Chicago Hardy fig tree - Ask Extension
Good morning!
Duluth MN I have a chicago hardy fig tree that has been indoors in a pot for two growing seasons. When I have taken it outside, the le...
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Chicago Hardy fig tree #929340
Asked April 23, 2026, 11:12 AM EDT
Good morning!
Duluth MN I have a chicago hardy fig tree that has been indoors in a pot for two growing seasons. When I have taken it outside, the leaves have shriveled rather quickly, leading me to guess that fig trees need shade. But I have read that fig trees do great in full sun.
Since I overwinter the tree indoors, does it just need to get used to the outdoors, lose all its leaves, and then regrow them?
Thank you.
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
When you move your Fig tree outdoors around the last frost date, you have to acclimate it gradually. Just give it an hour a day to start - not in full sun. You can gradually increase the time and amount of sun that it gets over the next two weeks.
Fig trees are deciduous o they will loose leaves and grow new ones.
https://extension.psu.edu/figs-in-the-home-garden.
