I have a fig tree that I planted in a container because I was told that if it wasn't protected, it wouldn't make it through the first year. Although it is sitting near a double glass door, it is not getting direct sunlight, so I'm sure the fruit that is on it will not ripen. Does the tree have to go dormant to be able to produce fruit next year? I can remember my grandfather wrapping his tree with tar paper and enclosing in a wooden structure. My plan was to move the tree into the garage for the winter (non-heated) so it would be away from the severe cold (I live in southwestern PA), and then if it survived the winter, plant it in the spring. Since it will stay protected from the severe cold, Do I still have to cover the tree or will it go into dormancy without being covered? Do I have to remove the fruit that has not ripened? Do I still water the tree over the winter? Any insight into the care of this tree would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Try the Fruit and Nut Tree forum for info, or http://www.figtrees.net/ I would say wrap it and don't water it. Might as well remove the unripe fruit. Why not?---Takes me back to my childhood days on Long Island---driving past all the houses with these weird wrapped projections in their yards, each with a bucket on top...finally worked up courage to ask what they were!
Thank you so much! I checked out the site and it offers the information I need. My memories include pictures of us playing in the yard around a structure that my friends refered to as the 'outhouse' because my grandfather used four old doors and a flat roof to protect the tree. We didn't need the bucket on top as it was nailed together and very sturdy. Thanks again!
One word of caution. I also had a containerized fig tree, and for the trees protection I over wintered in a unheated garage. During the winter I foolishly did not water the tree, and because of this mistake, the tree died. Even though the tree is dormant the root system still requires some water. Do what you wish, I am just relating what happened to my dry-dry dead-dead fig tree. - Millet
Fig trees do need about a month of winter chill. If your January weather is really severe, put the tree out in February for a month. Ideal chill temps. are from 33-50 degrees f. (centigrade you will need to calculate). Watch out for spider mites indoors. I just grow mine outdoors against the house.
2lions - checkout 2 popular fig websites : a. Encanto Farms b. Garden Web, Figs4Fun Lots of info & active forum
