Cold Tolerant Fig Trees | A Hardy Fig Tree starts with the Variety

This video is about cold-tolerant fig trees and the factors that influence their ability to withstand low temperatures. I provide information about hardiness ratings, the lowest temperature that fig trees can reliably withstand, and the different fig varieties that can survive in colder climates.

The primary factor determining a fig tree's hardiness is how extreme of a winter temperature the tree can handle to survive or not take damage. Think of the winter low as a hardwired piece of the fig varieties' genetic code. Think about a 7-foot center in the NBA. The average person doesn't have the genetic potential to reach 7 feet in height so choosing the right variety is critical to see success.

Most fig varieties can reliably survive 10F, but much fewer varieties can survive 5F and very few at all can survive 0F. This means that the USDA hardiness zones for fig trees bottom out at 6A with winter protection, 7A without winter protection (although recommended), and 7B.

A fig variety called Chicago Hardy is the most well-known fig variety to withstand colder temperatures. It's certainly the standard and the most hardy fig until something can be reliably reproduced in very cold climates. However, there are some lesser-known fig varieties that could extend the reach where fig trees can be reliably grown.

Key moments:
Introduction (0:00)
Hardiness Zones (0:34) USDA zone (7A) is the lowest zone where fig trees can reliably grow outside in the ground, as the temperature can reach zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Fig Tree Cold Tolerance (1:39) The lowest temperature that fig trees can reliably survive is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Protecting the Fruit Buds (2:10) If the top of the fig tree dies due to extreme cold, the tree can still come back from the base.
Factors that Influence Hardiness (3:46) Genetics play a crucial role in a fig tree's hardiness.
Soil Moisture's Impact (4:53) Soil moisture is a factor that can affect a fig tree's ability to prepare for winter and withstand low temperatures.
Hardy Fig Varieties (6:35) JH Adriatic, LSU Hollier, Moro de Caneva, and Hardy Chicago.
Additional Hardy Fig Varieties (7:50) Additional fig varieties that can survive in colder places, including Elba, Celeste, and Campaniere.

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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia

[nicholasemery]

My figs came back from record low -15 F this winter no protection other than a blanket of snow. Zone 6. This was their first winter so I'm happy to see they survived!

[philatv]

great info thanks for sharing
i’m in 10b so i’m safe year round

[mediii]

that’s not true. I live in zone 4/5 and I’ve grown figs just fine outside in the ground

[snowhero]

Ross i was listening to your "end os season" video... i think the earthiness flavor you are enjoying is possibly because you started to go more organic and have been doing compost tea

[JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Fingers crossed, I loosely covered mine in 6a.

[antonmarino]

My I ground Italian "troiana" fig tree is over 40 years old. The first few years I would cover the tree
I share the figs with family and neighbors.

[adamdarrow]

What do you think about Violette de Bordeaux? Is it hardy?

[coderacing]

I'm a 7a, but at elevation in Arizona, and borderline with 6b. It sometimes gets down below zero for a couple nights per year, but mostly it is teens or 20s at night during the winter. Based on your video, I should be good with a Hardy Chicago or Triona, correct?

[jeas]

Hi Ross... thank you for this. I'm in a very swampy 7b in the south. I've not had good luck so far. The road I live off of is literally "swamp road" 😒 Raspberries, Figs, rosemary and lavender remain elusive pursuits. We chose an area of the yard... hubby says we're digging 4 foot deep and filling it with sand then mounding 17" above with compost and mulch. Think it will work?

[thevagrowinggardener]

Hey Ross! When are you uncovering your figs that you buried? Also, how hardy is Zaffiro?

[nf]

Hi Ross, I have my fig trees in my garage for now in CT. But my tree is growing figs already because winter has been so warm. Should I put a light and start fertilizing?

[eljefe]

Fyi hardiness zones are based on average minimum lows for an area. Like Atlanta is zone 8a but it's record cold temp there is like -8 F. Knoxville TN is zone 7a I believe but has gotten down to about -20 F. Tallahassee has gotten down to -1 F I believe.

[roccoconte]

I dont uncover until mid March and then I keep my fingers crossed.

[victoriaroberts]

I have a quick question. I put my fig cuttings in my garage for the winter. I noticed the other day that leaves began to sprout. What should I do?

[padula]

I'd love to get the Godfather fig... do you have any cuttings of that??

[liamdrinkswater]

Do you know how successful I will be planting Chicago Hardy Figs in 6A zone in Missouri? I've heard that the branches will die off, but I should be able to have the rootstock survive and regrow.