Are my potted figs in danger?

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Longshot

Registered:1395356070
Posts: 12

Posted 1414719790	Reply with quote #1

I have about 4 (2 year old) potted figs outside in 3 to 5 gallon pots. Been really watching the weather and its supposed to drop to 27 degrees Saturday then go back up to the high 30's and low 40's at night. This morning was about 37 degrees and I also noticed (for the first time) frost on my car windows. So far all the trees leaves haven't weathered yet. I was wondering if this sudden 10 degree drop in temperature possibility freeze the roots of my potted figs? Should I bring then in the garage? Cover with a frost blanket? I want them to go dormant but I don't want to kill them.

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1414722484	Reply with quote #2

If you are worried it won't hurt to put them in the garage for the night. I doubt 27F would kill them, but the weatherman is often wrong. __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

garden_whisperer

Registered:1353347580
Posts: 1,613

Posted 1414732909	Reply with quote #3

I agree with Phil __________________ Dave Zone 6b Illinois "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

Ingevald

Registered:1200844977
Posts: 312

Posted 1414738608	Reply with quote #4

Hello, 27 deg should be fine. When I first started growing figs in containers I was very nervous about leaving them out when a light freeze hit. We are supposed to hit the mid 20's Friday night and I'll leave them out. These temps will knock off the leaves and set them in dormancy mode. Within a couple of weeks, depending on the temps, I will move them inside. Temps in the low 20's would be more concerning to me but have not (that I have noticed) experienced any problems because of exposing them to this range of temperatures. As mentioned, there is always a chance that temps will dip colder than predicted. If you have only a few and are concerned, drag them inside. Ingevald

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1414747494	Reply with quote #5

Hi Longshot, In a 3 gallon pot, there is no risk at those night temps. So I would let the trees outside for them to get the message : "GO TO SLEEP !!! " Or your trees might not get the message and open new buds and that would be worse IMO . Try to water less ( or not water) your trees. In a pot of 1/4 gallon ( small 1 liter pot) I would consider protecting them . The risk will come when you reach -10°C at night or if the temps are most of the day under 0°c / 30°F as that would allow for the rootmass to freeze solid . Lots of my grounded trees ... still have all their leaves colored full green :(, but that's not a surprise as this Fall has been mild so far . I harvested 10 figs on Wednesday and should have some more this Saturday ... Not complaining just taking the opportunities I get :) __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

Rob

Registered:1320245426
Posts: 550

Posted 1414760388	Reply with quote #6

Last year I waited until well into November and sort of forgot about them. Then I noticed that my blueberries in 1 gallon pots had frozen solid. Moved everything (about 80 trees) into the garage the next day. Nothing suffered any ill effects. So I am pretty sure 27 as a low temp will not pose any threat. It won't stay below freezing long enough to freeze a 3 or 5 gallon pot. And like jds says, it will help them to get the message that it's time to drop those leaves and go to sleep. __________________ Rob Maryland Zone 7 http://rbfigs.webs.com/

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1414762279	Reply with quote #7

I'm in the same boat. Over a hundred trees, most in 3 gal or more. Some in 2 gal. 1 gal pots are already in the house. Fingers crossed for the cold weather in NYC this weekend. __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1414767439	Reply with quote #8

Not only does the temperature signal fall conditions the reduction of light time does as well.

Longshot

Registered:1395356070
Posts: 12

Posted 1414965191	Reply with quote #9

UPDATE So the frost did indeed hit this morning. The in-ground Figs leaves have began to wither but so far the figs in the in the containers didn't get much of the frost's bite. I guess because the front porch is roofed. May take them off the porch into the yard to speed up the dormancy. Wondering if I should cover my in ground plants now or maybe wait a little longer?

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1414976390	Reply with quote #10

Glad to see this post. Mine got frosty Saturday morning and all leaves are falling off. If they die from this light of a frost I do not want them. __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

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