Since it did well growing inside last winter you might try that again. If it gets enough light it will do well and you'll have a big head start on fruit next summer.

I have some inside trying to force new growth. I also have some with ripe fruit. But I have a sunroom and a pretty good light setup.

Growing inside is one option. If it's already gone dormant and been around freezing for 100 hours, then it should be able to fruit this year even if you keep it growing inside. I've heard that is the chill requirement, but perhaps even less or not at all for some varieities.

If you don't want to do that, then how cold does the garage get? Does it get below freezing? You could put it in garage, and put a cardboard box over it, maybe stuff a few leaves or packing peanuts in there for insulation. If it was going to go way below freezing, you could use a seedling heat mat underneath, or a 15W lightbulb to keep it above freezing. Or something similar. You only really need to make sure the roots don't freeze.

Good luck.

Hey Mandolls,

I see that you're a cheesehead. I'll be in Madison at Olbrich Gardens on Jan. 12th doing a presentation called "all about figs". They will have plants for sale and I'll have cuttings available too. More info on their website. Hope to see you there!

-Little John

Here is a link that might be useful: spring classes at Olbrich.pdf

Thanks for the advice. As it can get to -30, outside, I am sure my old drafty garage is only 10-15 degrees warmer. For next year I will look into some sort of space heater with a thermostat and build an enclosure in the garage. I think for this year I will just bring it inside. I am concerned that with the leaves already budding out, re-freezing would make for an unhappy tree.

Little John, I wish I could make it to your presentation, but I will be out of town mid-Jan. Not being a born and bred cheesehead - I run to Mexico in Jan when I can.