I'm in Madison and tried a couple Chicago Hardy figs a couple years ago. I had them in pots and did nothing special over the winter and.... they died. So, don't just leave the pots sitting out :)

There is a gardener in Green Bay who blogged about his Chicago Hardy figs a few times. He seems to respond to comments so I'd suggest checking out that blog and asking for details.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Vegetable Garden Blog

I got Hardy Chicago last Spring. In the Fall, I let stay in my garage till the weather is in the mid 20's, and then I bring it down to my basement which is about 55 degrees. Ideally, it should be cooler for it, but that's the best I can do. In Feb., when it starts to break dormancy and leaf out, I bring it upstairs and put it in a sunny window where it waits till it can go outside.

I don't think it would do very well outside without special treatment like burying the whole tree or other protective insulation.

I just got in my hardy chicago yesterday and plan to grow it in my sunroom throughout this winter, which is heated.

I've been reading a lot about pinching and pruning so I hope it survives well and grows some.

If any of you have pics of your trees it'd be appreciated.

I'm pumped to see this grow.

tommyg

Here is a link that might be useful: my blog

So another question- my tree did wonderful in a big pot on the patio all summer, then turned yellow in Sept. and now in Oct. the leaves are dropping. I'm assuming (and hoping) this is normal deciduous fig tree behavior, since I never saw any signs of disease or plant stress. What do you all think? Do you overwinter leafless trees, or am I in trouble?

PS: I see some little green leaf sprouts at the very base of the trunk.

Thanks in advance!

I had some last winter . I do have over 12 figs. Brown turkey (2) Black mission 1, tiger stripped panache the rest. the small picture is the winter. the big one is now in the summer. figs are forming. I hope we can taste some! Will see. they are in container, I am planning to spread them around the house for winter and see what's gonna happen