I was given a potted fig tree this summer, and now that it is getting very cold up here in Southern Ontario, I have brought it inside to be free from frosty nights that are definately upon us.

I have been reading about these trees as I love figs to eat, I love the leaf span of these trees, and I hear they self propogate easily.

BUT .... I live in a zone 4, a frigid winter land for about 5 months of the year, at least. Ground freezes and temps are a usual of minus 10 celcius to a minus 20 celcius constantly during the winter.

Anyway, I have it front of my westerly faceing window in my living room.

It has since done just like all the other trees in my yard, turned colour and dropped its leaves.

Question: Is this normal for a Ficus of this strain?

Where should I overwinter my Ficus for my winter? (I do have a dark cooler basement area)

Would putting it into darkness and letting it go dormant be ok for this plant? Can I leave it as that until my spring weather comes back?

In a zone 4, could I plant it outside in a sheltered area and hope that it would be fine come the next spring growth, or would I literally be killing this plant?

Yes, we get snow, lots of it, a below freezing temperatures for a whole 4 - 5 month season.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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cece

Hi Cece,

Ficus carica is hardy to 12*F to 15*F if fully dormant. If your temperature stays in the -10*C [=14*F], your brown turkey fig will be okay, but not at -20*C [=-4*F].

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It has since done just like all the other trees in my yard, turned colour and dropped its leaves.

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Yes, it is normal for the leaves to turn yellow and drop about this time. The tree is preparing for dormancy.

The fig tree is well suited in containers. I have 7 fig trees in 17" to 22" plastic pots. I have the Black Mission and Green Kadota.

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Anyway, I have it front of my westerly faceing window in my living room.

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I think that you can leave it there until spring. It needs only 300 hours of chilling.

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... and I hear they self propogate easily.

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They are easily propagated from dormant hardwood cuttings. Choose a one-year old, fully mature shoots 3/8" to 5/8" in diameter and 8 to 12 inches long. Stick it upright in the soil, leaving one node exposed.

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