plant has leaves should I put it outside?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hey guys, I ordered and just received a baby Chicago fig tree. The tree has leaves but we are still in the middle of winter and the temperatures has been in the 40's every day. We may have even colder days ahead in march. Can I put the tree outside or should I leave it indoors until it's warm enough outside?

Featured Answer

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Yes, don't allow the soil to get soggy.

As to awaiting last frost I wouldn't wait that long. You could start hardening it off immediately by putting the tree out in a sheltered spot during the day for brief periods if the temperature is in the high forties. I'd start with an hour or so and build up over a few weeks to its being outside all day and coming in only at night.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

Tootsie
6 years ago
Keep it inside until the possibility of frost has passed, probably April or May. Don’t put in direct sunlight outside. It will burn!
Embothrium
6 years ago
Put in coolest and brightest possible area while still in house, then plant outside with a piece of plywood or other source of shade propped up securely next to it - to produce a shadow from which it can grow out from inside of and into the direct sun
Related Discussions
How early can I put plants outside?
Q
Comments (4)
You can get cheap fluorescent fixtures at places like Wal*Mart for as little as $8.99 w/2 40w bulbs. All the plants you mentioned are heat lovers. You can't put them outside in the daytime until it's at least in the 60s, 70s are better. To leave them out all night it has to be in the mid to high 50s, 60s are better. This is from my personal experience.
...See More
Should I leave minis outside?
Q
Comments (1)
They would probably be okay, but it wouldn't hurt them to bring them in for the night so I would do that instead of take the risk. I think this advice is coming late though since it looks like your post was from yesterday.
...See More
New gardener wondering when I can put plants outside?
Q
Comments (1)
work backwards from May 9 and begin hardening them off a week earlier - so I guess you out to have started earlier this week. Just protect them from wind and strong sun. That's it. you can use any forms of protection for as long as you don't block sunligh.
...See More
Pure Heart is putting out solid green leaves now - what should I do?
Q
Comments (2)
Just some leaves. The older leaves are still variegated.
...See More
stuartlawrence (7b L.I. NY)
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks. How often should I water it while it's indoors? Should I wait for the soil to dry out?
0
cecily
6 years ago
What Floral said. We recently purchased a Chicago Hardy also & our baby has emerging leaves. It goes out each morning and in each night. The dance will continue until nights are in the 40's.
0
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
go figure.. there is a fig forum .... i have no clue how active it is ...

after the stress of all this.. im wondering if you might not be better off keeping it potted for this summer ... and either planting it in fall ... or next spring ... I DONT KNOW ...

im thinking.. if there is extreme stress in shipping and keeping it indoors .. when it barely gets over that ... you will want to bare root it.. and plant it .. fully leafed out .. which is another severe stress .. etc ...

maybe its different with figs ...

whats its current status regarding pot ... i might also heal it into a larger pot.. if its in some tiny little greenhouse pot .... how about a pic ...

trees need a drink.. and then near drying before the next sip ... do NOT water it like a water loving houseplant ... unless you repot it ... but even then...

ken
0
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
I agree with floral and cecily - no need to wait for last frost before taking outside or planting. That really has nothing at all to do with planting hardy woodies. You can plant out as soon as your soil is workable but also after a suitable period of acclimation that gradually increases its exposure to outdoor conditions.
0
Embothrium
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Depends on just how advanced it is relative to likely outdoor conditions there in USDA 7. If it has been brought on early by being under cover it will not be the same as if a plant that was already outside had started making a spring growth, at the normal time for that area. Even with the overwintering of potted trees and shrubs in mostly unheated plastic tunnels in suitable climates there is an annual problem with the sun warming these structures late in winter, causing the stock to start growing too soon for outdoor planting while frosts are still occurring.
0
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
I was assuming it had been brought on given that it is said to be in leaf already. That's why I described very gradual hardening off.
0
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
6 years ago
Fig leaves are very tender. New leaves even more so. This plant cannot endure even the slightest frost. In zone 7a, it's probably not safe until May. But setting it outdoors in the warmer parts of the day, if in mild spell is probably good. I have one in the garage that is doing the same thing. But I don't always have the time in the morning to attend to my hobbies! Kids.
0
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
They withstand frost perfectly well here!! In fact, any number of established fig trees are currently budding out and we have been below freezing at night multiple times in the last two weeks.
0
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
6 years ago
Folks, this tree has been indoors and is leafing out. It is not hardened off.
0
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
That is why I described how to harden it off slowly. My point is that inside a house is not the best place for a fig and that it is not necessary to wait for last frost before introducing it to outside. I am not advocating unpacking a precociously leafed out fig and sticking it straight out into the garden.