Is it possible to grow fig tree in the ground in Zone 5?
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (39)
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
Related Discussions
Figs in zone 5
Comments (32)I'm sorry I was slow to respond, but it looks like Tonytran had the same experience I did and my figs look just about exactly the same size as his (both the plant and the fruit). As for whether they will ripen or not, I just don't know. I have had 3-4 ripen already, but they seem to be odd-balls since the vast majority of my fruits are still a little larger than marbles. My season, by the way, is about 6 months or so....the last frost is usually in mid April and the first frost usually in mid-October. I am in middle Tennessee, btw. I uncovered my Chicago hardy figs in mid April and they appeared completely dead. I cut the dead wood back to about 8 inches up from the ground, at which point I saw a little green so I stopped. Nothing happened for like a month or so (which makes their eventual growth and fruit more amazing) but then it slowly started to grow back. It grew slowly until around July, then took off and put out fruits as it grew. Its now about 4 foot tall and has lots of small green fruit. Again, my situation sounds and looks very much like Tonytrans, so I guess it isn't THAT unusual after all. BTW....the 10 new figs I planted THIS YEAR are about 3 feet tall and also have a good deal of fruit. They aren't nearly as thick in fruit or brush as the ones that are 3 year old re-starts after winter kill. If you have other questions let me know....See MorePlanting Figs in ground zone 5 Ohio
Comments (13)Joe, Just read some of your questions. A five gallon bucket might be a little too small. Sooner or later it will hold your trees back. Better to convert a 18-gallon storage tub by adding drainage holes along the bottom SIDES of the tub, and fill it with a quick draining mix. Plant your tree in this, and you will be good for 4-5 years. Containerized trees MUST have there roots pruned every 3-5 years, and potted back up with new growing mix. You can still use the original, 18 gallon container indefinitely, as long as it is in good condition. Home Depot sells these storage tubs for less than $10.00. They are also straight-sided, so, take up less room when storing. If you group four containers together into a square, a fifth container can be stacked on top where all four corners come together. Saves space. (Use a dolly to roll the trees around. Dollies prevent hernias). An unheated garage will probably be warmer than outside, and the killing, drying, winds will not be a problem. Try to do whatever it takes to avoid the deep, hard freezing around containerized roots. Maybe a thermostatically controlled heater can come on just to keep the trees above freezing....heating cables around the tubs...small light bulbs under each tub...large cardboard boxes, inverted over each tub will hold/trap residual warmth from the cement floor...etc. It depends on how many trees you will plant to store. Even very low-wattage Christmas lights woven around the tubs will help with the warmth, and only costs a few cents a month to use. When growing season arrives, you can place the containerized trees into a shallow hole, container and all, and pile mulch up the sides of the containers. Roots will eventually grow out of the SIDE HOLES of your tubs, then into the ground. Your trees will love the extra, root room in the cool soil. You can run a sharp spade down and along the sides of your tubs when it turns cooler, and time to store the figs in the garage once again. If you drill drainage holes into the flat, bottom section of the tub, wandering roots will be impossible to sever with a spade without a lot of back-breaking digging. Growing your fig trees will be easy. Keeping them alive, and undamaged, from year to year, not so much. You will be able to do it without any problems if you plan for the harsh winters. Your unheated garage will be an asset, and will save your trees. Grow in containers and do the "fig shuffle". Bring trees into, and out of, storage like many other fig fanatics. Like I said....Zone-5 Ohio ain't sunny, Greece. Good luck. Frank...See MoreGrowing Figs Outdoors All Year in Zone 5?
Comments (6)Vince.... You are lucky that rooted twig wasn't completely killed off. You cannot grow a fig, in-ground, through Zone-5 winters without taking a great deal of precautions to keep the roots, and wood from freeze damage. There are some on this forum who grow successfully in your climate, but most either completely bury, and heavily mulch their trees, or, grow them in large containers, and overwinter them in a cool shed/garage. Your tree is native to Zones 9-11 Mediterranean climates...so, your Zone 5 climate doesn't even come close to those conditions. Your tree will most likely die back completely to the roots each year, if, you are lucky...and have to re-grow new branches each season. It will always struggle to keep alive. Forget what the plant label says...your tree will be challenged each winter...and all you need are some really bad conditions, and then Vince will no longer have a tree to worry about. Zone 5 Chicago, is not like the sunny-drenched hills of Italy. Search this forum for overwintering in containers, and in-ground trees, and get an idea of what conditions you must provide for your tree so that it may live to see another day. Good luck. Frank...See MoreI'm done growing in ground Fig trees
Comments (13)I just bought 2 figs off an older Italian gentleman... the guy is a guru on figs.. we are in Z5a (north of toronto) and he insisted that it is pointless to plant figs in ground in cold climates... he has absolutely gorgeous fruit-laden figs of all kinds growing in pots, some very large... he keeps his pruned low (no more that 6' or so) and shared a wealth of info for keeping them going... he puts them in a greenhouse in winter where temps are kept just above freezing. One thing he shared that was very interesting is that potted figs produce more fruit that in ground figs. In fact, he sends pics "back home" to his relatives in southern Italy and they cannot believe how many figs his potted plants produce....See MoreRelated Professionals
Montgomeryville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Maple Heights Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Elgin Landscape Contractors · East Hanover Landscape Contractors · Mount Sinai Landscape Contractors · North Chicago Landscape Contractors · Boise Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Jackson Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Albany Fence Contractors · Monroe Fence Contractors · Pennsauken Fence Contractors · San Mateo Fence Contractors · Waunakee Fence Contractors · Saratoga Springs Fence Contractors · Castaic Fence Contractors- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 12 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
Full Story
FRUIT TREESHow to Grow Your Own Persimmons
Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow Your Own Luscious Cherries
Nope, they’re not the easiest fruit to grow. But with spectacular blossoms and pies as possibilities, cherries are sure worth a try
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGrow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees
Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESYes, You Can Grow an Edible Garden on a Hot, Dry Site
Difficult garden spots don’t need to deter you from planting trees, herbs and other delicious food plants
Full Story
FALL GARDENING5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers
Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow Your Own European and Asian Pears
Try these trees for their good looks, delicious fruit and wide range of sizes — plus you can espalier them
Full Story
HOUSEPLANTSPlay Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Tune
Strike a dramatic chord in a minimalist scene or a country note in a rustic setting — fiddleleaf fig plants harmonize with any style
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Common Fig
A full form and delicious fruits make this Middle Eastern tree a favorite in gardens around the world
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESYes, You Can Grow Food in a Shady Yard
Your shady garden doesn’t have to be forever barren. Berries, herbs and other shade-loving plants can produce a delicious bounty
Full StorySponsored
More Discussions
massimo