• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Getting-Fig-Through-the-Winter.jpg

Getting Fig Through the Winter

I live in zone 4 so I brought my dwarf fig tree indoors for the winter, and some of the leaves have turned brown and fallen off. Why did this happen? Also, will it bear figs indoors? Please give me advice on how to care for it. 

Keeping a fig actively growing indoors for the winter is difficult.  Many northern gardeners opt to let their plants go dormant.  After the first light frost of fall they move the plants to a cool area where the temperatures remain above 20 degrees.  Additional protection is needed and plants may die if temperatures go lower.  Figs do best and suffer less root rot when grown in drier soils. Water only often enough to keep the unfrozen soil damp not wet.  Finding a suitable overwintering location is difficult.  Most of our basements are too warm and unheated garages in the far north may get too cold.  You may want to set out a recording thermometer this winter to evaluate potential overwintering locations for next year.  In the mean time grow your fig in a full sun location.  Supplement with artificial light and water only when the soil starts to dry.  Over watering is the biggest killer of figs growing indoors.  Gradually move the plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Figs typically bear two crops a year.  The spring crop is often damaged by late spring frost on plants wintered outdoors in northern areas.  Those wintered indoors may or may not set fruit.  The second and main crop forms on new growth.  I have met quite a few northern gardeners who have successfully raised fig plants and harvested a late crop of fruit.

Related

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW