Expert: nick mccann - 11/10/2011

Question
Hi, We have a potted fruit bearing fig tree we bought in May of 2011. It grew rapidly on our small patio and is now about 4 feet tall and in a large container. However, winter is coming and we live in NYC. Our apartment doesn't get any direct sunlight, plus, the heat is so dry inside that I think that will cause problems too. What should we do? Leave it outside and wrap the pot? The patio also doesn't get much sun in the winter...

Answer
It will naturally go dormant as the temps drop, but below 15 degrees will freeze, so take measures to prevent the container from freezing (burlap or submerge the entire container in a larger container with much enveloping it),,and when the temps begin to drop below 15 degrees, wrap the crown with frost fabric. In the Spring when temps warm up, remove it from its Winter coat and it will begin to leaf out again. Begin reducing watering gradually now until all the leaves have been shed, then cease watering.