Figs in the Northeast

Here's an article I wrote for the newsletter of [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register...], that's located in southern Pennsylvania.

"Figs have a long history, tracing back to 5000 BC. Figs were mentioned many times in the Bible. The Fig originated in the Middle East and was well known to the ancient Egyptians. It is on of the most popular fruits in the Mediterranean. It was brought to the Americas by early missionaries in the 16 th century.
Today there are hundreds of varieties of figs; in the Twentieth century many of these varieties were brought to the USA by immigrants from fig growing regions. It's very common to spot a fig tree growing in Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, and Portuguese neighborhoods.
Figs are actually Sub-Tropical trees, but when fully dormant, stems are hardy to about 12° F. However, the roots are very hardy and have been grown outside in zone 5 with winter protection. Here in the Northeast and specifically in Pennsylvania, without protection the stems on the fig tree will die and it may sprout back from the ground the following season. Re-growth from the root may hinder ripening times, since all the nutrition and energy will go to produce the stems.
There are many methods for protecting fig trees in the winter season. If growing in ground, the fig tree can be wrapped with an old carpet then covered with a plastic tarp. Container grown trees will need to be brought to a cold storage such as a garage, barn or a basement. Trees will need to be wrapped around Thanksgiving, and unwrapped in April. It's important to wrap before it gets too cold but not while it still warm, and un-wrap the trees before it gets too warm, otherwise the tree will run the risk of getting moldy.
Aside from winter protection fig trees are mostly care free. The only pests that may present problems are birds, and fig-loving family members who may get to the delicious fruit before I do. I still end up with lots of fruit that I enjoy eating starting in August to October. Now in the wintertime, I'm reminded of my savory figs when I eat Fig jam made from my own grown figs.
Bass s."

I had an unknown fig, given to me by a neighbor, about 5 years ago. It overwintered the first year well (Z6) in a framed out pe covered enclosure filled with leaves. The next year the tree had 2 figs which did not reach maturity before the first frost, which I attributed to its need for growth and a late fruit set. Unfortunately, a critter of some sort decided to take up residence in my enclosure the following winter and snacked on the trunks, eating the bark all the way around for a length of about 6 inches up the trunk and killing them. I did get some growth from the root the next spring, but it did not make it throught the following winter in its weakened state. I have since wished I had taken cuttings and overwintered them in the garage or basement to try again. The neighbor had moved in the interim and the new owner did not prune back or winter protect the original tree, and it succumbed to the elements in short order. Maybe another try in a container that is brought into the garage for the winter is my solution. At the time, with limited knowledge, I did not even consider that option. Thank you for the information. Barbara

Barbara,
Many have similar negative experience like you did unfortunately. I have experienced the same problem with unknown and known varieties. Few things to keep in mind, need an early ripening variety, and a good spot where it's gonna grow. From my own experience growing many varieties, I have selected a very few that will survive our elements in zone 6. I've named few varieties that I collected from different parts of the world.
I'll be giving a talk about Figs at the winter meeting for the BYFG. It will be held at the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster County.

Bass

Hi Bass:
You wrote " I have selected a very few that will survive our elements in zone 6. I've named few varieties that I collected from different parts of the world."

Where have you named these varieties that will survive your elements in Zone 6. Can you list these varieties here. Knowing these varieties will also benefit others who try to grow figs in Zones 6 and 5.

Among the white varieties, "Brooklyn White" was shown to be successful, it produces well for me and others who planted it.
Here's a photo of it.

Another variety is " Dark Portuguese", a fig that was originally brought from Portugal, and has been grown in Bethlehem, pa. for the past 30 some years. The crop ripens early enough for us.
I'm still evaluating some of the other varieties I've collected, such as " Barada", " Aida", " Naples white", and others.

Ok, a friend of mine is sending me a couple if fig trees in the Spring, my question is this, they will have to be container grown and be they in a container or in the ground how does one keep the squirrels (tree rats) off the figs??? I have had problems with them and my citrus and finally had to put the citrus into some portable greenhouses and keep them sprayed with Deer Off, any ideas?? I live in a townhome and keep my plants on my deck, which is on the second floor, I am at my wits end with the varmints

__________________
A word to the wise is sufficent

JustJoan
I guess being on the second floor saves you from raccoons which not only eats the raw fruit but also breaks the trees and sometimes risky if annoyed.
A fig in container can be contained in size so you can use a net over it. Such nets are available at some garden centres and WallMarts etc for reasonable price.

Bass
Is the "Dark Potuguese" you have is the same as "Purple Portuguese" mentioned in some other forums, or similar to "Black Portugal" that appears on " Adrianos fig tree"? So many names that probably describe the same variety (or could be different types).

Joan,
I have a big problem with squerrels too, they are after all my apples, peaches, appricots, and citrus. I've never had any problems with squerrels stealing any of my Figs. They don't seem to like them, and they don't show any interest in them. Birds do like to be after figs, especially the darker colored figs.

Ottawa,
Dark Portuguese or Dark No. 1 portuguese is the same fig that is listed here [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register...].