Potted Fig Tree in Colorado - Ask Extension
Hi, I have a small potted fig tree that I bought this spring and has done well outside. It has produced figs already in the first year, and I am hop...
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Potted Fig Tree in Colorado #214420
Asked September 26, 2014, 3:42 PM EDT
Hi, I have a small potted fig tree that I bought this spring and has done well outside. It has produced figs already in the first year, and I am hoping to keep it going for next year. It started dropping leaves, which seems normal for a deciduous tree. I plan to move it indoors once the weather starts to turn. Do you have any suggestions for when to move it inside and what to do when I do? Also, should I expect it to fully lose its leaves and go dormant indoors during the winter? If so, how often should I water it inside? Thanks.
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
The fig is losing leaves because it is going dormant. For the winter, you'll want to put it in a location that is cool and dry. The temperature should not drop below 20 degrees. Water the plant about once a month. When it's dormant period is over, you should start to see leafing. You can then move it to a warmer location, but don't set it out until after the last spring frost.
While the plant itself may be able to tolerate 20 degree temperatures, the roots won't. They will be killed when air temperatures reach the single digits. If you keep the plant in an unheated location, like the garage, you should insulate the root system by wrapping the container in some type of insulating material.
Good luck!
While the plant itself may be able to tolerate 20 degree temperatures, the roots won't. They will be killed when air temperatures reach the single digits. If you keep the plant in an unheated location, like the garage, you should insulate the root system by wrapping the container in some type of insulating material.
Good luck!
Thanks! We have an insulated attached garage and an unfinished basement. Which do you think would be better? The basement is cool and dry but would have at least some light. The garage would typically be the same but without light. Of course if the garage door were left open for a while, the temperature might drop pretty significantly. How cool should it be? The basement will be pretty consistent but I'm not sure if it will be cool enough. Thanks!
Light shouldn't be an issue because the plant will be dormant - at least, that is the goal. Your temps should be below 40 if possible. If the fig's roots are exposed to just a few minutes of single digit temps, (ie, when the garage door is open) I wouldn't expect that to be a problem. They will have some insulation from the soil and whatever you use to insulate them.
In this situation, work with what you have that comes closest to ideal. You may not have exactly ideal conditions, but it sounds like you'll be close.
Keep an eye on it as warmer temps arrive in the spring, watching for bud break, when you can move it to a different (lighted) area.
