?

Comfrey is widely considered the best companion plant for fig trees, providing exceptional nutrient accumulation, soil improvement, and mulch production that benefits fig growth. Borage is also excellent for pollinator attraction and soil enhancement.

2. Can I plant fig trees with other fruit trees?

Yes, fig trees can be planted with other fruit trees like citrus, pomegranates, and persimmons. However, allow adequate spacing and consider that they may share susceptibility to similar pests and diseases.

3. What should I avoid planting near fig trees?

Avoid planting fig trees near walnut trees, which release juglone that can be toxic to many plants. Also avoid planting within the dripline of the tree to prevent root competition and allow access for maintenance.

4. Are herbs good companions for fig trees?

Yes, herbs like chives, garlic, oregano, lemon balm, and dill are excellent companions for fig trees. They provide pest protection, pollinator attraction, and culinary value while having shallow root systems that don’t compete with the tree.

5. How do marigolds benefit fig trees?

Marigolds benefit fig trees by repelling nematodes through compounds released by their roots. They also attract beneficial insects and add vibrant color to the orchard understory.

6. Can I plant flowers under my fig tree?

Yes, planting flowers under fig trees is beneficial. Choose shallow-rooted, sun-loving flowers like borage, yarrow, and marigolds that won’t compete with tree roots while providing pest protection and pollinator attraction.

7. Do fig trees need companion plants to produce fruit?

Fig trees are self-fertile and do not require companion plants to produce fruit. However, companion plants that attract pollinators and improve soil health can support better fruit production and tree health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best companion plants for figs involves choosing species that provide pollination support, pest protection, or soil improvement while sharing similar growing requirements. Comfrey stands as the best overall companion plant for fig trees, offering exceptional nutrient accumulation and soil improvement through its deep taproot and nutrient-rich leaves that can be used as mulch.

Borage serves as the runner-up, providing striking blue flowers that attract pollinators while improving soil structure and nutrient availability through its dynamic accumulator properties. Both options deliver complementary benefits while thriving in the same growing conditions as fig trees.

For pest protection, chives and garlic offer effective repellent properties. Those seeking beneficial insect support will appreciate yarrow and dill for attracting predatory insects. Marigolds provide nematode control and vibrant color, while nasturtiums serve as effective trap crops.

Choose the companion plants that best match your specific orchard conditions and garden goals to create a thriving, productive fig tree environment. Combine multiple companion strategies with proper spacing and regular monitoring for the most effective, sustainable orchard cultivation.