Thanks folks! Are there any pictures of fig trees out there? I'm trying to get an idea of what a "full size/fruiting tree" looks like. Again, my point of reference is with apple/peach/plum trees where I'm keeping the height down by pruning them. My goal is to be able to do all my work on them without a ladder (apples and figs). I know that a lot of people grow them in containers so I'm assuming those are smaller than the in-ground versions. But really, I'd love to see some photos of well managed fig trees so I can get an idea of where to put them and what they will look like in a few years. I'm thinking about putting some near a swimming pool and I'm wondering if that is a good idea or a horrible one. Thanks again, Bart

You can train is as a tree, or a bush. I keep mine as bushes. Makes the fruit easier to reach.

Hello RPAlbert from CT.... It would be far easier to answer your questions if you list your climate zone under your name, and perhaps your section of CT. Also, you haven't told us how you will be growing your tree(s). Do you plan on growing in containers, will you plant tree(s) in-ground, shade, full-sun, etc. All these factors need to be considered. If I was just starting out and looking for a great, first fig tree, you can't really do much better than a variety called "Hardy Chicago" aka "Chicago Hardy" aka 'Bensonhurst Purple". They are all the same fig. This variety has quickly become a taste standard and the flavor of other varieties are judged with this fig in mind. There are other rarer figs that rival this variety in flavor, but those can come later as you gain more experience growing figs, and, more importantly, keeping them alive over the years. I will guess your climate zone is 6-A/B. That's cold enough to kill off a fig tree that's not protected. This forum has tons of posted information on how to go about growing, and, over-Wintering a fig tree. Many growers from colder climates will store their containerized trees in unheated garages for protection. Of course, you can't do this with a tree planted in the ground. I urge you to read all the over-Wintering information that you can find. Growing a fig tree in the warm Summer is the easy part. Keeping them alive over the Winter is the trick. Do not be daunted by the learning curve. Fig trees are probably the easiest fruit-bearing trees that you can grow, and it bears figs on the current year's wood. You will have no problems growing figs, and soon you will be looking for more trees to add to your collection. If I may give some advice: Buy a tree that's near, or at, bearing age. You will pay more initially, but you will cut out at least two, or more years of waiting for a small, rooted twig, to become large enough to bear figs. Larger/older trees also are easier to over-Winter. Small recently rooted cuttings are tender, and need special care. Hope this helps. Ask questions, and the forum members will help you. You will be an expert in no time at all. Frank PS: Start with a "Chicago Hardy"...you can't go wrong with this variety for flavor and hardiness.

Anything will grow up there. You can't go wrong with a nice black mission fig or a black spanish fig. If you have the room, put in a Kadota fig, also. Either fig is a real taste treat just fresh off the tree. Both varieties are self fruiting (no wasps required). Let the Kadotas dry on the tree (and the missions, too, for that matter) and you will have world class dried fruit, taste wise. Buy your trees from good nursery that can vouch that the trees you are buying are what the say they are. FF