Is it possible to grow a fig tree in ground in zone 5?
samuelforest
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
ingevald
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Is it possible to grow fruiting avocado trees in zones 6-7?
Comments (18)I have an accidental avocado tree growing outside (not in a pot) that has so far survived 4 winters in zone 6 and is now 7 feet high. I don't expect it to fruit, and I am very surprised every year when it leafs out. It is in a protected area right next to my house on the west, and just past it is an old fashioned well structure of the wishing well type but it is a real well with real water in the bottom. This house is of stone, built in 1925 and the walls at the bottom are close to 2 feet thick. The ground to the south falls away steeply, so cold air does not pool in this area. All of that probably has a lot to do with the survival of the tree. It has gotten down to zero F in the last couple of winters but that hasn't happened often or lasted more than one night. I have not done anything to protect this tree such as wrapping it. One of these winters the temperature will go down far enough that the tree won't make it. But, at this point it's an interesting anomaly. This is in the most southwest corner of Pennsylvania....See MoreIs it possible to grow fig tree in the ground in Zone 5?
Comments (39)Yes, any one can grow figs in ground in a zone 5, in the north. We have been able to grow them. We have been growing and testing for figs that can be grown in our zone 5b/6a location, for around ten years. We have in test plots or pots around 26 different figs, that are suppose to be cold hardy and or rare. After ten years of testing we found 3 figs that do very well in our zone 5b/6a Connecticut location, grown outside, in ground. In order to grow figs in a cold climate, you need more then just a fig that is cold hardy. You also need a fig that is rain resistant, when the fig is ripening. If not you will end up with all the ripening fruit exploding, just before they are ready to be picked A fig that is late winter/early spring, sun resistant. Your cold hardy fig might make it through the winter, only to be killed by late winter sun. A fig that will ripen early enough to beat your first frost. If it does not, you will end up with a lot of green figs, that never ripen. A fig that produces more then just a hand full of figs. That is if you want enough figs for fresh eating, fig wine, preserves, and so many you can share with your friends. A fig that is FMV resistant. Or at least a fig that can over come the disease if and when it is infected. If not the fig will never be cold hardy. A fig that can produce sweet figs even in cold northern soils. I can send to any one who request it, a list of northern climate, cold hardy figs we are testing, and the results of our testing. Along with the names of the only three figs that we recommend for main crop figs, for northern gardeners. We are still working on the best breba crop figs for the north. We have several that are showing a lot of promise. These three main crop figs, make growing figs in ground easy, and enjoyable in cold climates. We feel these three figs are more cold hardy then Hardy Chicago. If interested, send request for list to robertcharper@gmail.com Bob Harper zone 5b/6a - Conneticut...See MoreIs it possible to grow fig tree indoors under lights?
Comments (2)Depending on provenance (area from which the genetic material of the plant originated) some (but not all, varieties) of F carica can be grown indoors under lights all winter. That said, it's not likely that a tree that does well or is from genetic material that does well in your zone will tolerate a lack of a chill period and/or the indoor stay. Just growing the plant under lights may not be enough, and certainly, humidity should be a consideration. Plants that are grown in marginal conditions may be tolerating continual decline and showing a net loss in energy reserves during the duration of exposure to the conditions. A steady decline over winter can leave the plant weakened and with little in the way of energy reserves to fight off disease and insects. Forward thinking, advance now - further along in the growth cycle, should leave us with the general feeling that an indoor stay was not nature's intent, and that nature has honed the survival mechanisms of your tree over eons through natural selection. Short answer: You can probably make it work to varying degrees depending on the tree itself and your abilities to provide cultural conditions the tree would prefer, but your tree will assuredly show a greater gain in biomass (showing that it would be stronger and grow better) if you allowed it a period of dormancy followed by quiescence (more quiet/cool rest) until danger of frost is past and you can put the tree outdoors come spring. Al...See MorePlease name the top, in ground fig trees for Richmond, VA, zone 7a.
Comments (7)Billy, I have Marseilles White. Is it the Marseilles mentioned in the post you provided? Or could that be another Marseilles, like M. Black? I believe that Marseilles White was Thomas Jefferson's favorite fig tree, and I suspect it did well for him, in ground at Monticello in VA. Maybe it was winter protected or greenhouse grown. I would just like to know for sure if it will thrive for my niece in ground. There's nothing like failure to occur for a novice to consequently develop a, "I can't grow figs.", mind set. Moses...See Moresamuelforest
12 years agorobert_2007
12 years agoingevald
12 years agosamuelforest
12 years agol_james
12 years agosamuelforest
12 years agocomary
12 years agorobert_2007
12 years agoDan796
11 years agofignewbies
11 years agobaust55
11 years agofignewbies
11 years agotony_c_m
11 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 StoryFRUIT 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 StoryEDIBLE 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 StoryGARDENING 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 StoryGARDENING 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 StoryFALL 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 StoryEDIBLE 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 StoryHOUSEPLANTSPlay 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 StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Common Fig
A full form and delicious fruits make this Middle Eastern tree a favorite in gardens around the world
Full StoryGARDENING 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 StoryLeading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida
robert_2007