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Ideal Fig growning Environement?

Hi,

I'm building a Solar Greenhouse and would love feedback from all you experts out there as to what the ideal temperature and humidity for figs in general would be.  I know there are different varieties all over the world in various ecosystems.  But if you had to pick for figs in general what would it be?

I'm excited to have a big FIG HOUSE and would love your suggestions and input to make it ideal for several varieties.

I'm in Zone 5 SE Iowa & have 20+ varieties and about 40-50 Chicago Hardy (because I knew they would work here: Lots of babies this year.) 

With the 40-50 that are 2+ yrs old (with the 7 gal and smaller pots)  I've been doing the fig shuffle. The ones in whisky barrels just stay in the garage til I know its safe for them.  They are loaded with figlets now.

We ate a couple Conadria this week!!! .

 

It does depend on the fig variety.  In general Looking at areas where figs grow well such as;  S. Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Cypres ... thery seem to like temps from 32F to  90F, rich soils or access to soil nutrients through cracks in the rocks and gravel.  Water only when they want it (winter to fill the water tables, spring and early summer for their growth).  Low humidity for best tasting figs and less splitting.
 
For my climate mt etna type figs (and a few others such as Dalmatie) grow best in ground with winter protection. 
Late ripening and cold sensitive figs prefer containers with attention to soil mix, nutrients, water and stored in a cool dark place for winter. 
 
A greenhouse is great to start plantlings and use it to extend the season for the late ripening figs.  But in the heat of the summer with my greenhouse hitting  >120F  the figs are outside and in winter with greenhouse approaching 0F they are stashed away in a safe insulated room. 
 
However there are people growing figs in greenhouses so hopefully they can give you some practical advice.
Good luck on your project!

Quote:
Originally Posted by SingingGardener
Hi,

I'm building a Solar Greenhouse and would love feedback from all you experts out there as to what the ideal temperature and humidity for figs in general would be.  I know there are different varieties all over the world in various ecosystems.  But if you had to pick for figs in general what would it be?

I'm excited to have a big FIG HOUSE and would love your suggestions and input to make it ideal for several varieties.

I'm in Zone 5 SE Iowa & have 20+ varieties and about 40-50 Chicago Hardy (because I knew they would work here: Lots of babies this year.) 

Trying to approximate a mediterranean climate sounds like a good idea.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_climate

I would think through:
1. Ventilation. Enough. Automatic.
2. Plant in pots or in ground? For tomato, I'd plant in pots to be able to swap the soil and avoid disease. For long-lived trees, I' be tempted to plant in ground.
3. How cold are your winters? Do you plan to heat during winter, or add extra insulation?
4. Adding some "thermal mass" might make sense if you have excess heat during the day (need to ventilate), but cold nights.
5. Certain diseases thrive in green houses (hot, humid, no rain, no wind).

-k

Temperature in a greenhouse depends on climate and greenhouse setup. You can only keep it so cool during hot sunny days. You need a setup that will maintain highs below 100F in mid summer. 90-100F is ideal. Nights will be the same as outside unless you heat at night. In SE Iowa that will be fine in summer. Heating to 60F in spring and fall will help lengthen the harvest season.

Humidity should be as low as possible at all times.

In SE Iowa I'd probably go with roll up sides and a heater to maintain 30F in winter and to warm nights in spring and fall.

THank you all for your thoughts.  These are very useful.  I'm building a style of Green house that will be highly insulated and have a cooling system.  I'll keep you posted as it progresses. 

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