Potted Fig Bush

Question

Hello, I have a three year old fig bush that never really did well and produced very few, tiny figs. I replanted it in July because a friend told me the planter was too small. I am thrilled to say that my plant tripled in size and has loads of figs growing. However, because I replanted it in July I now have a thriving plant in September… I live in NJ and its getting cold at night. Any suggestions on how long I can leave it outside? Also the fruit also needs more time to mature. Should I bring it into my home now and hope it keeps maturing the fruit then let it go dormant a little later then normal? I’m so excited its doing so well but I’m scared I’m going to somehow ruin it! Help! 🙂

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for sending us your gardening question. Depending on your planting zone (see attached article), your fig tree can stay outside in zones 8 and above. Since New Jersey is not zone 8, you can roll it into an unheated, generally unlit area such as a garage. This will be enough to protect from freezes, but allow it to go into a necessary dormant period. As for the figs, try leaving them on the bush for as long as possible. A fig which has already started the ripening process will continue to ripen even off the tree, so a fig which is soft and full, but not as sweet and juicy as you might hope, will become riper if you leave it on your counter for a few days. A hard, green, sour fig on the other hand will not ripen on your counter, no matter how long you wait.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Fig Tree Container Planting: Tips For Growing Figs In Pots https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/growing-figs-in-pots.htm

Here are a couple of articles you might find helpful:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/new-jersey-planting-zones.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/growing-figs-in-pots.htm

Please let us know if you have any other gardening questions and happy gardening!

Thanks
Gardening Know How

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