Hi, I could use some help in deciding what to do with some of my figs.  They are in my fig cellar. (40-45 degrees F.) I live South of Buffalo, NY.  Some were starts this past Spring and some were purchased plants.  I got lots of figs from them-thanks to the great posts from all of you. (Thank you Herman for pinching  info!)  They dropped their leaves this fall and I moved them into the "fig cellar."  They have all stayed nicely asleep---except for the Alma, Excell and both LSU Golds.  They have refused to stay asleep. These varieties have sprouted new growth that has no pigment.  The little Brebas are starting to grow too.  It is cream colored growth because they are in the dark.  I know that these 4 trees are expending energy by sprouting.  I am worried about these trees losing energy by sprouting now and not resting a bit.  They are all 1st. year starts and are the ones that have not fruited for me yet.  The growth is not too spindly yet.  Do I cut this growth off? or bring the 4 trees into the warmth of my house? The Excell was a vigorous grower, shot up to five feet tall this season.  The Alma is a little 14" tree and the LSU Golds are both three footers.  All suggestions are appreciated.  This has not happened ever before.  I have been storing other plants in the cellar for many years without this type of problem occuring.  I have an older BT that has always stayed dormant in this cellar.

Thanks, Eve, zone 6, NY  

Hey Eve,

I have rooted plants that were cuttings this spring that are doing the same thing. I seem to remember Jon mentioning on this site somewhere that its normal for 1st year plants to  occasionally hang onto their leaves for dear life. My greenhouse seems to be hovering around 35 to 40F and those little trees still have leaves but no new growth. I have a couple inside and they're doing fine. If they get a little leggy I'll pinch them but so far no sign of that being necessary. I'd say that you should bring your plants inside and put them in a south facing window so that they can get as much sun as possible. Next year they will sleep.

Good luck,
Little John

What little John said.
Same has happened to me in previous years and this year as i did get a few new ones and they refused to go dormant when the elders did but i brought them in garage regardless.
I tell ya when the cold set in good they learned there lesson several weeks after the elders and shivered good and lost there leaves with less light and good ole fashion chicago chill.