Growing Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Zone 5a Cold Temperate Climate
Figs are typically associated with warmer climates, but with careful selection and proper care, they can thrive even in a Zone 5a cold temperate climate. Two varieties that stand out for their cold-hardiness and delicious fruit are the Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey fig trees. Here's how to successfully grow these fig trees in your garden.
Selecting the Right Varieties
Chicago Hardy Fig: True to its name, the Chicago Hardy fig tree is exceptionally cold-tolerant, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) when properly protected. It produces medium-sized, dark purple-brown figs with sweet, strawberry-colored flesh. This variety is well-suited for colder climates and can still bear fruit after experiencing freezing temperatures.
Brown Turkey Fig: The Brown Turkey fig tree is another cold-tolerant variety, though slightly less hardy than the Chicago Hardy. It can survive temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). This variety produces large, sweet figs with brownish-purple skin and amber flesh. It is known for its abundant fruit production and resilience.
Planting Fig Trees
Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Fig trees prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Figs thrive in rich, loamy soil.
Planting: Plant fig trees in the spring after the last frost. Space the trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the tree in the hole, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly.
Growing as Part of a Living Fence
We grow our fig trees as a component of a living fence and as bushes to facilitate overwintering in low tunnels. This method offers additional protection from the harsh winter conditions typical of Zone 5a.
Spacing: We plant our living fence fig trees about 5-6 feet apart to ensure they have enough space to grow and thrive while creating an effective barrier.
Low Tunnels: Use low tunnels or hoop houses covered with white plastic to protect the trees from harsh winds and freezing temperatures. This method creates a microclimate that helps maintain warmer temperatures around the trees.
Insulation: Within the low tunnels, we use leaves as an insulating blanket. The leaves provide additional warmth and protection to the trees during the cold winter months.
Pruning and Maintenance:
Spring Pruning: When uncovering the fig trees in the spring, remove all dead wood and dysfunctional limbs to encourage healthy growth.
June Pruning: At the beginning of June, prune the trees again to maintain them as low-growing bushes rather than tall trees. This helps in managing the size and makes winter protection easier.
Pinching Tips: At the end of June, pinch the tips of the main stems. This practice encourages the fig trees to produce ripe fruit before the first frost.
Understanding Plant Hormones and Pruning Effects
Pruning affects plant hormones, which in turn influences fruit production versus vegetative growth:
Auxins: Produced at the tips of shoots, auxins promote stem elongation and inhibit lateral bud growth. Pruning the tips reduces auxin levels, encouraging the growth of lateral buds and fruit production.
Cytokinins: These hormones promote cell division and shoot formation. When you prune a tree, you reduce the dominance of auxins, allowing cytokinins to stimulate the growth of new shoots and potentially more fruit-bearing branches.
Gibberellins: Involved in promoting overall plant growth, gibberellins work with auxins. Pruning can modulate the levels of these hormones to balance vegetative growth and fruit production.
By strategically pruning fig trees, you can manage their hormone levels to encourage more fruit production rather than just vegetative growth.
Winter Protection
In Zone 5a, fig trees require winter protection to survive the cold months.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch (4-6 inches) around the base of the tree to insulate the roots.
Wrapping: For added protection, wrap the trees in burlap or frost cloth. You can also use straw or leaves to insulate the branches.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning: Prune fig trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. For young trees, focus on developing a strong, open structure. For established trees, maintain size and shape.
Watering: Fig trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and consistently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
Harvesting
Figs typically ripen in late summer to early fall. Harvest figs when they are fully ripe, as they do not continue to ripen off the tree. Ripe figs are soft to the touch and may have a slight droop. Gently twist and pull the figs from the stem.
Conclusion
Growing Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey fig trees in a Zone 5a cold temperate climate is entirely possible with the right care and preparation. By selecting cold-hardy varieties, providing winter protection, and following proper planting and maintenance practices, you can enjoy the delicious fruits of these resilient trees even in cooler climates. Embrace the challenge and reward yourself with homegrown figs from your garden. If you have any additional tips or questions, we would love to hear from you. Happy gardening!
