Growing trees is a long term deal. That the apple tree planted today needs to be cared for and looked after before it produces fruit for us. Fig trees, while they usually bear fruit sooner than most fruits, require this same care. Here in the Northeast we are right on the outer edge of most Fig trees hardiness zone. Growing figs in the Northeast requires a little extra winter care than say growing figs in the Southern US.
Winter Fig care is essential to your Fig trees producing large amounts of delicious fruit. If you are like us in zone 6 or higher you have two main choices of winter care. Potting your figs and bringing them inside for the winter or covering them with insulating items like blankets, leaves, and burlap. In this article we are addressing caring for potted figs.
Potted Fig Basics
With about a foot of snow on the ground caring for your potted figs can help bridge the gap from winter to spring. First off fig trees in pots should be brought inside before the weather stays below freezing for any extended period of time. For us that means into the 20s at night and usually occurs late November early December. Watch out for those sharp temperature drops at night, anything into the low 20s and teens can kill a potted fig.
Moving your Potted Fig
One of the reasons people outside of figs hardiness zone don’t grow them is moving the potted figs inside each year. Fig trees can get large and moving a large pot can be a real pain the the back! When your trees are small you won’t have much of a problem moving them. But after a few years of bigger pots and more tree and root growth moving them can be difficult. At that stage consider using a hand cart, dolly, or tree cart. All of these options will make quick work on moving day and save your back in the process!
Where to Put your Fig
Moving a fig inside can mean a lot of things. For most people it means putting their tree in a garage, basement, or barn. Any unheated space can work provided it stays close to or above freezing. We use our garage instead of the barn because it’s closer to where we keep the figs in the summer. We also go into the garage several times a week so we will notice if something is off. Keeping them in close proximity to where you travel frequently will help you remember they need a little TLC during the winter.
Your potted fig tree will go dormant over winter. It is normal for them to drop their leaves. Any unripened fruit left on the tree will most likely also drop from the tree. Removing the fruit with sharp pruners also works.
Winter Fig Care
Now that your Fig is inside for the winter the work is done, right? Not exactly. A few easy steps will keep your Fig healthy and ready to produce came spring time.
First, lightly water your Fig a few weeks after bringing it inside. You don’t want the soil and roots to completely dry out. Nor do you want them become waterlogged either.
A light watering every month or two is all you need to keep your potted fig happy each winter. We typically water our figs twice per winter, or about once every 6 weeks-two months.
Another factor to consider is the pot size in relation to the tree roots. Did you know Fig roots have been known to grow crazy lengths (over 100 feet)! This means you are either going to need a massive pot or you will have to prune the roots of your Fig.
Root Pruning
Root pruning your fig sounds intimidating but it really isn’t that difficult. When your Fig tree is dormant carefully remove it from the pot. We use a large sheet or painters tarp to catch the soil so it doesn’t spill all over the garage.
With sharp pruners cut the main roots back by approximately 30%. Depending on how large your tree and pot is and when, if ever your trees roots have been pruned you might need to increase this percentage. If your roots are circling the bottom of the pot it’s time for a bigger pot and a healthy root pruning!
Return the tree and soil back to the pot. Stand it up straight, the tree might need some support. Tap the soil down firmly, to compress the soil and roots. Give a tree some water and again tap down the soil. This will eliminate any air pockets that could dry out your tree roots. Consider adding fresh soil, compost, or fertility to your pot. Unlike nature your potted tree is relying on your to give it everything it needs.
Spring Time
Your tree is ready! You pruned the roots, refreshed the soil fertility, and sized up your pot. Once the threat of hard frost has passed its time to bring out your figs. We typically wait until night time low temperatures are in the mid 30s which can happen in April sometime.
Your dormant fig will gradually awaken with the warmer temperatures. Remember to water them on a regular schedule again, not let your soil dry out. We typically stop watering when you can see a little water run out of the bottom of the pot.
Depending on the variety figs can ripen in about 80-100 days. Meaning on certain years you can except ripe fruit around mid summer.
Figs can actually produce two sets of crops. If the timing is right you might be able to get two batches of fruit from the same tree! For us it is rare to get two crops as the timing has to be just so but it has happened!
Looking to add a fig tree or two to your yard or farm? Check out our shop with easy to grow fig trees.
Are you growing fig trees at your house? If so we would love you hear about your experiences. Leave a comment and start the discussion.