North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>]

Speaking of figs,... I noticed the Brown Turkey Fig in the Stark Bro's 
catalog, where it loudly proclaims, "Grow figs as far north as Zone 5!"  
After a web search that included the NAFEX Fig Page, I see that this fig 
can crop on new growth after the tops are winter-killed. Would that 
really be practical - well, not exactly practical, I'm sure, but... 
possible - here?

I'm in Zone 5a (AHS Heat Zone 7), and it got below zero several times 
this winter (twice to -8, I believe). Could I still grow this fig if I 
mulch it heavily with straw for the winter (expecting that the top would 
die back each year, but it would re-sprout from the roots)? If so, how 
should I manage that? Cut it off at ground level in late winter, or just 
wait and see what happens? And how big should I expect it to get each 
year (i.e. how much room would it need - the absolute minimum)? It would 
probably sprout in bush form, wouldn't it? So I'm guessing it wouldn't 
take much room (always an advantage). Any other tips? I'm thinking about 
planting one in the spring of 2008, if it looks feasible.

OK, I realize it's probably weird to think of planting a fig in 
Nebraska, but that's part of the attraction. And the fact is, I've been 
planting so many fruit trees and bushes in my yard that I'll never be 
able to eat all of it, anyway. So I don't mind experimenting with 
something like this, unless it's completely ridiculous. If it doesn't 
work, that won't be a big problem.

Also,... this brings back my youth. Many years ago, I spent a couple of 
weeks in September camped on a Greek island next to some abandoned fig 
trees. They were loaded with ripe figs and with figs that had completely 
dried on the tree, and with figs at all stages in between. All were 
delicious! (I'd never eaten a ripe fig before.) I certainly never 
expected to grow figs in Nebraska, but this catalog entry really caught 
my attention! Please tell me it's possible. :-)

Incidentally, it's not practical for me to bring a potted tree inside 
for the winter, so that option is out. My house is too small and so is 
the garage (not to mention that it's an old, detached garage which 
wouldn't be much shelter).

Bill
Lincoln, NE (cold zone 5a, heat zone 7)

--
If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out? - Will 
Rogers