Expert Response. Figs are not hardy enough to do well outside in Michigan. So you will need to grow them in pots so that you can move them to semi-protected sites in the winter–semi-commercial growers grow figs in poly houses where they can be protected from mid winter and spring low temperatures.
How far north can fig trees grow?
Hardiness – Figs are reliably cold hardy in zone 7 and southward. They can survive winter temperatures down to 15 to 20 degrees F. You can grow them north of zone 7 if you provide them with winter protection or grow them in containers that can be stored in a garage or basement.
Can fig trees survive snow?
Fig trees are tolerant of mild freezing temperatures, but extreme cold may kill the tree or damage it irreparably.
Will fig trees grow in the Midwest?
Considering their Middle Eastern and western Asian roots, fig trees (Ficus carica) are generally considered warm-climate plants. But our friends in the North and Midwest may rejoice, because you of colder climates need not be fig-less.
How many years does it take a fig tree to bear fruit?
three to five years
Harvesting Figs
Some varieties produce one crop of figs each year, while others produce two. Figs typically form on new stem growth each year and ripen months later. Most fig trees take three to five years to start ripening fruit.
How cold is too cold for a fig tree?
Fig trees tolerate more cold than many people realize. Mature, dormant plants can survive temperatures as low as 15° to 20°F—sometimes even colder—without damage. Hardiness in figs is not an exact science, though young plants are more tender than mature ones.
How do you winterize a fig tree?
Place containers in an insulated unheated preferably dark room, garage or cool basement. If the space is not dark, you can cover the figs. If you’re lucky enough to have an environmentally controlled greenhouse, you may not need to cover them. Water them monthly until just moist so the roots do not dry out completely.
Do you have to cover a fig tree in the winter?
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.
What temperature damages fig trees?
Figs thrive in areas where winter temperatures do not drop below 15° F. Young trees can be damaged by early fall frosts when the temperature is 25-27° F.
Where should I plant a fig tree in my yard?
Fig trees need a sunny spot in your yard that classifies as receiving full sun to partial shade. Fruit trees need as much sun as they can possibly soak in to produce the greatest amount of fruit; a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sun exposure is recommended.
Do deer eat fig trees?
Ever wonder if there was a fruit tree that deer didn’t adore? It exists, it is the fig. Deer for whatever reason don’t particularly enjoy waxy, latex sap. Figs are rarely damaged by deer.
Are figs frost tolerant?
Fig trees will tolerate a wide range of climates, but will fruit best in areas with a relatively dry summer and little to no frost during winter. Young trees are susceptible to frost and should be protected during their first and second winters. Once established, however, fig trees are frost hardy.
Are fig trees easy to grow?
Fig trees are fast-growing fruit trees that are rather easy to grow and care for. They can be grown outside in warmer climates or set in containers to be brought in during the cold of winter in colder climates.
Why did Jesus cursed the fig tree?
Mark uses the cursing of the barren fig tree to bracket and comment on his story of the Jewish temple: Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem when Jesus curses a fig tree because it bears no fruit; in Jerusalem he drives the money-changers from the temple; and the next morning the disciples find that the
Do fig trees need a lot of water?
Figs don’t like wet feet, so don’t water too often. Allow the tree to dry a bit between watering. Remember to water slowly and deeply; just don’t overwater. Every 10 days to 2 weeks is sufficient.
Why does my fig tree have no figs?
The most common reason for a fig tree not producing fruit is simply its age. Trees, like animals, need to reach a certain maturity before they can produce offspring. Fruit is how a fig tree creates seeds. If the fig tree is not old enough to produce seeds, it will also not produce fruit.
Does a fig tree lose its leaves in winter?
Answer: Environmental conditions indoors during the winter months are often rather poor. Low light levels, cold drafts, low relative humidities, and other environmental factors are stressful to plants. The stressful conditions may cause figs and other houseplants to shed a few leaves in winter.
Can you grow figs indoors?
Can you grow a fig tree indoors? The short answer is no. 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. 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.
How big do fig trees get?
15 to 30 ft tall
They can grow into large trees or shrubs from 15 to 30 ft tall, but severe pruning can restrict them to a manageable height because they tend to grow wider than taller. Figs can be cultivated as edible shade trees, summertime screens, and espaliered or container-grown specimens.
Do fig trees need frost protection?
In colder areas figs require winter protection; luckily they grow well in containers which is ideal where space is limited. These spend the summer outdoors and are overwintered in a cool, frost-free place.
How do you keep a fig tree small?
Figs can be kept small by pruning them as shrubs, allowing them to be grown in the smallest of backyard spaces—a boon for urban edible landscapers. The sap of certain figs can be a skin irritant, so be sure to wear gloves when pruning.