Although reliably hardy only in zones 7 to 9, the fig is grown in ethnic neighborhoods as far north as Chicago and Boston, either in containers or with special winter care.
Varieties
'Capri' and 'Smyrna' are grown commercially in California and the Southwest. 'Celeste,' 'Black Mission,' 'Kadota,' and the everbearing 'Brown Turkey' produce fruit in much of the rest of the country.
Planting and care
Set extra deep in the ground, especially where danger of freezing exists. Mulch well to discourage nematodes. For container plants, either bring them inside before frost, wrap entire plants in heavy insulation like old rugs, or, where winter temperatures go below 10 degrees, cut the roots on one side and bury the whole plant in a horizontal trench.
Pruning
Keep plants trimmed to the size you can protect. Grow as open-centered shrubs. Pollination: 'Capri' is used to pollinate 'Smyrna,' but these require the special fig-wasp, which is even more sensitive to climate than are the plants. Fortunately, 'Celeste,' 'Black Mission,' 'Kadota,' 'Brown Turkey,' and 'Texas Everbearing' all are self-fruiting and don't need the wasp.
Harvesting and storage
Fig flowers develop inside the fruit, which is ripe when the neck bends over on the stem. If the fruit is milky, it is not ready, but will ripen at room temperature. Figs are good fresh, canned, frozen, or dried. .
Insects and diseases
Fig resists insects and diseases well. Use clean culture.
