North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Hal Love" <lovehd@comcast.net>]

Bill,

I would think that they are exagerating things quite a bit. You could
probably ripen the figs there, but I doubt it would survive without heroic
measures to protect it outdoors. I have it here, and it survives outside
unprotected, but does suffer die back. Hardy Chicago would be a better
choice for you, as it ripens earlier and is quite hardy. You would still
have to grow it in a container, and move it into a basement or unheated
garage, or wrap it really well with burlap or at least mulch the roots
really well. Dessication from cold dry wind is the biggest problem, so plant
in a well protected site.

Hal
zn 6b, TN

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>
To: "NAFEX List" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2007 10:44 AM
Subject: [NAFEX] Zone 5 figs?


> 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
>
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