Can fig trees thrive in cold climates?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Fig trees can thrive in cooler environments. The key is to select cold-hardy varieties such as Chicago Hardy or Celeste. Cold-hardy fig trees can survive cold temperatures down to about -10°F (-23°C) and can do extremely well with sufficient care. I have grown figs in Zone 5, by planting against a south-facing brick wall that maintains the warmth of the sun until nightfall.
Winter Protection
- Wrap trunks with burlap when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C)
- Pile 6+ inches of straw mulch over roots before first frost
- Use thermal blankets during polar vortex events
Soil & Planting
- Plant in raised beds to improve drainage and soil warmth
- Mix 40% compost into clay soils to prevent root rot
- Bury graft unions 4-6 inches deep to protect from freezing
Establish microclimates in your landscape to stretch your growing season. Stone walls facing the south will absorb heat during the day and radiate that heat at night for hours. I have noticed a temperature range of 8°F (4°C) as compared to open backyards. If you start your potted figs, group them and surround them with barrels of water for thermal mass.
Be strategic with your pruning. You want to remove 40% of new growth in late summer to begin to harden off the remaining branches before winter. Don't fertilize after July to prevent tender shoots that may not lignify before frost. A neighbor lost three trees when he put nitrogen on them in August because they grew tender branches that had no chance.
Timing changes depend on a zone's coldness. Breba types can ripen 2-3 weeks after southern growers tend to harvest. In terms of main crop types, look for varieties that will set fruit early. My Violette de Bordeaux variety will get ripe figs starting in late August in Michigan, more than enough time before the first frost.
Read the full article: How to Grow Figs: Expert Tips for Thriving Trees
