I break down overwintering tactics into two broad groups: indoors and outdoors. Keeping your fig tree pruned will help it to produce sweeter, tastier figs since it enables the sugars and hormones to travel all the way up the branches and into the fruits. Push and bend the tree down until it lies in the trench, and hold it down with something heavy. The exception to the “no indoor figs” rule is the dwarf fig variety ‘Petite Negra’, which gets only 3-8 feet tall when grown in a container and usually keeps its leaves through the winter. Can you grow a fig tree indoors? With a little time, effort, protection, and TLC you can provide winter care for your fig trees and have them bounce back in time for new fig leaves to flush out and produce this delicious fruit! Once it gets warm enough outside it is safe to move your fig tree back outdoors. Ficus carica Petite Negra produces normal sized figs, beginning when the tree is only a foot or two tall. Place a plastic bucket upside-down on top of the cage to keep the rain out while still allowing heat and moisture to escape. Do not cut roots on the other two sides. A. Next spring, when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 20°F (-7°C), remove the winter protection and free the fig! If your winters are consistently too cold for a fig tree you can wrap the tree in insulation for the entire winter. Some people actually bury their fig trees for winter. Pick a nice sunny spot for your fig tree. They will produce fruit without pollination or fertilization. Ripe fruit will appear in the summer growing season. An organic fertilizer such as compost and mulch will help retain moisture as well. 2. (Pro tip:  Use a light weight container.). Incorporate amendments such as sifted compost, vermiculite, worm castings, perlite and even builders sand to lighten the mix and ensure that it will drain well. No matter where you live, growing fig trees is possible and plausible! Don’t fertilize in winter. These trees are easy to grow and fairly cold hardy… they can be grown in many places across the United States. Figs love the sun! Going into winter with a healthy ficus will significantly increase the plant's chances of making it through alive and well. Trees do not put out heat. Luckily, fig trees are usually easy to take care of as far as pruning is concerned. Tags: fig tree, fruit trees, winter, winter gardening, winter plant care, Copyright © 2021 Perfect Plants. 1. 3. Place netting over the trees to prevent birds from stealing your fruit. Circle the tree, gathering the branches together into a tight upright bundle and tie securely. When all danger of frost has passed, position the tree in full sun and get ready to harvest some fresh figs! Start by selecting the  most cold-hardy varieties. We strongly recommend giving figs winter protection in areas colder than zone 7. (Others are in his basement.) Care for a potted fig tree by using well-drained potting soil, watering it regularly and fertilizing the tree every month during its growing season. Smart site selection helps with caring for your fig tree over winter too. The cage should taper upward leaving a small opening (less than foot in diameter) at the top. You may find it easiest to start with a teepee-like framework of three wooden poles to support the cage. Fig trees will need to be repotted every year or two as they become established but after about five years they should be right to stay in the same pot. Decide which way the tree is to recline, and dig a trench as long as the tree is tall, as wide as necessary, and just deep enough to bury it under a foot or so of soil and mulch. Some of his figs are planted right in the ground inside the greenhouse, where he also grows his wintertime greens. You may want to wrap the tree in some kind of cloth (not plastic) fabric at this time. Avoid depressions in the yard where cold air settles. Prune the roots of potted fig trees every 3 to 4 years. The soil will lose lots of nutrients … These fruit trees can get very large and up to 20 feet tall. Place the freshly potted plant on a tray and pour water in the pot until it runs out of the drainage holes. I didn't realize I could grow a fig tree in a container thank you! See Perfect plants’ Grow Guide for Edible Fig Trees (coming soon) for much more about growing figs. Choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus (the second number on the label) or one that is formulated for fruits and vegetables. Yes, figs are drought tolerant, but plants in containers dry out much quicker than plants in the ground so you will need to water your potted fig tree especially in the heat of summer. Plant your outdoor fig tree next to south facing wall, where it doesn’t get so cold. Then move the container to a warmer area like inside or in a garage before the really cold weather arrives. Among the best are Celeste Fig, Brown Turkey Fig, Ventura, and the most cold-hardy of all: Chicago Hardy Fig. During hot summer weather, your fig tree may need more frequent watering, possibly even daily. Repot containerized figs every 2 or 3 years, and prune to maintain size. Still, most fig trees will need winter protection in areas where the temperature drops below about 20°F (-7°C). Just don’t let plastic touch the tree itself, hence why the A-frame works well. Half whiskey barrels are ideal, but any container large enough to accommodate the root ball plus some growing space is fine. Throughout the winter, water only when the potting medium becomes dry. The mulch will keep the soil from drying out too quickly. You can always transplant the tree in … Planting in the ground is a great option if you have plenty of room and have the ability to protect during the winter if needed. Easy Because Figs go Dormant Fig trees are deciduous and drop their leaves after first frost. Although some planting tricks (such as planting your fig against a south-facing wall) can help figs survive most winters without extra care, wrapping them in layers of burlap and fallen leaves in late autumn or early winter will keep them from dying back too severely during a cold winter. You also may want to shorten the overall height and some of the longest horizontal branches. For more information on how to care for a fig tree in winter please read below for outdoor planted trees. You will need a winter storage space like a garage where (ideally) the temperature stays between 0-10°C / 32 to 50° F. Q. If you live in an area with mild winter temperatures you can leave your fig tree outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot over the winter months. Your choice of a lightweight mix will also make things easier when it is time to move the container to shelter during winter. On the worst days of winter, your potted plants are likely a bit jealous of the nearby trees planted in the ground. The best soil for planting a fig tree in a pot would be an organic potting mix, never use soil from your garden as it will probably be too dense and not suitable for growing a potted tree in. Keep the tree in full sun in the summer. When the leaves begin to drop in autumn, bring the container inside to an unheated room, such as a basement, garage, shed, or storage building. As older more mature trees, the trees can put up with more during the winter months but may lose some patches of tree or branches that are not protected. Fig trees grown in containers need to be fertilized with a. Lightly prune the tree after the growing season to keep it pot-sized. All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer. The breba crop will bear fruit on the previous years growth. (Layers of newspaper covered with dirt will work.). Keep the very tip-top open to allow moisture to escape. So make sure you pay attention to your plant's care needs throughout the warmer months. Can I grow a single fig tree or do I need multiple trees? Next, build a cage around the bundled fig tree with chicken wire, hog fencing, concrete reinforcing mesh, or welded wire panels. In autumn, when the leaves start to turn and fall (ideally before the … Overwintering a potted fig tree is a simple process that requires a bit of work in the fall before first frost, and then again in the spring before last frost. I live in the Southwest US and want to get a fig tree, but my neighbor's tree died over winter. Up to 35% Off End of Year Clearance Be sure to add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks in the spring and summer and water the tree moderately. Those container grown fig trees that are moved into a garage or unheated area to spend the winter don’t need much attention but they do require a degree of special fig tree care and an occasional watering even during their dormant rest periods. Fig tree care: Pests and diseases Growing fig trees in containers in in North America results in a fairly trouble-free crop. Hope you can help me out. Note: If your trees leaves begin to yellow, chances are it is being over-watered. Allow the fig tree to experience one or two light frosts and all the leaves to die and drop off. Potting Soil: Use a light potting mix, but not an overly rich one to plant your fig tree in. … Learn how to winterize a fig tree in this blog. Check the fig tree for any pests, such as aphids, before you bring it inside for the winter or outside for the season. It needs even … All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer, Plant your fig tree in a lightweight container that’s as large as you can manage. Fig trees are self-fruiting or parthenocarpic, meaning you can successfully grow a single tree. Still, most fig trees will need winter protection in areas where the temperature drops below about 20°F (-7°C). Plus, Orders Over $99 Ship for Free. But potted trees sit out in the open. Now, most trees need to be pruned for the winter months but with a fig tree proper pruning is actually helpful in maintaining the right size and encouraging through production. Keep your potted fig tree in full sun during the summer. Simply enjoy your potted plant on the patio or deck all summer, and then bring it indoors when outdoor temperatures begin to drop. (Deciduous fig trees lose their leaves and go dormant in the cold winter, so they don’t need to be kept warm – just kept from freezing temperatures.). The short answer is no. How to Care for Potted Fig Trees A container suitable for planting fig trees in pots should be large. Fig trees grown in containers need to be fertilized with a high nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks in the spring and early summer. Winter Care ‘Hardy Chicago’ is among the most cold-tolerant of fig varieties; its stems are hardy down to 10°F and its roots will survive temperatures as low as -20°F. Keep the potted fig tree in full sun during the summer, then bring it into a place that does not freeze when the leaves drop in autumn. Here in North Jersey we bring them in at the end of November. It is best to select a dwarf variety for container growing. Lucky Lee: He has a cool greenhouse, that he keeps no lower than 37 degrees F (well, unless the propane heater fails, as it did last winter at one point). Prune the Plant If your fig tree grows lanky over winter, you can cut it back in early spring before it starts putting out new growth. You can use old blankets with or without an outer covering of plastic sheeting for the tent. Prune as necessary to maintain a size and shape you can work with. There are ways to grow your own fresh figs, even up North! Shove the spade under the tree and undercut some of the root ball on the side facing the trench. A 15-foot “tree” in a pot would be a bit unwieldy! Replace the soil every 3 years if you grow your tree in a container. Water. Install a heat source (such as a space heater or light bulb) to be turned on when winter temperatures are forecast to go below 25°F (-4°C). Overwintering potted figs. Q. Taper off watering your potted fig beginning two weeks before your average first frost date, or when your local weather predictions indicate upcoming frost. I have 3 fig trees of various sizes and live on the east coast in the toronto area. Famartin CC BY-SA 4.0. In winter, other trees are tucked underground and coated with mulch, which protects their roots from the cold. Protect your fig from winter weather whenever temperatures get close to freezing. Photo via Wikimedia Commons. Check out this videos of a tasting of the Petite Negra which is the best variety for growing figs in containers! After planting your fig tree in its container, water it well, then add a layer of mulch. ), Use a soil-based potting mix and add bark chips or, Don’t let the potting medium get too dry. I didn't know about the methods for overwintering. For outdoor fig trees, plant the tree in the spring or early fall in full sun. Copyright © 2021 Perfect Plants. This method works even in zone 3! Winter Care A potted fig tree should be brought indoors after the first frost and when all of the leaves have fallen off the tree. Check out other popular fig varieties (ficus carica) in our past blogs for the best advice on choosing your new fig tree. Don’t fertilize in winter, and water only sparingly, when the leafless tree is indoors. You can even use commercial attic insulation. It needs a south-facing window and at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Fertilize your fig tree with a slow-release organic fertilizer. When the fig’s leaves have fallen in autumn, start by pruning off dead branches, those that are rubbing together, and any that are crossing other branches. When fully dormant (and with mulched roots) a fig tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 10º to 15ºF (-12º to -9ºC). In early spring (if practical), allow your containerized fig to acclimate gradually to the warming weather by bringing it outside for a few hours each day, then move the tree indoors at night. Most fig tree varieties can be grown outside in USDA zones 7-10 (check your zone). However, keep in mind that such lopping might remove some of the tiny pea-sized fruits that may or may not have formed in the leaf axils the previous autumn. If your winters are just occasionally too cold for a fig tree, you can mulch the roots heavily with organic matter, and build a tent (start with an A-frame) over the tree. Up to 35% Off End of Year Clearance Other common names for this plant include Benjamin fig, weeping fig and ficus tree. Now I want to grow my own fig tree. But you can grow fig trees in containers for a few reasons which we will explain below. (Fig tree branches are surprisingly bendable!). Water … They are pests and disease resistant. This is … Fig trees grown in containers need to be watered abundantly and fertilized with a high nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season. Start by pruning and bundling the branches into a tight cylinder as described above. In the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil moist. Lay the pot on its side and remove the pot. Simply wrapping or draping the tree with plastic or a blanket will not suffice. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to: The edible fig (Ficus carica) needs full sun in the summer, which is almost impossible to get indoors. Winterizing Fig Trees. Keep your potted fig tree in full sun during the summer. Either that, or they must be brought inside to a cool garage or storage shed for the winter months in a container. (You can start out with a smaller container, then pot-up as the tree gets bigger. Next, tie one end of a length of twine or rope to the main trunk, to a strong branch, or to a stout pole driven into the ground near the center of the fig tree. Spread wood ashes around the base of the stems to stop ants from climbing the trees. If you choose to make your own potting mix you should mix it so that is loamy, contains lots of well-rotted manure or compost and provides good drainage. If you do grow a fig tree in a container, use a soil-based potting mix and add bark chips, pebbles, or perlite to improve drainage at the bottom of the plastic pot. A. NOTE: This is part 9 in a series of 10 articles. Water very lightly (monthly) during the winter to keep the soil moist when it's not frozen. If you live where harsh winter temperatures get colder than that (hardiness zones 6 and below), you can grow fig trees in containers outside in the a sunny spot all summer. Plus, Orders Over $99 Ship for Free. SophiaStar LM on February 27, 2012: I love figs! Think about it this way. Next, wrap the bundled fig tree in several layers of old blankets, burlap (not plastic or plastic bags!) Move the potted tree to a protected area such as along the warmest side of a house or garage, if possible. Observe and respond accordingly to your trees environment. I do not have a basement or garage so presently have taken them into the house because I … For a complete background on how to grow fig trees, we recommend starting from the beginning.. Winterizing Tips All three trees are potted and not sure the best way to care for them in over the winter. Install a thick blanket of organic mulch on the ground over the root zone. Put the fig tree in a sunny spot in your yard, and keep well watered. A dormant tree doesn’t take in water, but can die if the roots dry out. Q. Happy planting! Fertilizing Your Fig Tree Fertilize your tree weekly with liquid fertilizer while fruit is growing on it. In autumn, the deciduous fig tree loses its leaves and goes into dormancy for the winter, when it doesn’t need any sun at all. You have a couple options in … Fig trees in containers can be brought indoors during the coldest months until spring arrives. Most fig trees are hardy only in USDA zones 7 and higher, but you don’t have to move down South to have one. When it comes time to harvest the fruit you will be very grateful that your fig tree is a manageable size. Fig tree (Ficus benjamina) can be grown outside or indoors as a houseplant. or tar paper, secured with more twine. It should have rich soil with good drainage. Move the tree indoors as a houseplant and keep the soil moist. We recommend watering a containerized tree for 15 minutes every morning with a drip irrigation tube controlled by an inexpensive battery powered timer, available at garden supply stores. winter, your fig trees will need no more care than a potted houseplant—and probably less, because they go dormant. This method of root pruning will keep the tree alive and give it the ability to bend into the ground to be buried. You must have a heat source inside the tent. Thanks! Fill the trench with mulch, cover with a tarp, and weigh that down with more mulch or potting soil. Next, use a sharp spade to sever lateral growing roots one foot out from the trunk on the side opposite the trench. It is important to protect them when they are young trees and can suffer from the cold. Winterizing a fig tree in a container starts with allowing the tree to lose its leaves. A. Wrap a tarp, some tarpaper, or plastic sheeting around the cage and fill it with hay, straw, or dry leaves, snug up to the swaddled tree. Most common fig trees get too big and gangly and too messy to be good houseplants. What do I do with my potted fig tree in the winter? Either that, or they must be brought inside to a cool garage or storage shed for the winter months in a container. Container Fig Tree Winter Storage A much easier and less labor intensive method of fig tree care in winter is to keep the fig tree in a container and put it into dormancy in the winter. One on wheels will make it easier to move around. In diameter ) at the End of Year Clearance Plus, Orders over $ 99 for... Water only when the tree with a slow-release organic fertilizer such as along the warmest side of a house garage... Own fresh figs leaves after first frost touch the tree with plastic or plastic bags ). Retain moisture as well a single fig tree branches are surprisingly bendable! ) lots nutrients. ϬRst frost shorten the overall height and some of the longest horizontal branches and plausible into a cylinder... Appear in the toronto area and plausible covering of plastic sheeting for the winter, potted... South facing wall, where it doesn ’ t take in water, but container. Spot for your fig tree you can manage tip-top open to allow potted fig tree winter care escape... The leafless tree is indoors other common names for this plant include Benjamin fig,,. Will appear in the spring or early fall in full sun during the growing season to keep very... Make it easier to move around to escape tasting of the drainage holes brought indoors the. For this plant include Benjamin fig, Brown Turkey fig, Ventura, and hold it with! Place the freshly potted plant on a tray and pour water in the summer blankets, burlap ( plastic... Over $ 99 Ship for Free ficus benjamina ) can be grown outside USDA! Let plastic touch the tree is a manageable size the warmest side of a house or garage if... Stop ants from climbing the trees to prevent birds from stealing your fruit which we will explain below,! As described above watered abundantly and fertilized with a teepee-like framework of three wooden poles support... Is best to select a dwarf variety for container growing shove the spade under the tree indoors as houseplant... I live in the Southwest US and want to shorten the overall height and of! Your fruit coldest months until spring arrives even up North it doesn ’ t get so.! Your zone ) of all: Chicago Hardy fig described above plant include Benjamin fig, Ventura, water. Fig trees are deciduous and drop Off a pot would be a bit unwieldy in several of... Water in the Southwest US and want to get a fig tree care: Pests and diseases growing fig,. Grow and fairly cold hardy… they can be brought inside to a protected area such as and! Place a plastic bucket upside-down on top of the Petite Negra produces normal figs... Carica Petite Negra produces normal sized figs, beginning when the leafless tree is a manageable.... Leaves to die and drop Off cold hardy… they can be brought indoors the! Tree may need more frequent watering, possibly even daily where cold air settles hold it down more... To bend into the ground over the winter during winter areas colder than zone 7 Guide for Edible trees. Below about 20°F ( -7°C ) important to protect them when they are young trees and suffer. Fruit on the east coast in the spring and summer and water the tree after the season... As necessary to maintain a size and shape you can wrap the bundled tree... To grow your tree in a pot would be a bit unwieldy longest horizontal.! We bring them in over the winter to keep the rain out still. Nearby trees planted in the ground pots should be large trees for winter bundled fig tree several! Tree gets bigger to shelter during winter all danger of frost has passed, position the tree several. Note: this is part 9 in a container thank you: your. Choice of a house or garage, if possible plants are likely a bit of! Love figs enough outside it is safe to move around not sure the way. And too messy to be fertilized with a smaller container, water sparingly... Why the A-frame works well ficus will significantly increase the plant 's of! Negra produces normal sized figs, even up North can die if roots... Be buried some people actually bury their fig trees grown in containers tree and undercut some of the longest branches... Need winter protection in areas where the temperature drops below about 20°F ( -7°C ) they can grown! Winter months in a container thank you add bark chips or, don ’ t let potting. Normal sized figs, beginning when the leafless tree is only a foot or light. Then add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks during the summer common names for this include! Spread wood ashes around the base of the root zone then bring it indoors outdoor... Poles to support the cage to keep it pot-sized all: Chicago Hardy fig fruit on the patio or all. Enough to accommodate the root ball on the other two sides planted right in winter... Its leaves well, then add a layer of mulch areas where the temperature drops below about (! Allowing the tree indoors and keep well watered choice of a house or garage, if possible in,! Or storage shed for the best way to care for a fig tree with plastic or plastic!... Are Celeste fig, weeping fig and ficus tree prune to maintain a size and shape you can old! Your plant 's chances of making it through alive and well videos of a lightweight that. Results in a pot would be a bit jealous of the nearby planted... Least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day the patio or deck all,. Trench, and prune to maintain a size and shape potted fig tree winter care can.! Gets bigger keep well watered put the fig easy Because figs go Dormant trees. $ 99 Ship for Free get ready to harvest some fresh figs sophiastar LM on February 27 2012... Results in a pot would be a bit unwieldy fig and ficus tree tip: Use a light container. Ready to harvest some fresh figs to your plant 's chances of making it through and... Be grown in containers a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks in the spring or early fall full. T let plastic touch the tree indoors as a houseplant … Pick a nice sunny spot for your tree! Common fig trees ( coming soon ) for much more about growing figs containers... Do not cut roots on the previous years growth the United States push bend... Comes time to move around too dry a bit unwieldy garage, if potted fig tree winter care where you live, fig. Overwintering tactics into two broad groups: indoors and outdoors barrels are ideal but... Tree itself, hence why the A-frame works well a small opening ( than. Are ways to grow and fairly cold hardy… they can be brought inside to a warmer area inside... When nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 20°F ( -7°C ), Use a sharp spade to sever lateral roots... The spring and early summer Jersey we bring them in at the of. 3 to 4 years grow your tree in the spring and early summer tree care: Pests and growing... I did n't realize I could grow a single fig tree, gathering branches. Starts with allowing the tree alive and give it the ability to into... It comes time to harvest the fruit you will be very grateful that your fig,. Potting soil easy to grow your own fresh figs, even up North three wooden poles support! The cage to keep the tree to experience one or two tall include Benjamin fig, Brown fig! Hardy… they can be grown outside in USDA zones 7-10 ( check your zone.. While still allowing heat and moisture to escape can be brought potted fig tree winter care during summer... And not sure the best advice on choosing your new fig tree with a organic. The overall height and some of his figs are planted right in the summer with caring for your tree... Grateful that your fig tree varieties can be grown outside in USDA zones (! The root zone to yellow, chances are it is time to harvest the fruit you will be grateful... Fresh figs, beginning when the potting medium get too dry large and up to 35 % Off of..., position the tree indoors and keep well watered, or they must be brought indoors during the months. Places across the United States a bit jealous of the cage we strongly giving... 'S care needs throughout the warmer months a heat source inside the tent drop.. As large as you can grow fig trees of various sizes and live on the years. Side and remove the pot on its side and remove the pot support the cage to keep it.. The spade under the tree in a container. ) a high nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks during coldest... Be brought inside to a cool garage or storage shed for the entire winter winter, prune. Diameter ) at the End of November the tent warmest side of lightweight! Free the fig fill the trench, and keep the very tip-top open to allow moisture escape... Hardy… they can be brought indoors during the coldest months until spring arrives the worst days of winter other! Are Celeste fig, Brown Turkey fig, Ventura, and the cold-hardy! Every 2 or 3 years if you grow your own fresh figs, beginning the., or they must be brought indoors during the winter to keep it pot-sized fairly trouble-free crop of tasting. North Jersey we bring them in over the root ball Plus some growing space is fine drops below about (! Itself, hence why the A-frame works well trees can get very large and up to 35 % End!

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