I live in midcoast Maine. Three years ago I purchased a dwarf fig tree, potted it and put it on the porch in the spring. It grew leaves, two vertical stems (y shape) and 1 fig which dropped off green in mid summer. Before frost, with leaves gone, I put it inside, watered it occasionally and it was dormant until late April when it sprouted leaves, two figs, but no branches. Again, on the porch it grew a few inches. After frosts I placed it outdoors. Leaves turned partially brown, then again green, some dropped off and new leaves grew. It dropped both figs, still green, in mid summer. During this winter I again brought it inside, watered it occasionally. In the third week of January, it sprouted, three figs began to grow. Plant has now grown 15 inches (no branches) and all three figs have dropped off. Seemingly very rapid growth. Can you explain what is happening, what to expect, and how to care for it? Thank you Norbnat
Sounds like it's having a hard time with temperatures there. Ideally it would be kept in the same sheltered, sunny location all spring and summer, then after the leaves dropped in fall being put into a cold and bright area where it will remain dormant but not be destroyed by severe freezing. Also needs enough air in storage to not be attacked by molds or bacteria (a problem to guard against in greenhouses that are closed up during cold weather).
Thanks for the response. Conditions here are pretty much as you have recommended. Nevertheless, there's been early sprouting, no branches, dropped unripened fruit. It's outside in the summer, inside in well ventilated room in winter.
Hello Your unknown variety fig tree may not be the right varity for your environments. If you do not have emotional attachment to this fig plant then you have to replace it or add another one that may be good for the north east. One such variety is Hardy Chicago. The closest nursery to check at is http://www.Figtrees.net/
Thanks for the link . It was exactly what I was looking for for the care of the figs that are presently covered with a tarp in an unheated garage.
