Recommended Fig varieties for the Cold climate

I really want to try a fig now, what would you suggest for a container variety. There are just so many of them and since the only fig I have ever had is in a "Newton" I need help! I can winter it over in my garage and that should be OK, looking for a great tasting for eating fresh or for canning. Thanks for your help!

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A word to the wise is sufficent

Barbara, you're welcome. Let me know if you have any questions growing these figs.

Joan,
Any fig can grow in a container. I'm guessing you live in MN, zone 4, so make sure you get an early variety. As a good first fig, try Hardy Chicago, it's vigorous, early ripening, and suitable for container. The fig in Fig newton's is dry figs, Fresh fig tastes way better than fig newton.
Bass

Thanks I will give that one a try, any good place to purchase on that you would recommend?

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A word to the wise is sufficent

Bass, I wanted to get your input on the figs that I got from you this spring. I have been protecting them from cold/frost, and I now believe that threat is over or at least very low. The Chicago Hardy is looking very well, and has put on a small amount of growth. It had already begun to leaf out when I received it. The Brooklyn White, however, has not yet began to leaf out and looks very much the same as when I obtained it from you. The terminal bud is on green wood, but does not seem to be swelling or otherwise showing signs of beginning to grow. Because of this, I would like to know what kind of timely should I expect? Is it usual for it to still appear dormant with the spring this far underway, or am I fretting prematurely? It has been spending nice days outside and cold nights inside. What are your fertilizer and/or soil amendment recommendations? Thanks in advance for your input. Barbara

ps: These trees will remain contain grown.

hello Barbara,
My Brooklyn white that it grown in ground, still has no leaves while hardy chicago have full leaves already and some figlets as well.
I had the same question from others who got the brooklyn white from me. You can fertilize them with slow release fertilizer that's can be 10-15-10 or 20-20-20 such as miracle gro liquid. Only fertilize one or twice early in the growing season. Don't fertilize in August.
It should be fine in this container this year, I would recommend to repot in the fall or late winter next year with miracle gro potting mix and add pine mulch to the mixture.

Bass

Bass,
Thanks for your input on soil and fertilizer for container fig. I had been wondering about your opinion. I have read recommendations from some about adding lime. Seems to be out of favor lately. What do you think?
JustJoan- if Bass does not have chicago hardy I know that edible landscaping has them and I have had good luck ordering from them.
Also, while I have not ordered from him, you can get cuttings from figs4fun. The owner also has an informative website and forum regarding figs that I enjoy.

Kyle

I was able to get a Chicago Hardy and it is coming along wonderfully, can hardly wait to taste one. Thanks for the info on the other Fig places Kyle, will check them out, such an addiction this hobby is!!!

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A word to the wise is sufficent

Thanks, Bass. I will look forward to a later start for this one. Barbara

Hello All,

I have eaten two figs off of the Chicago Hardy that I bought from Bass, they were both delicious. I have about 20 more, and they are ripening at a rate of 1 every 2-3 days. I am sure as the tree matures, it will have a larger harvest, hopefully with a batch of figs all at once to see what recipes I can try.

The Brooklyn White did finally leaf out, just at Bass said. The kids had nicknamed it the "Fig Twig", and it is now as full as the Chicago. Although it put on good growth, there were not any figs this year. It probably needs to mature a little more.

Barbara

I'm glad you got some figs from it already. The Brooklyn white was probably in shock this spring that's why it was delayed.
You're taking good care of them.