Hey, Plant Fanatics! Welcome to another article of Plant Fanatics. My name is Chad, owner of the American Fig Company and Plant Fanatics. Today, we're diving into an exciting topic: how to grow cold-hardy figs. This guide will help you grow figs even if you live in colder climates like zones six or seven. Ready? Let's get started!
The Basics of Growing Cold-Hardy Figs
Understanding Winter Die-Back
One of the questions I get asked a lot is, "How do you grow figs in such cold climates?" Well, it's all about managing winter die-back. Every year, we cut our fig trees back to about one to two nodes above the ground. Then, we cover them with leaves or mulch. This helps to keep the roots warm through the winter, which is crucial for their survival.
"If you live in zone eight and up, then this is not something you will ever have to worry about because your figs will grow like a tree, like they're supposed to."
However, for those of us in colder zones, the top growth will die back anyway. So, what we're doing is just facilitating that process by cutting them back and adding mulch.
Why Your Fig Tree Might Not Be Fruiting
If you've been trying to grow figs in a colder climate and aren't getting any fruit, it might not be your fault. Some fig varieties don't ripen fast enough to bear fruit in shorter growing seasons. But don't worry, there are specific varieties—many of which we offer at the American Fig Company—that produce fruit in a very short growing season.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Variety
It's crucial to choose the right variety of fig if you want to see fruit in a cold climate. Some figs are touted as cold-hardy but may not produce fruit reliably. A good example is the Celeste fig.
While the Celeste fig is beautiful and grows back every year, it's not a reliable fruit producer in zones five, six, and seven. So, when talking about cold-hardy varieties, we're focusing on those that can survive winter die-back and still ripen figs in a short growing season.
Recommended Cold-Hardy Fig Varieties
Let's walk through some excellent cold-hardy fig options that are both resilient and productive.
Northwest Arkansas Unknown
This fig has earned its name because its exact variety is unknown. It’s a black fig with a rich, delicious taste that produces well in a short season.
Long d'Aout
This fig is a reliable producer every year. If you're looking for a dependable option, Long d'Aout is an excellent choice for cold climates.
Unknown Spadafora
This variety is another gem—unknown because many figs brought to the U.S. by immigrants don't have specific names. Unknown Spatiphora produces a tasty berry fig, making it a top choice.
Red Italian
The Red Italian fig is another excellent option. While we haven't propagated it widely yet, it's a cold-hardy variety that you should consider.
Sweet Diana
This green fig is very sweet and comes back reliably every year, even without mulch. It's a beautiful tree with lush leaves and great-tasting fruit.
Boston Unknown #12
Touted as one of the most cold-hardy varieties, Boston Unknown Number Twelve might not always retain its top growth, but it delivers big, tasty figs quickly.
Violet de Bordeaux
One of my personal favorites, Violet de Bordeaux, is a berry fig that is both very cold-hardy and highly productive. If you don't have it, make sure to add this to your fig collection.
Texas Everbearing
Texas Everbearing is well-known among fig enthusiasts. It's a unique, cold-hardy fig with a brown sugar, oatmeal taste. Plus, it grows vigorously even after winter die-back.
LSU Purple
Though not typically known for being cold-hardy, LSU Purple has performed exceptionally well for me, producing figs every year.
DahRouge
This newer addition to our collection has quickly become a favorite. It's an intense berry-flavored fig that produces plenty of fruit. Though still a young tree, it’s already showing great potential.
Unknown Ashberry Black
If you've followed us for a while, you know this is my favorite fig. Highly reliable and intensely berry-flavored, it's a top producer and simply a joy to grow.
"I eat so many of these every year. I love it. So I highly recommend this one."
Conclusion
Growing figs in cold climates is absolutely possible if you take the right steps and choose the right varieties. Always remember to cut your figs back, mulch them well, and select varieties that are known to perform well in shorter growing seasons.
For more information and to get your hands on some of these fantastic varieties, visit the American Fig Company. We're constantly updating our stock, so if you see something sold out, make sure to sign up to the email list to be the first to know when it's back.
5 comments
What would be the best if any figs to plant in ground in Minnesota. I’m zone 4, but real hot and humid summers so feels like zone 5 I’d think.
Some of my propagated figs still in cups are getting brown patches on leaves and some are disformed. Cause??
Some of my propagated figs still in cups are getting brown patches on leaves and some are disformed. Cause??
I move here from north central Arkansas I had figs at my home in Brockwell, Ar they died back every year but by the fourth year they started producing fruit. I knew nothing about growing figs and still don’t know a lot. I was told to plant them on the south side of the house. I have planted two here in Farmington. I’m sure they are probably brown turkey figs. Not sure if I will ever see fruit but I’m going to try your advice this year and cut them back and mulch them. I plan to buy some of your varieties. Since I live in Farmington do I need to have them shipped. Thanks, Emily. PS I to have always been fascinated with figs.
I’m growing one of your white Marseille figs in A large pot. Should I cut off the shoots coming up from the roots and let it be more like a tree or leave it as a bush type plant this is the first year I’ve grown it.