This winter while visiting my brother in law I noticed that he had a small potted fig tree in his kitchen by a sunny window. It was Christmas time and this little tree looked so green and healthy. I live in NY so I am not used to seeing fig trees in the winter......so against my better judgement I decided to take three of my potted figs out of dormancy and try to give them an early start. I put them in my window around the middle of January. They are all young trees that were cuttings 2 years ago, about 2 feet tall. Well, they greened up beautifully and soon I couldn't see out my living room window.....my wife was not happy! The trees are still green but just not as vibrant looking. I have taken them outside on warmer days, say around 50 degrees, for a few hours here and there.....they did not seem to like it. The leaves yellowed and wilted but then perked up again after I took them inside. My question.......have I doomed my fig trees or is there hope for them? It's going to be in the 70s today and the next few days.....safe to leave them out to harden? Thanks in advance.

Carmine

Carmine - most of us are in similar boats and your not doomed. Put them out in shady area outside, no direct sun for a week or 2 and then start transitioning them to early sun then more and more. They are probably in shock getting all that nice UV rays. They could also be drooping due to humidity, is your house really humid?

They should be fine, alot of people i know in NY/NJ have just put their plants out for good this weekend, including myself. So your on the right track. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks Matty for the quick reply. These trees are cuttings from my father's fig tree in Bensonhurst and I'd hate to lose them. Would you keep them inside at night or just leave them out at this point?

You can leave them out at night at this point.
Matt's advise is solid. Don't rush this transition.

They're not doomed; it's just gonna take time to harden them off. Start them in a shaded location (full shade to dappled sunlight, maybe North side of house... if you have no shade start them with only an hour of early morning or evening sun). Avoid the high UV hours for now, because they can sunburn really easily at this point. Give them a week before adding more time in the morning or evening sun. Keep adding more time and stronger sun as they adjust. Also protect them from strong wind. I have an easier time hardening off the trees that grew under fluorescents, because the natural light is quite weak in New England during the winter. You just need to go slow either way... and use the light and shade you have to your best advantage. At worst, if you move too fast they sunburn and lose leaves. That'll set them back, but if you are in a short season area of New York the gains could still well outweigh that temporary setback. With a little practice winter growing can give young cuttings a big advantage in cold climates. I don't think I would attempt a tree of the size you mentioned without strong fluorescent lighting though, as it could get leggy otherwise. Best of luck!

Edit: ahhhh Matt beat me to it. Hehe.