Hi Everyone,

I was planning to plant my figs in ground for the most part. But now I notice people not doing that right away, they seems to wait several years, then plant them in ground. I would appreciate any advice. I am talking about figs that are known to be locally hardy.


Donna
Philadelphia Zone 7

Wish List: that my current figs sticks grow and prosper,
and that I don't kill the starts the generous members have afforded me

Great question.  I am wondering the same.

Generally I would say grow them on in pots for at least a year, then plant in ground. I have deviated from this a couple times with success, but it is risky

I would think it depends on where you live. I get away with it here because of our mild winters, but agree with BLB in that it's risky --- especially in colder zones. I know many people recommend 1 gal, 2-3 gallon, to 5 gallon before it is planted. Maybe others from your area will chime in.

Hi Donna,
Like everyone else, a lot depends on all kinds of things: type of soil, where you plant, fig variety, whether you are up to covering the tree in the Fall, etc. I've had great success with in-ground Hardy Chicago that I planted two years ago. I planted close to our house, southeast side, protected by brick chimney nook and this tree has done really well. I did build a cage around it and bury it with leaves both winters. So, if you have one of these 1gallon fig trees from Lowes or HD, and you have a good protected location, out of wind, good sun, I'd suggest you plant it in ground. I'm just an hour so south of you, and probaly just a tad warmer. Good luck.

OK. So I guess this means I'm not planting the Sumacki or the Sunfire or the Golden Celeste in the ground this year.

Maybe I'll give it a try if any of my fig sticks succeeds.

Thanks!

Hi Mark, thanks for your detailed reply. I have some Hardy Chicago cuttings in cups. Also I hear this is supposed to be a really tasty variety (any chance of figs in year one from a Home Depot fig?).

But I have noticed from reading in here that Hardy Chicago is a hard one to succeed with from cuttings. My sticks did put out a nice bunch of roots after I dipped them in Barry's rooting goo. But who knows what'll happen now as my cupping method is slipshod. So maybe later, if need be, I'll go get a Hardy Chicago at Home Depot. On the other hand, my in ground space is so limited. What to do what to do!

This is a fun way to procrastinate working on taxes.

Thanks again, Donna

Donna
By the end of the first year from the 1gallon Lowes, we picked about 10, last year too many to count, we stopped after about 100. I was lucky picking a good location, tree grew well, mild winter, lots of growth, and plenty of figs. Im hoping for the same this year.

Here's a sample of some HC hot off the tree and one hanging right before I picked it, and a bunch still ripening (all last year).

thanks for the pictures Mark. those look like candy.

I am growing 3 HD cuttings right now and I think I am putting 1 of them in ground has soon as the weather gets warmer here....i sure hope my cuttings look that good ...those are some nice figs

Very nice figs, Mark.