Potted Fig Tree

Question

I purchased a fig tree at a farmers market in July. It is growing nicely on the patio and still has some fruit (it’s about 3 ft tall). I live in Fayetteville, NC. Do I need to bring it inside for the winter?

Answer 1

While this mainly depends on the type you have, potted plants are generally treated differently in winter, usually a zone lower. Therefore, bringing it indoors is a safer bet that it will survive winter. While your area is not generally prone to really bad winters, if it is kept outdoors, I would place it near the home and add some mulch (or even wrap it) for winter protection.

When placing indoors, allow it to go dormant. Once the weather turns cold, stop watering the tree and place it in a cool, but not cold, dry, mostly dark place. Closets, attached garages and dry basements work well. The tree will lose its leaves. Water it about once a month until spring returns. Take it outside and resume normal watering and it will pop back to life.

For additional information, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/fig-cold-protection.htm